Author: nina hovnanian

Valérie Boyer to come up with another initiative to criminalize denial
of genocides

16:22, 15 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS: Valérie Boyer member of National
Assembly of France has once again come up with another initiative to
criminalize denial of genocides, including the Armenian Genocide.
Armenpress reports referring to CNNTurk channel.

Boyer, who represents the Bouches-du-Rhône department and is a member
of the Union for a Popular Movement led by Nicolas Sarkozy, suggests
French National Assembly setting up a committee to investigate the
causes of rejection of the previous genocide denial bill by the French
Constitutional Council.

After his 2012 visit to Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex Philippe
Marini, member of Union for a Popular Movement, declared that after
the formation of new French Parliament the draft law on the law
criminalizing the denial of Armenian Genocide would be again presented
to the Parliament. `New document should be indisputable from legal
point of view. The main goal of the document is to punish people
denying the fact of Armenian Genocide’ he underlined.

The law criminalizing the denial of Genocide which was adopted by the
Parliament of France on December 2011, and afterwards by Senate of
France on January, 2012 in a result of the efforts of some Turkish
deputies was presented to the Constitutional Court and was considered
unconstitutional.

Gov. Patrick meets with Armenian Prime Minister, discusses
Armenian-Massachusetts ties

09:41 13.12.2012

Governor Deval Patrick welcomed Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran
Sargsyan to the Massachusetts State House. Prime Minister Sargsyan’s
visit to Massachusetts served as an opportunity to foster
Massachusetts’ global image in education and innovation and to
recognize and celebrate the Armenian-American population in the
Commonwealth.

Massachusetts is home to approximately 33,095 Armenian-American
residents, with Watertown having the third largest Armenian community
in the nation, according to 2010 data.

This visit was part of a growing economic relationship between
Massachusetts and Armenia. In May, Governor Patrick welcomed a
delegation of Armenian officials to Massachusetts for a ceremonial
opening of the Armenian Heritage Park. Members of the delegation
included Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Minister of the Diaspora
Ms. Hranush Hakobyan and Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the
US Mr. Tatoul Markarian.

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan presented Governor Patrick
with the medal of `Mkhitar Gosh,’ which is awarded for considerable
state and political-social activity, as well as significant services
in diplomacy, law and political science.

REVUE DE PRESSE
Le cardinal Sandri visite les chrétiens d’Irak

Le préfet de la Congrégation pour les Églises orientales, le cardinal
argentin Leonardo Sandri, a entamé jeudi 13 décembre un voyage de cinq
jours en Irak. Le moment le plus important de cette visite sera la
consécration, samedi, de la cathédrale syrienne-catholique Notre-Dame
du Perpétuel Secours, à Bagdad, tout juste restaurée.

La cathédrale avait été le thétre le 31 octobre 2010 d’un massacre
perpétré par un commando d’Al-Qaida qui avait causé la mort de 50
fidèles et de deux prêtres.

Le but du voyage en Irak du cardinal Sandri est d’exprimer toute la
proximité du pape avec les communautés chrétiennes irakiennes,
particulièrement frappées par les violences qui déchirent le pays
depuis des années.

Vendredi, le cardinal Sandri doit assister à un concert de Noël
organisé pour l’Année de la Foi dans la cathédrale
arménienne-catholique de Bagdad. Dimanche il rencontrera à Kirkouk la
communauté chaldéenne. Il achèvera son voyage à Erbil, où il célébrera
une messe en rite latin au séminaire Saint-Pierre.

Avec Radio Vatican

samedi 15 décembre 2012,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

MARSEILLE-LIVRES
4e Festival National du Livre Franco-Arménien aujourd’hui à Marseille

Aujourd’hui à partir de 14 heures se tient à la Maison de la Région
(61 La Canebière) à Marseille, le 4e Festival National du Livre
Franco-Arménien organisée par l’association marseillaise Terre
d’Arménie présidée par Richard Findykian. Le jury du festival présidé
par Ara Toranian décernera le Prix Henri Verneuil au meilleur ouvrage
présélectionné.

