Author: nina hovnanian

PRESSE ARMENIENNE : REVUE DU 21 NOVEMBRE 2012

Publie le : 23-11-2012

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
presente cette Revue de Presse parue sur le site de l’Ambassade de
France en Armenie le 21 novembre 2012.

Ambassade de France en Armenie

Revue de la presse armenienne du 21 novembre 2012

I. Questions regionales

1. Vols directs entre Erevan et la ville turque de Van ?/ L’annonce du
possible etablissement d’un vol reliant les deux villes a ete faite
par le President de l’Union des Industriels et des Entrepreneurs
d’Armenie, Arsen Ghazarian, dont l’organisation cherche a obtenir
l’accord des autorites de l’aviation armenienne et turque pour lancer
ce vol. D’après lui, les hommes d’affaires armeniens sont actuellement
preoccupes par la necessite d’acquerir un avion commercialement
viable. Ce vol pourrait etre effectue dès le printemps prochain. Il a
rappele que les echanges commerciaux entre les deux pays n’ayant par
de relations diplomatiques, s’elèvent a 240 M USD [NDRL : Allemagne-
400 M USD et Italie- 175 M USD en 2011].

2. Auditions au Senat espagnol sur ” l’agression militaire de l’Armenie
contre l’Azerbaïdjan ? “/ Alors que les medias azerbaïdjanais ont
fait etat sur la tenue, au Senat espagnol, des auditions consacrees
au sujet indique, le President de la commission des AE d’Armenie,
Artak Zakharian, a adresse une lettre a son homologue espagnol, le
mettant en garde contre les provocations azeries et rappelant que la
delegation azerbaïdjanaise a l’Assemblee parlementaire de l’Euronest
a plusieurs fois tente d’utiliser la tribune de l’AP pour diffuser des
informations erronees, mais que les parlementaires europeens, informes
du conflit du HK et des negociations en cours dans le cadre du Groupe
de Minsk, ont toujours fait echec a ces tentatives. / Hayots Achkhar

II. Politique interieure

1. Auditions parlementaires au sujet des droits des detenus dans les
centres penitentiaires/ Plusieurs quotidiens couvrent les auditions
parlementaires consacrees aux droits des detenus dans les centres
penitentiaires, initiees par deux commissions parlementaires,
celle de la defense des droits de l’Homme et celle de l’integration
europeenne, compte tenu des rapports critiques en cette matière publies
par des organisations internationales. Des representants des deux
commissions avaient rendu visite a tous les centres penitentiaires. Le
Ministre de la Justice, Hrayr Tovmassian, a reconnu la realite des
problèmes (mauvais etat des centres penitentiaires, manque de cadres
professionnels, absence de peines de substitution etc), mais lui-meme
s’est dit oppose a des changements ” revolutionnaires “, preferant
des solutions a long terme, bien que lentes a mettre en oeuvre. M.

Tovmassian a indique qu’il avait instruit les responsables des centres
penitentiaires de ne pas ceder aux demandes inacceptables des detenus
meme lorsque ceux-ci recourent a des mesures extremes (se coudre la
bouche ou se couper les doigts). Selon lui, ces detenus souhaitent
attirer l’attention sur leur cas et se mettre au-dessus des autres. ”
Si leurs demandes sont satisfaites, les detenus deviendront ingerables
“…

Les propos du Ministre ont ete consideres par certains deputes,
dont Naïra Zohrabian, presidente de la commission de l’integration
europeenne, et des representants d’ONG comme ” scandaleux “,
les detenus recourant a des mesures extremes n’ayant pas d’autre
voie pour se faire entendre. L’ombudsman Karen Andreassian, quant
a lui, a evoque la corruption dans les centres penitentiaires et
les conditions sociales execrables qui sont a l’origine des mesures
extremes auxquelles recourent les detenus.

