Tatev rope way passes to winter regime
tert.am
12:17 – 01.12.12
Tatev rope way passes to winter regime from December 1 till March 1, 2013.
During the mentioned period the rope way will host passengers on
Saturdays and Sundays as well as on holidays, the press release of the
rope way’s office says.
`All the systems of the rope way has been regulated and have been
corresponded to winter regime,’ newly appointed director of the rope
way Vahan Meliksetyan said.
Negative attitude toward AIDS patients in Armenia is very serious
problem – psychologist
news.am
December 01, 2012 | 14:35
YEREVAN. – The public attitude toward AIDS patients has become
somewhat moderate in Armenia, but, still, it is insufficient,
psychologist Anush Minasyan stated during a press conference on
Saturday.
In her words, when someone learns that he – or she – has HIV, the first
reaction is denial; and when the diagnosis is confirmed, the given
person becomes exposed to stress. `The prevailing [factor] is not
solely the fear for one’s own life but, also, the fear of being
subjected to the negative, discriminatory attitude by the public,’
Minasyan noted.
She stressed that the negative attitude toward AIDS patients is a very
serious problem in Armenia.
In this connection, Health Ministry’s National Center for AIDS
Prevention (NCAP) Director, Dr. Samvel Grigoryan noted: `The hang-ups
need to be gotten rid of and public awareness needs to be risen.’
To note, Saturday, December 1, is World AIDS Day.
People continue leaving Armenia – newspaper
news.am
December 01, 2012 | 08:33
YEREVAN. – Six buses, which head to Russia on Saturdays and Sundays,
cross Armenia’s border at Bagratashen Customs Checkpoint, Hayatsk
daily’s reporter informs from Noyemberyan city.
`These buses are filled to capacity with Armenian families that leave
with their bare essentials. There are heartbreaking scenes at our
customs checkpoint on Saturdays and Sundays. Old and young, babies
leave.
On the average, 250-300 people head to Russia in those days with their
families. And on the other work days, two buses full of people leaving
the country cross the border. And there is no end to all this,’
Hayatsk writes.
CIS Members Hold Joint Air Defense Drills
MIG-29 fighters (archive)
© RIA Novosti. Vladimir Rodionov
MOSCOW, November 28 (RIA Novosti) – Members of the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS) started on Wednesday large-scale drills to
test the capabilities of their joint air defense network, the Russian
Defense Ministry said.
`The exercises involve air defense and air force units from Russia,
Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and
Ukraine,’ spokesman Col. Alexei Zolotukhin said.
The drills are aimed at improving combat capabilities and
interoperability of the units protecting the CIS airspace. They are
coordinated from the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces’ headquarters
outside Moscow.
More than 9,000 personnel, 130 command posts of various levels, about
160 electronic warfare units and some 100 aircraft, including A-50
AWACS planes, are taking part in the exercises.
The drills are part of efforts to build a joint air defense shield for
the CIS, a loose association of former Soviet republics. An integrated
air defense network was set up by CIS-member countries on February 10,
1995.
The main purpose of the network is to ensure the protection of the
member-countries’ airspace, early warning of missile attacks and
coordination of joint efforts to neutralize potential air threats.
Syrian-Armenian Exit Strategy
Ted Tourian LLM, Sacramento, 25 November 2012
Armenians in Syria need an exit strategy. The Armenians need to leave
Syria before the situation further deteriorates, which could result in
the largest genocidal policy towards Armenians since the 1980’s, where
Azerbaijani authorities carried out pogroms against the Armenian
populations in Sumgait and Baku.[1] The implementation of an exit
strategy does not end by helping Armenians flee Syria, but also on the
ability to sustain Armenian refugees afterwards. Consideration must be
given to the following criteria: convincing Armenians in Syria to flee
Syria; where Armenians fleeing Syria can get refugee status; where
Armenians fleeing Syria can get employment in order to sustain
themselves; and where Armenians fleeing Syria can go to protect their
own unique culture.