Les ouvrages en compétition pour cette 4e édition du Festival National
du Livre Franco-Arménien sont : « Arménienne » de Martin Melkonian, «
La couleur de l’me des anges » de Sophie Audoin-Mamikonian, « La
prophétie d’Ararat » de Sévag Torossian, « Les Enfants de l’oubli » de
Raffi Shart, « Lucine » d’Ondine Khayat, « Un certain mois d’avril à
Adana » de Daniel Arsand et « Vidures » de Denis Donikian.

Composition du jury qui se réunira vers midi au salon Astrolabe de
l’hôtel Sofitel Vieux Port de Marseille : Ara Toranian, Président du
Festival, directeur de Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine ; Fanny Ardant,
comédienne ; S.E. Viguen Tchitetchian, Ambassadeur d’Arménie en France
; Vartan Sirmakes, Consul Général d’Arménie à Marseille ; Alain
Terzian, Président de l’Académie des César du cinéma français ; Garo
Hovsépian, Président de la Maison Arménienne de la Jeunesse et de la
Culture de Marseille ; Angèle Melkonian, Présidente d’honneur du CCIFA
(Chambre de commerce et d’industrie franco-arménienne) ; André
Santini, Député-Maire d’Issy-les-Moulineaux ; Jean Eckian, journaliste
reporter ; Valérie Boyer, Députée des Bouches-du-Rhône ; Didier
Parakian, Adjoint au Maire de Marseille ; Bernard Hatémian,
Vice-président de la CCIFA ; Julien Harounyan, président de la JAF de
Marseille ; Patrick Malakian, cinéaste ; Ohan Hékimian, Institut
Sayabalian d’Etudes Arméniennes ; Krikor Amirzayan, journaliste.
Maître René Baccino, Huissier de Justice de Marseille étant chargé de
contrôle le déroulement du vote du jury.

De 14h à 19h, une quarentaine d’auteurs dédicaceront leurs livres. Les
livres dont les auteurs dédicaceront ou seront proposés par les
éditeurs sont « Les commandos de l’Affiche rouge » d’Arsène Tchakarian
et Hélène Kosséian-Bairamian, « Arménie Russe » de François Ardiller
et Olivier Balabanian, « Etre un manager responsable » d’Alain
Manoukian, « Magic Circuit » de Philippe Gurdjian, « Le Santini »
d’André Santini, « Le Bateau sur la montagne » de Kostan Zarian, «
Quand Marseille va à la mer » de Rémy Karténian, « D’une porte,
l’autre » de Charles Aznavour, « Arménien moderne » de Robert
Dermerguerian, « Promenades littéraires en Provence » de Lydie
Belmonte, « Tara Dunkan, Dragons contre Démons » de Sophie
Audoin-Mamikonian, « Banque Ottomane » d’Alexandre Topchyan, «
Histoire d’Arménie » de Jean-Varoujean Gureghian, « Les Désamants »
d’Alfred Boudry et Hélèna Démirdjian, « Comme un dimanche d’août à
Burgaz » d’Esther Heboyan, « Je pars pour Venise…etc » de Jean-Paul
Ceccaldi, « Dictionnaire Arménien-Français » de Rousane Gureghian, «
Les restes de l’épée » de Laurence Ritter et Max Sivaslian, « Les yeux
verts de Sardarabad » d’Ida Der-Haroutunian, « Les 12 capitales
d’Arménie » de Patrick Donabédian, « Deux peuples proches, deux
voisins lointains » de Jean Kehayan, « Tensions & résistances » de
Christian Ghasarian, « L’almanach perpétuel » de Reine Cioulatdjian, «
40 ans au service de l’Eglise Apostolique arménienne » d’Albert
Khazinedjian, « Akh Haïastan, Haïastan » et « l’Indépendance » de
Krikor Amirzayan, « Légendes de Rapa it » d’Anna Ghasarian, « Roumi et
Salomé » de Georges Nourian, « Marseille, L’essentiel » d’Alexandra
Apikian, « Le Vent de Vénus » de Jean-Marie Santander, « Calanques, si
proches, si lointaines » de Gilles Martin, « Famous Armenians at the
bigining of XXI Century » de Robert Bakhtchadjian, « L’Alphabet
arménien » de Jean-Pierre Mahé, Khatchig Yilmazian, Albert
Khazinedjian et Robert Dermerguerian, « Les Amoureux de l’Arménie »
ouvrage collectif.