2. La generosite de M. Oskanian/ L’ancien Ministre des AE a indique sur
son compte Facebook que lors des reunions internes du parti Armenie
prospère, Gaguik Tsaroukian a lui-meme propose sa candidature [celle
de Vartan Oskanian] aux elections presidentielles, mais la majorite du
parti a ete unanime a considerer que M. Tsaroukian devait representer
lui-meme son parti a ce scrutin. M. Oskanian dit partager l’avis de
ses collègues. / Rapporte par l’ensemble de la presse

3. Lutte contre la corruption/ Hayots Achkhar relève qu’au cours
du troisième trimestre de cette annee, les tribunaux armeniens ont
examine 93 affaires penales concernant des affaires de corruption,
impliquant 132 personnes, dont 127 ont ete condamnees. 52 parmi elles,
soit 40,9% etaient des fonctionnaires.

4. Au cours de la periode janvier-octobre de cette annee, la croissance
economique a ete de 7,2% par rapport a la meme periode de l’annee
dernière./ Azg

III. France-Armenie

1. Ville blanche/ C’est ainsi que la directrice du Club national
de la presse, Narine Mkrtchian, intitule son article paru dans
Aravot consacre a Paris qu’elle appelle ” ville blanche “. Se disant
emerveille par la decouverte de Paris, l’auteur de l’article presente
l’histoire de la capitale francaise et ses curiosites.

Redaction : Merie Hakobian

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Ambassade de France en Armenie

PINAR SELEK : LA DISSERTATION D’UNE FEMME DE CONVICTION

Publie le : 23-11-2012

Info Collectif VAN – – Dans un document envoye
le 14 avril 2003 aux ecoles primaires et secondaires de Turquie,
le ministre turc de l’Education Nationale avait demande que les
directeurs des etablissements scolaires organisent des conferences et
des “temoignages” attestant que la Turquie n’a jamais extermine ses
minorites. Les elèves devaient en particulier rediger des compositions
sur le thème de la “lutte contre les allegations de genocide”.

Dans ces compositions, le ministre interdisait formellement
l’utilisation de certaines formules, comme “Les Turcs ont pu tuer
des Armeniens” et demandait qu’elles soient remplacees par d’autres,
presentant ces faits comme une necessite face aux massacres perpetres
par les Armeniens”.

Face a cette initiative inique du Ministre, la sociologue turque Pýnar
Selek avait choisi l’humour noir. Elle s’etait mise a la place d’une
elève de primaire pour rediger une composition grincante. Notons qu’en
2003, le thème du genocide armenien etait totalement tabou en Turquie
et que Pýnar Selek bravait donc beaucoup d’interdits en publiant cette
dissertation ironique, veritable manifeste qui porte ses convictions.

Le Collectif VAN a choisi de la publier a nouveau, au lendemain de son
procès qui s’est tenu le 22 novembre 2012, a Istanbul. La traduction
de son texte en turc avait ete faite par Jean Sirapian dans La Lettre
de l’ADL n° 28, de juillet 2003.

ADL

Une Composition imposee (2003)

par Pýnar Selek, sociologue turque

Composition : Le massacre des Armeniens n’a pas eu lieu !

Nom : Peu importe Âge : Tout petit Sujet : Demontrer que le massacre
des Armeniens n’a pas eu lieu Ecole : N’importe quelle ecole affiliee
a l’Education nationale turque Date : juin 2003 Objectif : Être le
premier, etre apprecie, recevoir une recompense.

Emportes par le vent, engloutis par les eaux

Pour commencer, il n’y a pas eu de massacre d’Armeniens dans ce pays.

Je ne l’ai jamais vu. Je n’ai jamais eu d’ami armenien. D’ailleurs
je ne l’aurais pas souhaite. Il paraît qu’ils sont très radins. C’est
notre professeur de classe qui nous l’a dit. C’est un monsieur erudit
qui sait beaucoup de chose. Quelle serait l’utilite d’avoir un camarade
qui ne me preterait pas son crayon ou sa gomme ?