An Armenian Church After Bombing
I Necessity for an Exit Strategy for Syrian-Armenians
Currently, there are at least 60,000 ethnic Armenians living in
Syria.[2] For the most part, Armenians have stayed neutral to the
sectarian violence engulfing Syria.[3] The ability of the Armenians to
defend themselves in Syria is not feasible. Currently, the only real
fighting force defending Armenians are Armenians themselves;
merchants, who have been given munitions by a retreating Syrian
Army.[4]
Contrasting the civilian Armenian population defending themselves is
the “Free Syrian Army” (FSA). The FSA is largely composed of foreign
fighters, coming from places like Afghanistan, Chechnya, Pakistan, and
Saudi Arabia.[5] These fighters are trained in Turkey.[6] These
countries have continually engaged in some form of anti-Armenianism,
and it would be naïve to think that if given the chance, soldiers from
these countries would abstain from a policy of exterminating
Armenians.[7]
In recent weeks, the FSA has directed its ire towards Armenians. For
instance, the FSA targeted and destroyed St. Gevorg church in Aleppo’s
Armenian-populated district of Nor Kyugh.[8] Armenians are targeted by
the FSA for their historical allegiance to the Assad regime:[9]
Nine Christian men, including seven ethnic Armenians, were ordered off
the bus while the gunmen checked IDs, according to Mark, who was
mistaken as the driver’s assistant and spared interrogation.
“Get off. You’re with Bashar too,” they told a Kurdish man who tried
to intervene, referring to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.
(Emphasis added.)
The former Armenian ambassador to Lebanon, Arman Navasardyan, has
already warned that if Bashar al-Assad’s regime falls, Armenians in
Syria face a `St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre’ if they are not
evacuated.[10] These recent events bring Navasardyan’s prediction much
closer to fruition.
II Implementation of an Exit Strategy
The implementation of an exit strategy is complicated. The following
section discusses the necessary steps that must be considered in order
to implement a successful exit strategy for Armenians in Syria:[11] a)
convincing Armenians in and out of Syria that leaving Syria is
necessary; b) procedural considerations concerning potential new
destinations for Armenian refugees; c) sustaining Armenian refugees
outside Syria; and d) protecting the unique culture of Syrian
Armenians. Ultimately, executing a successful exit strategy is more
art than science.
Convincing Armenians In and Out of Syria that Leaving Syria is Necessary:
A successful exit strategy is as much dependent on the will of those
fleeing. It is absolutely necessary to get Armenians in Syria to
recognize the importance of leaving Syria, even if it means leaving
behind homes, businesses, or a life that cannot be replicated anywhere
else. Convincing any potential refugee to flee requires the upmost
sensitivity especially when that potential refugee may be blinded by
the aforementioned attachments.
This is the current dilemma facing Armenians in Syria today: would we
rather die in Syria, or move somewhere else?[12] Convincing a person
to leave a home, a business that their grandparents started after the
genocide is not easy,[13] but necessary in order to avoid a worse fate
that waits for any minority if Bashar al-Assad’s government is
toppled.
Equally difficult is convincing outside Armenian institutions that the
time has come for Armenians in Syria to leave. For instance, would the
Republic of Armenia welcome mass migration of one of the strongest
Armenian Diaspora’s?[14] Mass migration of the Armenian Syrian
Diaspora weakens the Republic of Armenia’s potential relations with
Syria both during and at the conclusion of the war.[15] Are
traditional organizations like the Armenian Apostolic Church, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) or the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) in favor of evacuating Armenians in Syria when such
organizations have substantial properties in Syria? Who better to be
caretakers of its properties than Armenians armed with a slingshot,
refusing to leave Syria, while an FSA-like Goliath trained by
professional Turkish forces bears down?[16]
Decisions to let go of the material are difficult. Individuals leaving
everything behind, and the institutions tasked with serving the
Armenian nation, must ask what Ruskin asks “[n]ow, as he was sinking,
had he [sunk] the gold? Or had the gold [sunk] him?”
Procedural Considerations Concerning Potential New Destinations for
Armenian Refugees:
Discussion has already been made of where potential Armenian refugees
should move: Akhalkalaki;[17] Armenia;[18] Cyprus;[19] Lebanon;[20]
the Republic of Nagarno-Karbagh;[21] and the west.[22] Each
destination offers its own positives and negatives.