A 15h, présentation de l’ouvrage « Arménie Russe » par ses auteurs
Françoise Ardillier- Carras et Olivier Balabanian.

A16h30 débat sur le thème « Négationnisme : comment faire aboutir la
loi sur la pénalisation en France ? » animé par Norbert Nourian,
Directeur Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence.

Prendront part à ce débat Ara Toranian, directeur de publication du
magazine « Nouvelles d’Arménie », Julien Harounyan président de la
JAF-Marseille-Provence, André Santini Député-Maire
d’Issy-les-Moulineaux, Valérie Boyer députée des Bouches-du-Rhône,
Christophe Masse Vice-président du Conseil Général des
Bouches-du-Rhône, Didier Parakian Adjoint au Maire de Marseille, Garo
Hovsépian Maire des 13e et 14e arrondissements de Marseille, Pascal
Chamassian fondateur d’Amnésie Internationale, Jacques Donabédian
ancien président du CCAF-Marseille Provence et Krikor Amirzayan
animateur du « Collectif Mémoire et Avenir ».

L’entrée de ces manifestations est libre. A 18h, cérémonie de remise
des Prix Henri Verneuil & Alain Terzian sur invitations.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 15 décembre 2012,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Catalonia joins Scotland in push for 2014 independence vote

2012-12-14 16:25:05

Europe faces an unprecedented attempt by two regions to form new
states in 2014 after politicians in Catalonia reached an agreement to
call a referendum in the same year that Scots will be asked whether
they want independence.

A basic agreement between nationalist Catalan president Artur Mas and
the separatist Catalan Republican Left party will result in the latter
propping up Mas’s new minority government.

The price for support is the setting of a time limit on a
self-determination referendum. Mas had promised to hold one by 2017
but ERC has forced him to commit to 2014, according to Spanish press
reports citing those involved in negotiations. The agreement with ERC
will allow Mas, who remains in power despite losing parliamentary
seats in elections last month, to form a new government shortly,
according to the reports.

Officials in Mas’s office declined to confirm or deny the deal with
ERC, but the move looks likely to increase confrontation with Spanish
prime minister Mariano Rajoy’s conservative People’s party (PP)
government, which has said it would make sure that courts banned a
unilateral referendum in advance. If Mas ignored a ban imposed by the
constitutional court, he could face trial and be barred from public
office.

The decision to hold the Catalan referendum in the same year as the
Scottish vote creates a double headache for the EU. Officials have so
far maintained that newly independent countries must apply for EU
membership – which normally takes many years and can be vetoed by a
single member state.

Mas called a snap election last month hoping to ride a wave of
enthusiasm for independence and persuade Catalans he was the man to
lead them towards separation from Spain. CiU won, but with its worst
result since 1980 as voters punished it for the austerity measures it
has imposed on welfare, education and health services in a region that
already enjoys considerable autonomy. Hardcore separatists voted for
ERC and those opposing independence, many of whom would not normally
vote at regional elections, backed Rajoy’s PP or other
anti-separatists – producing a fragmented parliament.

In the Basque country, the northern Spanish region where independence
is often debated, a new nationalist-led government began to take shape
on Thursday.

Inigo Urkullu, of the Basque Nationalist party, was appointed regional
prime minister and looked likely to head a minority government that
will also need the support of separatists. Urkullu has said his
priority is the economy, but the separatist Bildu coalition that
includes former members of the political front of terrorist group Eta,
will try to push him down the road towards independence.

What Prevents the Official from Making Use of the Public Transport?

Friday, 14 December 2012 13:31

Recently the issue of the necessity of rendering a second official car
to the Human Rights Protection Office that was raised by human rights
advocate Yuri Hairapetyan during the presentation of the expenditures
of the office at the National Assembly became a matter of hot
discussions.

If the funds of some state structures are decreasing, the expenditures
of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs and the human rights
protection office will rise in 2013 as the both structures were
transported to Shoushi which means that at least the transportation
expenses will increase as the greater part of the employees are from
Stepanakert.