Qui etaient les Armeniens, comment vivaient-ils, personne ne le sait.

Ou peut-etre, comme racontaient nos anciens, ils etaient une sorte de
Gulyabani1 ou des creatures du meme genre. Moi, quand j’entends le mot
armenien cela me fait peur. Heureusement qu’ils n’existent pas. S’ils
existaient, ils auraient pu nous devorer tous. C’est notre professeur
d’histoire qui l’a raconte. Les Armeniens seraient des terroristes.

Ils auraient voulu nuire a l’unite de ce pays. Et maintenant ils
veulent opposer les Turcs entre eux pretendant qu’il y a eu un massacre
des Armeniens.

Notre professeur d’histoire nous a explique que le mot Ermeni 2 avait
la meme racine que le mot terorist 3. Les deux contiennent le mot
” er “4. Or, > est une notion liee a l’armee, elle-meme liee
aux tueries ou aux massacres. Bien sûr je ne parle pas ici de l’armee
turque. Les soldats turcs ne tuent personne. Les soldats turcs adorent
les petits et respectent les vieux. Alors que les Armeniens, eux, s’en
prendraient particulièrement aux enfants de notre âge. D’abord ils les
violeraient, ensuite ils boiraient leur sang. Ils rentrent dans mes
cauchemars, comme des geants avec des enormes tetes et un seul oeil…

Avant j’avais peur des Gulyabanis. Maintenant je n’y crois plus.

Peut-etre que lorsque je serai plus grand, de la meme facon, je ne
croirai plus aux Armeniens.

J’ai interroge ma mère et mon père a ce sujet. Ils ne m’ont rien dit.

Mon grand-père non plus. En plus, quand j’ai pose la question a mon
grand-père, il s’est mis en colère : ” Il n’y a pas d’Armenien, qui
t’a raconte cela ? Que je n’entende plus ce mot sortir de ta bouche !”

Alors moi, une fois cette composition terminee, je ne prononcerai
plus jamais le mot ” armenien “.

On dit que le village de ma mère appartenait autrefois aux Armeniens.

Une fois ma mère a laisse echapper cette histoire. Je lui ai pose
la question : ” Vous n’avez pas eu peur ? Et si leurs fantômes vous
devoraient ? ” Cela m’a valu une gifle. Ma mère ne me battait jamais.

Pour cause, elle n’est pas armenienne. Mais quand on aborde ce sujet
elle s’enerve. Le grand-père de ma mère etait venu a ce village d’un
autre endroit. Quand ils sont arrives, le village etait abandonne
depuis longtemps. Aucune trace d’Armeniens ni de quiconque. L’histoire
de ce village remonterait jusqu’a l’epoque des Hittites. C’est
ecrit dans les livres d’histoire. Après les Hittites, ce sont les
Seldjoukides qui sont arrives, puis les Ottomans. Et, en dernier,
la Republique.

Que sont devenus les Armeniens ? Ils auraient disparu. Il y a des
rumeurs comme quoi ils auraient existe dans le passe. Il y aurait des
legendes qui les representeraient comme des creatures pour faire peur
aux enfants. Mais les enfants, en grandissant, ont compris que ce ne
sont que des histoires.

Nous ne les avons pas massacres. Les Turcs n’auraient pas fait de mal
a une mouche. Ils ne savent meme pas manier des armes. Ils proclament
sans cesse ” Paix dans le pays, paix dans le monde ” et distribuent
des fleurs a tout le monde. Pourquoi auraient-ils tue d’autres gens ?

Les Turcs sont fiers, travailleurs et confiants… Quel bonheur pour
celui qui se dit Turc !5

Personne ne s’exprime sur le massacre des Armeniens. L’autre jour
j’ai rendu visite a un ami. Son père m’a affirme que les Armeniens
ont change de nom et ont adopte le nom de PKK. Il m’a raconte les
massacres perpetres par le PKK. J’ai beaucoup pleure. Ils auraient
pactise avec le diable et oeuvre pour detruire ce pays.