In order for a successful exit strategy to take place, procedural
considerations need to be adhered to. This includes securing visa and
passport requirements. Recently, the Republic of Armenia has eased
visa and passport requirements for Armenians fleeing sectarian
violence in Syria, and neighboring countries.[23] However, entry
requirements with respect to other countries have not been simplified.
For instance, an Armenian refugee leaving for Cyprus does not need a
passport provided they have the necessary documents issued to
stateless persons and recognized refugees.[24] How does a
Syrian-Armenian refugee become recognized as a refugee in Cyprus?
These procedural obstacles can be a nightmare, especially for
Syrian-Armenians facing sectarian violence, or Armenian Diaspora
organizations ill-equipped to deal with legalese, and are looking to
help evacuate Syrian-Armenians.
Fortunately, potential Armenian refugees and Armenian Diaspora
organizations trying to mobilize can rely on the Armenian Bar
Association (ABA). The ABA recently wrote a letter to United Nations
Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, advocating the plight of Armenians in
Syria.[25] In describing itself as `the largest organized group of
Armenian Diasporan attorneys, judges and law students in the world,’
and showing continued concern for the plight of Armenians in
Syria,[26] Armenian organizations should not hesitate to contact the
ABA and request pro bono assistance with respect to any potential
legal barriers that exist in evacuating Armenians facing sectarian
strife.[27]
Sustaining Armenian Refugees Outside Syria:
The next question is sustaining Armenian refugees outside Syria. The
Armenian government has already taken several positive steps forward.
For instance, the Armenian government has recently exempted taxation
of Armenians fleeing Syria,[28] and offered to provide Armenians
fleeing Syria with apartments and jobs.[29] This is in stark contrast
to help Armenia was initially providing, where Armenians fleeing Syria
`coincidentally’ saw a 20 percent increase in housing prices when
seeking refuge in Armenia.[30]
However, labor mobility will become the biggest difficulty. For
instance, some reports state that there are 10,000 Armenian jewelers
potentially leaving Syria.[31] Armenia, already a country known for
jewelers, recently saw a 60 percent drop of sales in diamond
polishing.[32] Realistically speaking, Armenia cannot afford more
jewelers flooding its already declining market.
If Armenians fleeing Syria repatriate to Akhalkalaki, Armenia, or the
Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh, questions needing to be addressed are
what skill sets do these refugees possess that can make them useful
members of their new society? Can their skills be transferred to their
potential new homes? Are there options to train refugee Armenians with
a new skill-set to make them valuable to their potential new homes?
Most Armenian Diaspora organizations have allocated resources on the
presumption that Armenians in Syria must remain in Syria. A quick
search of aid efforts reveals that all help received by
Syrian-Armenians is designed to ensure that the Armenian population in
Syria remains in Syria: the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) has focused
its charitable donations to cover the tuitions of students in order to
alleviate the financial burden to be faced by parents and, at the same
time, to fund schools;[33] AGBU has provided relief with food,
medicine, shelter, water and energy to thousands of Armenian families
in various cities, with local youth from our Chapters mobilizing as
volunteers;[34] the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund’s assistance will be
used for food, medicine, temporary shelter, emergency medical and
other critical humanitarian expenses by the united committees
established by the Syrian-Armenian communities in accordance with
local needs.[35]
All aid is important concerning the plight of Syrian-Armenians. It
cannot be stressed enough that this article is not intended to slight
in any way, any group helping Syrian-Armenians. What this article
hopefully tries to do is state that allocating resources to ensure
Armenians stay in Syria is not efficient.[36] As discussed above, if
Bashar al-Assad’s regime falls, there is a very strong possibility
ethnic Armenians will be subject to the worst pogroms since Sumgait.
The result will be that aid initially assigned for the purposes of
ensuring the Armenian population remains in Syria will have gone to
waste. Only the Armenian government will have tried to hedge its bets
by trying to accommodate Syrian-Armenian refugees.