The need of the second car the human rights advocate explained with
the fact that the office was provided with only one car and when the
employees visit the regions he has to manage without an automobile.
`If in Stepanakert I had no problem with the transport, in Shoushi I
will surely have to face it in order to reach Stepanakert,’ Yuri
Hairapetyan noted during the discussions and emphasized several times
that the human rights advocate must always be at reach for the
citizens. And according to him so as to be at reach he must often make
appointments in Stepanakert as well.

But the human rights advocate so eager to be at citizens’ reach did
not even think that at times he might make use of the interurban
transport as for example in a number of European countries different
officials do.

If some deputies participating in the discussions agreed that the
Human Rights Protection Office needed another car, deputy Artur
Tovmasyan rejected the request and explained that it would increase
the social tension.

And deputy Arevik Petrosyan promised to provide weekly one of the
rooms of the «Vita» organization office to Yuri Hairapetyan for
several hours for his appointment hours.

The issue of the car remained unsettled though Yu. Hairapetyan
expressed his hope towards the government members’ and deputies’
support for solving the problem.

December 14, 2012
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 TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT THE CRESCENTA VALLEY PARISH

On Sunday, December 16, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at the
Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley, which holds its services at
the Prelacy hall. A luncheon hosted by the Parish Pastor and Board of
Trustees will follow.
The Crescenta Valley Church Education Committee organizes monthly
lectures which are held immediately following the Church service. This
month’s lecture will take place on Sunday, December 16, and features
Attorney and Armenian Bar Association Chairman Garo Ghazarian who will speak
on “The Armenian Bar Association’s Defense of Armenian Rights.”

CHAMLIAN SCHOOL FIRST GRADE CLASS
VISITS THE PRELACY

The Prelacy headquarters has become a pilgrimage site for students
of Prelacy Schools who throughout the year visit with their principals and
teachers. During these visits, students meet with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and receive his blessings and message. They also
present a cultural program of songs and recitations.
Continuing in this tradition, on Friday, December 14, 2012, Vahan
and Anoush Chamlian first grade students visited the Prelacy accompanied by
Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, teachers, and parents. Given that the
day’s religion lesson was on the Birth of Jesus Christ, the teachers thought
it appropriate for the students to spend time at the Prelacy and hear the
story of His Birth directly from the Prelate.
Upon their arrival, the nearly one hundred students were divided
into groups and led to the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel where they
were photographed with the Prelate. They then gathered at the “Dikran and
Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall where the students performed a cultural
program. In a warm and familial environment, the Prelate then told the
story of the Birth of Christ through a slide-show presentation.
The visit concluded with the students presenting the Prelate with
gifts, and the Prelate presenting them with an illustrated cards of the
Lord’s Prayer card and the Birth of Christ.

PRELACY FAMILY NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Each year on the threshold of the New Year and Christmas, Clergy,
Executive Council members, Clergy, Councils, members of Prelacy committees,
and staff join H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, for a new
Year and Christmas luncheon hosted by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary at the
“Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall.
This year’s luncheon took place on Thursday, December 13, 2012.
The luncheon began with the invocation and blessing of tables led by
the Prelate and with the participation of clergy members. During the lunch,
guests exchanged well wishes to one another and participated in the singing
of Christmas and traditional Armenian songs.
Remarks and well wishes were delivered by Religious Council Chair
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian,
Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Salpi Srourian, and representatives of Prelacy
Committees, Board of Regents, Committee for Armenian Students in Public
Schools, and staff.
In his closing message the Prelate first conveyed his New Year and
Christmas well wishes to all. He thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for hosting
this annual luncheon and for their dedicated service throughout the year,
and also thanked the members of the various committees present for their
service. The Prelate reflected on concerns of the Prelacy and challenges
facing the Armenian nation and people, emphasizing that we can overcome any
and all obstacles with unwavering will, devotion, and unity. He concluded
by wishing that the coming year be free of difficulties and full of good.
The luncheon came to a close with the benediction by the Prelate,
and the singing of the Cilician anthem. Guest also received illustrated
color prints of the Lord’s Prayer, and copies of Jacques Hagopian’s new book
recently published by the Prelacy in honor of the Year of the Armenian Book.