En realite, ce sont eux qui nous ont massacres. Ils ont pris leurs
sabres. Ils nous ont attaques en criant ” Allah, Allah “. Enfants ou
pas, ils nous ont tous egorges. Ils ont viole les femmes. Ils en ont
garde pour eux-memes quelques-unes et ont vendu les autres. Ils n’ont
pas laisse de Turc dans ce pays. Ils ont planifie un genocide. Ils
ont spolie nos terres et ont confisque nos proprietes. Et puis,
Allah les a punis. D’un seul coup il les a envoyes en enfer.

Comme dans les contes, il y aurait eu un miracle et nous serions
revenus a la vie ! Emergeant de nos tombes, nous aurions commence a
revivre. Un prince serait venu nous embrasser pour nous reveiller. Une
bonne fee aurait gueri toutes nos blessures ! Et, depuis, ce pays
paradisiaque nous appartient.

Alors, les Armeniens ? Ils seraient… emportes par le vent, engloutis
par les eaux !

Article paru dans le journal turc ” Yeniden Ozgur Gundem ” le 10 juin
2003 Traduction par Jean Sirapian parue dans La Lettre de l’ADL n° 28,
juillet 2003

****************

1 Une creature imaginaire et mechante dans les contes turcs.

2 Armenien en turc 3 Terroriste en turc 4 Soldat en turc 5 ” Ne mutlu
Turkum diyene ” notions et slogans lances par Ataturk.

****************

Lire aussi:

Pýnar Selek: exilee a perpetuite ?

Turquie : L’OMCT exige la fin du harcèlement contre Pinar Selek

Agenda – Pinar Selek : Loin de chez moi… mais jusqu’où ?

>

Turquie : Pýnar Selek doit etre definitivement acquittee

Sevil Sevimli, Pinar Selek, deux femmes face a la justice turque

Turquie : nouvelle audience du procès de Pinar Selek

Turquie/Affaire Pýnar Selek : Procès reporte, la lutte continue !

Turquie/Affaire Pýnar Selek : Procès du premier août

Affaire Pýnar Selek : Un communique du GIT France

Turquie/Pýnar Selek : la lutte continue !

Pýnar Selek merite la Tulipe des droits de l’Homme

Turquie: Les colombes inquiètes

Turquie : criminalisation des defenseurs des droits de l’homme

Prison a vie a nouveau requise contre Pýnar Selek !

Pinar Selek : exilee a Strasbourg, jugee a Istanbul

Ce qui se passe en Turquie nous regarde

Le Collectif VAN attire l’attention sur les procès inquietants
en Turquie

Turquie, la perpetuite aggravee demandee pour Pinar Selek

Pinar Selek, un symbole du feminisme

Atelier du GIT. Conference-debat de Pýnar Selek

Turquie: Le 7 mars, nouveau procès pour Pýnar Selek

Affaire Pinar Selek : la Turquie manie la torture psychologique

Pinar Selek: une sociologue face a l’acharnement judiciaire

Chercheurs sans frontières : soutenir Pýnar Selek

Pinar Selek, coupable d’etre sociologue

L’acharnement de la Turquie contre Pýnar Selek

Une sociologue turque accusee d’attentat acquittee

Turquie: Une sociologue suspectee de terrorisme a nouveau acquittee

Turquie : Pinar Selek acquittee mais la procedure continue

La militante turque Pinar Selek acquittee !