Protection of the Unique Culture of Syrian Armenians:
Syrian-Armenian culture is steeped in history and tradition. Kesab has
been an Armenian center, shielding Armenians from Ottoman Turk
persecutions. Aleppo has been a historic Armenian Diaspora city, with
many middle class Armenians.[37] The Syrian-Armenian community `has
been a crucible that has forged many great leaders for the
diaspora.'[38] Any potential recommended migrations must take into
account the uniqueness of the Armenians living in Syria. The following
section provides examples of locations and considerations that need to
be taken into account
Akhalkalaki and the Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh are suitable for
Armenians in Syria who come from villages like Yacoubiyah or Kesab.
Armenians from larger cities like Damascus or Aleppo could be absorbed
in Yerevan. However, relying only on Yerevan would be detrimental.
With respect to Syrian Armenians en masse fleeing to Armenia, ARF
Bureau representative Hrant Markarian said it best that Armenia may
not be able to fully absorb all Syrian Armenian migrants: `Let’s be
fair and recognize that unfortunately our country is not the sort of
country that can handle a large number of refugees.'[39]
Relocation is also possible to other near-east countries such as
Cyprus. Cyprus already has some infrastructure ready to help absorb
fleeing Armenians, such as the currently unused Melkonian Educational
Institute. However, full absorption of Armenian refugees to Cyprus may
not be feasible due to the relatively higher value of the Euro as
compared to the Syrian pound, which might further erode the living
standards of Syrian-Armenian refugees. Furthermore, migration of
Syrian-Armenians to western countries comes with the risk of `white
genocide.'[40]
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7] For instance, Afghanistani Mujahadeen and Chechen fighters were
enlisted to fight ethnic Armenians in the Republic of Nagarno
Karabagh, and its quest for self-determination
(; Yossef
Bodansky (2008). Chechen Jihad: Al Qaeda’s Training Ground and the
Next Wave of Terror (reprint ed.). HarperCollins. p. 36. ISBN
0-06-142977-5. Retrieved 14 August 2011.); Pakistan is the only
country in the world that does not recognize Armenia’s independence in
protest over the Republic of Nagarno Karabagh’s victory of
self-determination ();
Saudi Arabia and Armenia do not have diplomatic relations
(); It is historical fact
that the Ottoman Empire (precursor to the Republic of Turkey)
committed genocide against Armenians
().
[8]
[9]
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: )
[10]
[11] It should be kept in mind that this analysis is a blue-print, and
subject to change should the situation demand it.
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16] David does not always beat Goliath.
[17]
[18]
[19]
(Cyprus says it’s ready to evacuate refugees from Syria; not just
Armenians.)
[20] (Syrians en
masse leaving for Lebanon; not just Armenians.)
[21]
[22] For instance, Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to
immigrate to Canada
();
Switzerland is accepting Syrian refugees
();
pressure being put on the European Union to accept more Syrian
refugees ();
Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to immigrate to
Canada ();
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27] Refusing to provide pro bono assistance in such circumstances
would be tantamount to making the ABA’s letter to the UN Secretary
General meaningless.
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
[32] `8&objid=12020
[33]
[34]
[35]
[36] It should be noted that Armenian charitable organizations making
the decision to allocate resources on the presumption that Armenians
in Syria remain in Syria was probably made before the FSA began
directing operations against Armenians.
[37]
[38]
[39]
[40]
Europe basically supports Armenia’s President – newspaper
news.am
December 01, 2012 | 08:54
YEREVAN. – Armenia has never been this much at the international
spotlight as today, solely two months before the presidential
elections, 168 Zham daily reports.
`Second summit of the `European Partnership’ leaders of the European
People’s Party was held yesterday [Friday] in [capital city] Yerevan.
The visit by such level European officials is unprecedented for
Armenia. [And this] Before the presidential elections, [is] even more
unprecedented.
Some of the European guests already expressed a `delight’ in
connection with the past parliamentary elections, and expressed a hope
that the presidential elections will be conducted in the same `high
level.’ That is to say, Europe basically expresses a support to
[incumbent President] Serzh Sargsyan.
Certainly, the European support is very important, but the Russian
support is considered primary in Armenia. And the `Russian consent’ is
delaying, just as [Russian President] Vladimir Putin’s visit [to
Armenia].