PRELACY HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING WITH
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA JOHN HEFFERN

On Friday, December 7, the Western Prelacy hosted a town hall
meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John A. Heffern at the “Dikran and
Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife
Libby and Mr. Jeffrey Paretchan, USAID Armenia Public Private Alliance
Specialist and Diaspora Outreach Coordinator.
Upon his arrival the Ambassador had a private meeting with H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, in his office, after which they
headed to the “Sulahian” Reception Room for a meeting with Religious and
Executive Councils representatives.
The town hall began at 7:00 p.m. with welcoming remarks by United
Armenia Fund President and California Courier publisher Mr. Harut
Sassounian, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Prelate then delivered his message in which he reflected on the
24th anniversary of the Armenia earthquake and the 20th anniversary of
U.S.-Armenia relations.
Mr. Sassounian then spoke briefly on the role of an Ambassador and
after presenting Ambassador Heffern’s CV, invited the honored guest to make
his presentation.
Through a slide-show presentation, Ambassador Heffern presented the
Embassy’s mission goals in Armenia which are to help Armenia succeed as a
democratic, prosperous, and secure country, and elaborated on the work the
Embassy doing in various realms to achieve this goal.
A question and answer session followed moderated by Executive
Council member Ms. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian.
In conclusion, as a memento the Prelate presented Ambassador Heffern
with the book “Rescued Armenian Treasures from Cilicia” and his wife Libby
with a pearl cross.

PARTICIPATION IN RECEPTIONS FOR ARMENIA’S
PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN

Last weekend, Prime Minister of Armenia His Excellency Tigran
Sargsyan visited Los Angeles where a number of receptions were held in his
honor.
On Sunday, December 9, 2012, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
hosted a brunch for the Prime Minister at Getty House, the official Mayoral
residence. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attend and
conveyed his well wishes to the Prime Minister.
At noon, a reception was hosted by the ARF-WR Central Committee for
the Prime Minister and his delegation. The Prelate attended this reception
as well, accompanied by Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and
Vice-Chair Mr. George Chorbajian. His Eminence greeted the Prime Minister
and his delegation by conveying welcoming remarks in which he wished the
honored guest success in his mission.

AN EXEMPLARY GIFT TO MESROBIAN SCHOOL

On Wednesday, December 12, the Prelate, accompanied by Executive
Council member Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian and his wife Satig, visited Armenian
Mesrobian School in Montebello.
The visit took place on a happy occasion. Mr. Der Ohaneesian had
recently won a raffle held by the School, the grand prize of which was a
car.
The students welcomed the Prelate and Mr. and Mrs. Der Ohanessian
with a cultural program of songs and recitations.
Moved by the joyful New Year and Christmas atmosphere, Mr. and Mrs.
Der Ohanessian announced that they were donating the value of the prize,
worth $15,000, to the School in support and encouragement of its mission in
educating and instructing our youth.

PRELATE REPRESENTED AT INSTALLATION MASS OF
NEW BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

On Monday, December 10, Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann was installed
as the Fourth Bishop of Orange. The Prelate had received an invitation from
the Diocese of Orange to participate in the Installation Mass.
Forty Martyrs Church Pastor Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian
represented the Prelate and conveyed his congratulations and well wishes to
the new Bishop.

Armenian National Football team to meet Luxembourg team on February 5

21:21, 14 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: National Football team of Armenia
will have a friendly match with Luxembourg team on February 5, reports
Armenpress referring to FIFA official page. In accordance with the
information spread by press the match will possibly take place in
Armenian populated city of Valence, France. February 6 is the official
friendly match day due to FIFA calendar.

The FIFA International Match Calendar is an outline agreement between
FIFA, the seven continental football federations, European Club
Association and FIFPro.

The match calendar sets out which dates can be used for ‘Official
matches’ and ‘Friendly matches’. It also determines when international
competitions such the AFC Asian Cup, Copa América, CONCACAF Gold Cup,
UEFA European Championship, FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World
Cup can take place. The OFC Nations Cup is not listed on the
international match calendar. FIFA insist that official and friendly
matches should take precedent over domestic matches; however they
state that international friendlies that take place outside of the
designated dates do not.

Armenian winter touristic centers preparing for New Year in a proper way

10:39, 14 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: It is already difficult to get a not
reserved room in Armenian winter tourist centers namely Tsakhkadzor,
Dilijan, Jermuk for celebrating New Year. The cities’ touristic
development responsibles assure they are properly prepared to receive
tourists visiting from both abroad and all over Armenia.