La justice turque s’acharne contre Pinar Selek

Appel a signer la petition de soutien a Pinar Selek

Turquie : Nous sommes solidaires de Pinar Selek

Pinar Selek, feministe turque menacee de prison a vie

Une Militante des Droits de l’Homme pourrait etre condamnee a vie

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : ADL

LE PARTI REPUBLICAIN FAIT BARRAGE A UN DEBAT SUR LA REFORME DU CODE ELECTORAL A L’ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE
Gari

armenews.com
vendredi 23 novembre 2012

Le Parti republicain d’Armenie (HHK) du president Sarge Sarkissian,
largement majoritaire a l’Assemblee nationale, a fait obstruction le
21 novembre a un debat parlementaire relatif a un projet d’amendement
propose par l’opposition visant a assurer un maximum de regularite
aux elections presidentielles de fevrier 2013 et a prevenir les
derives qui ont entache le processus electoral armenien depuis
l’independance et continuent a le discrediter, meme si de l’avis meme
des observateurs etrangers presents aux derniers scrutins, il est en
voie d’amelioration.

La presidence du Parlement a decide de reporter le debat qui avait
pourtant ete demande en bonne et due forme par plus de 40 deputes
representant le Congrès national armenien (HAK), a l’initiative de
l’amendement, et d’autres formations de l’opposition. Les deputes
du Parti republicain et de son allie Orinats Yerkir, la plus petite
formation du Parlement mais associe au parti majoritaire au sein d’un
gouvernement de coalition, ont boycotte la seance de telle sorte qu’il
n’y ait pas le quorum de deputes necessaires pour le debat. Seuls 46
deputes sur les 131 que compte l’Assemblee nationale etaient presents
pour debattre du projet d’amendement.Levon Zurabian, le chef du groupe
parlementaire du HAK, a critique en termes très durs le boycott du HHK,
denoncant son caractère anticonstitutionnel.

“L’article 70 de la Constitution armenienne donne clairement a
l’opposition le droit de lancer un debat sur un sujet donne, meme si
la majorite parlementaire y est opposee”, a indique M. Zurabian en
s’exprimant devant les journalistes. “Ce que le Parti republicain a
fait aujourd’hui, c’est une violation manifeste de la Constitution”,
a martele le responsible du parti de Levon Ter Petrossian. Armen
Rustamian, leader d’un autre parti d’opposition, la Federation
revolutionnaire armenienne (Dachnaktsoutioun), a lui aussi critique
l’attitude de la majorite, en precisant qu’il allait engager une
procedure auprès du Comite d’ethique a ce sujet. Galust Sahakian,
le leader du groupe parlementaire du HHK, a pour sa part justifie
le comportement des deputes de la majorite, en faisant valoir que
celle-ci avait le droit legitime de decider de l’agenda parlementaire.

Le HHK avait prevenu quelques jours plus tôt qu’il ferait obstacle a
un tel debat dès que le HAK avait revele une serie de mesures qu’il
entendait soumettre aux votes des deputes afin d’empecher les fraudes
et irregularites dans le scriutin a venir.

vendredi 23 novembre 2012, Gari ©armenews.com

PKK MILITANT STANDING TRIAL IN TURKEY SUPPORTS IRANIAN AND ARMENIAN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS

APA
Nov 22 2012
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. “PKK has two organizations and two storey building in
Armenia. These houses are mainly used in treatment of PKK militants.

Severely wounded militants are sent to Armenia, but lightly wounded
militants to Iran,” said imprisoned PKK terrorist Ahmet Gunes in
Turkey, while giving a testimony at the Erzurum 2nd High Criminal
CourtAPA reports quoting Turkish press. He said that the PKK houses
in Armenia are located near intelligence agency of this country.

Gunes said that Iran supported PKK. “Iranian intelligence has close
relations with PKK and sends weapons to terrorists” he added.

Gunes, charged with “Membership in an armed terrorist organization”,
is expected to sentence 15-20 year imprisonment.

Azerbaijan threatens with cut of investments in Mexico over removal of
Heydar Aliyev’s statue

arminfo
Saturday, November 24, 12:39

Azerbaijan is ready to suspend implementation of investments projects
in the amount of up to $4 billion in Mexico if the local authorities
adopt a decision to remove Heydar Aliyev’s statue from the Reforma
boulevard in the center of Mexico, Azerbaijani Ambassador Ilgar Yusif
oglu Mukhtarov told RIA Novosti.