In the lead-up to the presidential elections, the ruling power [of
Armenia] today faces a more important choice: To assume commitments
before Europe, or make arrangement with the Russian authorities?’, 168
Zham writes.
EU hopes to complete negotiations with Armenia on deep and
comprehensive free trade agreement till November 2013
14:15, 1 December, 2012
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMNEPRESS: Armenia is a very important partner
for EU both from the point of bilateral relations and in frames of
Eastern partnership. As reports Armenpress this was stated by José
Manuel Barroso during the joint brief with Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan. `We are building a strong partnership based on association,
economic integration and closer from the point of human interaction.
Negotiations over the association agreement including deep and
comprehensive free trade agreement have recorded a great progress’
Barroso noted.
European Commission President Manuel Barroso also hoped that
negotiations on deep and comprehensive free trade agreement would be
completed till November 2013.
`The end of negotiations will strengthen the European prospect of
Armenia’ Barroso underlined.
He also reminded that lately Armenian and EU had completed
negotiations on facilitation of movement and that till the end of the
year the Visa facilitation and readmission agreement will be signed.
`Our aim is clear, we want the visa free transportation between
Armenia and EU’ said President of European Commission.
José Manuel Barroso expressed gratitude to Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan for the enormous contribution made personally by President in
the development of Armenia-EU relations.
Syndrome Of Only Friend Diminishes
HAKOB BADALYAN
22:31 30/11/2012
Story from Lragir.am News:
The EPP Eastern Partnership summit held in Armenia on November 30 is a
significant event which is evidence to deepening relations with
Armenia. Ahead of this event, Armenia had intensive communication in
the Russian domain. The prime minister stated in interviews with
Russian media that EU integration and integration with the Eurasian
Union should not rule out each other.
On November 29 Nikolay Rizhkov of Russia arrived in Armenia and
announced that Putin may visit Armenia in 2013 (if Armenia behaves
itself). The head of Rosgranitsa arrived in Armenia and set up a
branch office of its organization.
Ahead of reception of high-ranking European guests, official Yerevan
tried to convince Moscow that it will deepen relations with Europe not
in prejudice of relations with Russia.
Will Yerevan sway Moscow? Who knows? The Kremlin is not stupid and
understands that harmonization of Europe and the Eurasian idea is an
extremely difficult, almost an unreal cause. Europe also tells Armenia
so, and if so far it has been confined to backstage talks now it is
stated at a diplomatic level. During a recent seminar in Yerevan the
EU Delegation official Onno Simons stated that Armenia should make a
choice between the two.
The Kremlin also acknowledges that they will lose the competition to
the West because the West has a methodological and technical advantage
in both economy and politics which will transform to the new status
quo of influence on the Caucasus, which is already partly visible.
There is nothing Moscow can do but review its approaches, namely in
terms of the strategy of the relation with Armenia. The Kremlin must
change its perception that Armenia is its subject forever.
While the ruling elite and political class of Armenia care for their
own destiny only and view Moscow their protector, the society is
reviewing this approach.
The syndrome of the only friend is slowly but steadily diminishing.
Disregarding this would be a strategic mistake of Moscow. Even though
the words of Russian emissaries are convincing and their pockets are
full, the reality is stronger. And the contacts with the world will
eventually help the Armenian people recognize the reality.
By keeping the relationship with Armenia in the framework of old
perceptions and interpretation, the Kremlin will oppose to natural and
reasonable stream where toughness will lead to resistance. In
addition, we are currently at the beginning of this process.
Moscow needs to review the concept of its relations with Armenia where
it will be entitled to a neutral role which will not hinder its
transformation because hindrances will produce the opposite effect,
and Armenia and Russia will inevitably depart. The problem is not
Armenia but Russia because Russia does not have a concept of relations
with new Armenia. For Russia the problem is its own perception rather
than the review of foreign political orientation.
Deep inside there is no change because there is no orientation either.
In the long run, there is only an instinctive feeling for the global
conjuncture which is a stronger factor than conscious orientation.