Alexan Zakaryan, President of Union of Incoming Tour Operators stated
in the briefing with Armenpress, in winter times the number of foreign
tourists increases, in parallel that of Diaspora Armenian tourists
decrease. In one hand in the course of winter holidays a growth is
registered in incoming tourist sector regarding local Armenians. In
the other hand many Armenian families prefer to celebrate New Year
abroad, especially in European countries, the United Arab Emirates,
Egypt and Jordan in recent years. Zakaryan conditioned this tendency
by the fact the same amount of money is indeed needed to be spent,
whereas in abroad a person has an opportunity to enjoy a wider range
of proposals.

Arthur Voskanyan, Director of Armenian Tourism Association considers
the price increase in touristic field during winter holidays is not
done by purpose, the same is observed in any other countries of the
world. To the reporter’s question why smaller number of foreign
tourists visit our country in New Year time, the interlocutor was
quoted as saying ”I think New Year is a family holiday, and many
people prefer to celebrate it at home”.

How Much Is Armenian Election?

JAMES HAKOBYAN
15:49 14/12/2012
Story from Lragir.am News:

Visiting the United States, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with
the chief executive officer of the MCC Daniel Yohannes. During this
meeting, as the official message runs, they discussed the issues of
cooperation with Armenia.

Although there are no details, it is beyond doubt that these prospects
will depend on the presidential election and the post-electoral
situation. If Armenia is able to hold a quiet election and prevent
post-election tension, the MCC will most probably resume its programs
in Armenia.

Armenia was one of the first beneficiaries of this American
corporation. During George Bush Jr.’s term, the U.S. government
considered that Armenia met the benchmarks of the corporation and
launched a program in 2006 worth 235 million dollars. This money was
to be spent on rural infrastructures, roads, irrigations systems and
so on. In addition, the MCC money is a grant, not a loan.

However, in 2008 the presidential election changed everything. The
United States announced that Armenia had departed from the benchmarks.
The reason was the crackdown on the opposition, infringements of the
freedom of press and speech following March 1. The program was cut by
70 million dollars.

Interesting was the response of the ex-president Robert Kocharyan to
the John Danilovich, the ex-CEO of MCC. Kocharyan stated that Armenia
does not worry about the discontinued program because it has enough
money to continue the activities.

Such answers are logical in case someone gives money to Armenia and
demands steps which threaten the sovereignty and security of the
country. However, the benchmarks set by the MCC threaten neither
sovereignty, nor security of Armenia. They require economic and
political freedoms which are already set out in the Constitution and
legislation of Armenia.

Under these circumstances perhaps it is better for the state not to
lose the gift money and if it also can raise money, it had better
extend the programs. After all, it looks like several hundreds of
millions are paid in return for observing the RA Constitution. This is
by the way.

In 2011 MCC programs were discontinued in Armenia unlike Georgia. The
continuation of the program will depend on the elections in 2012 and
2013. 2012 was overcome successfully and quietly. Such will be 2013.

At least, the fact that Gagik Tsarukyan withdrew from the race and
thwarted the joint front is evidence to this. On the other hand, the
government sees danger coming from Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Certainly, the
ANC leader does not stand a chance to prevent electoral fraud, he may
cause post-electoral tension and shadow the impression. Moreover,
Ter-Petrosyan is good at the tactics of moderate tension or
controllable tension, and in case he runs in the election, that will
be his only tool.

Apparently, this is the reason why the government is interested in
Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s withdrawal following Tsarukyan’s example.

Perhaps in this case the program of MCC will be guaranteed to the
government of Armenia.

Although, the problem of the government is not the MCC. The EU has
postponed the donor conference and the condition is compliant
presidential elections. This is very important for the Armenian
government because additional money is avital need for the economy.

On the other hand, there will not be a complete lack of money if the
election is held `as always’. The West will continue the dripping
method which is not enough for Armenia to develop but helps avoid
social riot. The West will not waste the money. It has said `more for
more’.

The Armenian government is sure that the presidential election will
have some value, at least the costs will be covered. It will try to
raise the price to sell it more expensively to the West to have some
`profit’ as well.