At the same time, Russia does not possess the resource required to
stop change driven by that feeling. The problem is time but sooner or
later Armenia will undergo serious change with or without the ruling
system. Consequently, Russia needs to get ready for this rather than
to make futile efforts to counteract.
After all, not only Armenia but also Russia is facing a choice. Either
Moscow will review its concept of relation with Armenia or will
eventually lose Armenia for a long term.
RUSSIE
Russie : la directrice d’un média régional critique licenciée
La responsable d’un site d’information d’Ekaterinbourg, dans l’Oural,
a annoncé vendredi avoir été licenciée et dénoncé des pressions sur la
politique éditoriale de ce média, l’un des rares critiques des
autorités locales.
`J’ai été licenciée de mon poste de directrice et de rédactrice en
chef` par le conseil d’administration d’Ura.Ru, a déclaré à l’AFP
Aksana Panova.
Le personnel de l’agence, soit 30 personnes au total, a décidé de
partir avec elle pour lancer dès la semaine prochaine un nouveau
projet, un site d’information qui s’appellera Znak.com, a précisé Mme
Panova.
`Nous ne sommes pas encore enregistrés en tant que média`, a-t-elle
toutefois reconnu.
Selon Mme Panova, ce licenciement est la conséquence de pressions des
autorités locales pour que le site change de politique éditoriale.
`Je suis visée par quatre enquêtes criminelles, et six autres sont en
préparation`, a-t-elle dit, ajoutant : `je me rends à des
interrogatoires presque tous les jours`.
Fin septembre, la police a effectué une perquisition dans les locaux
de l’agence dans le cadre d’une enquête pour détournement des fonds,
une accusation rejetée par Mme Panova.
Depuis, les enquêteurs l’accusent d’extorsion, affirmant qu’elles
faisait chanter les personnes sur lesquelles le site écrivait des
articles critiques.
`Ce que Ura.Ru avait de plus précieux, c’était son esprit insoumis,
ironique et infatigable. C’est la raison pour laquelle beaucoup de
gens ne nous aimaient pas`, a déclaré la rédaction de Ura.Ru dans un
message d’adieux publié jeudi soir sur son site, qui n’est plus
actualisé depuis.
Le site, qui existait depuis sept ans, traitait de l’actualité dans
sept régions dans l’Oural et publiait régulièrement des articles sur
la corruption et des interviews avec des leaders de l’opposition
russe, un cas rare pour le pays où la plupart des journaux régionaux
appartiennent au gouvernement.
samedi 1er décembre 2012,
Stéphane ©armenews.com
ECHECS-LIVRES
Un recueil dédié à la victoire de l’Arménie aux 40e Olympiades des
échecs à Istanbul
« Hayéri haghtarchave Stambouloum » (La victoire des Arméniens à
Istanbul), tel est le titre du livre écrit par Gaguik Hovhannissian
qui vient de paraître à Erévan aux éditions « Chakhmadayin Hayastan »
(Chess Armenia). Dans ce recueil, Gaguik Hovhannissian, secrétaire de
la Fédération arménienne des échecs et journalistes, revient sur la
victoire de l’équipe arménienne masculine des échecs, lors des 40e
Olympiades qui se déroulèrent à Istanbul en septembre. Chacune des
parties disputées par les membres de l’équipe d’Arménie sont
présentées et analysées. Ainsi les lecteurs peuvent découvrir les jeux
de Levon Aronian, Serguï Movsissian, Vladimir Hagopian, Gabriel
Sarkissian et Tigrane Petrossian. Le recueil recense également les
lettres de félicitations et d’encouragement (*), reçues par des
personnalités d’Arménie et de la diaspora, après la victoire fabuleuse
de l’équipe d’Arménie aux 40e Olympiades des échecs à Istanbul.
(*) Ndlr. Le recueil contient également les lettres de félicitations
de nos deux spécialistes du sport arménien et passionnés des échecs,
Aharon Boyadjian et Krikor Amirzayan qui ont suivi pour notre journal
en direct ces 40e Olympiades des échecs.
Krikor Amirzayan
samedi 1er décembre 2012,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com