Commission of Intellectuals recommended Friday that Mexico City’s
government remove a life- size bronze statue of Azerbaijan’s former
president that provoked a storm of criticism after it was installed on
the capital’s main boulevard, AP reports.

The Stalinesque statue of the late Geidar Aliyev was erected by the
Azerbaijani Embassy, which paid for the renovation of part of the city
park where it sits and other public works totaling about $5 million.
Aliyev has been criticized for repressing opponents and critics.

The commission of three writers and analysts appointed by the city
government said authorities erred by accepting money to allow a
foreign government to essentially decide which political figures or
historic events should be commemorated in the capital’s public spaces.

The city government’s press office said authorities hadn’t made a
decision yet on whether to follow the commission’s recommendation.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard was somewhat evasive, saying, “We are going to
review it carefully … and we will reply.”

“If the statue is removed, this will surely lead to deterioration of
relations between Azerbaijan and Mexico. The investments will be cut.
The most extreme
measure will be closing of the embassy,” Mukharov said.

He said that if a better place for the statue is offered, Azerbaijan
may agree. “So far we are acting on the legal basis, for the
agreement on placement of the statue on the Reforma boulevard was
signed by the federal government, the city authorities and the
embassy,” he said. As for the investments in Mexico, the ambassador
said Azerbaijan invests in implementation of a range of projects in
the sphere of energy, alternative energy, water supply and
construction.

Real Eurasian Option
Igor Muradyan

Politics – Friday, 23 November 2012, 19:37

Russia has faced the Eurasian idea as an option since it set to oust
nomads from the Great Plains and perhaps earlier Russia had faced the
necessity to choose a capital – Vilnius, Kazan or Moscow.

Although, the Eurasian option has never been limited to geopolitics
but also political and ideological problems. Those who view the
Eurasian idea as a somewhat simplified scheme of problem solving are
doomed to a funny marginal status. The bid is higher than some
supporters of the Eurasian people had thought. The choice is not made
at the sacral corners of Eurasia although the `corners’ hold an
important position in the general arrangement of the game.

The Eurasian choice and actual aspect indicates the choice of Russia
and is not related to metaphysical Eurasia but to the world actors –
with whom and in what role to be, with China or the Atlantics or both.

The Americans do not worry about the Russian-Chinese relations which
are wavy and diverse and cannot achieve sufficient completeness and
credibility because there will always be serious disagreement and
earlier inherited Barack Obama’s administration and has a constant
supra-party importance for politics and national interests of the
United States.

Currently, the United States and their Euro-Atlantic partners are
interested in Russia, as well as the CSTO. No doubt the Euro-Atlantic
community would like to attract the CSTO to its side and then absorb
it fully. Will CSTO be subject to the Atlantic alliance or will they
set up a partnership which will depend on the CSTO? Should they enter
into a confrontation with China or continue to boost the potential of
Shanghai Cooperation Organization? Or the question is a little
different or fully different, namely observance of the balance in
relations.

By the way, for such a selection of options Russia needs the status of
a subject in Eurasia. It is difficult to plan a long-term policy in
the framework of metaphysical and real Eurasia without this verified
and legitimate status. In addition, two Eurasias will replace one
another from time to time.

In any case, even after withdrawal of the coalition troops from
Afghanistan (which has not been confirmed yet) the role of the Black
Sea and Caspian-Central Asian regions will be retained in the U.S. and
NATO strategy and geopolitics. In addition, different states of the
region will be involved in this foreign policy.

One way or another, Turkey cannot be listed among the actors of this
strategy with such unreliable and suspicious behavior of this country
which has cornered a lot of politicians and policy makers of the
United States, Europe and NATO. The United States and NATO will
certainly accept any service function from Turkey but not partnership
with Turkey.

Different attempts to equalize and put Turket and Russia on the same
level in textual insinuations of the U.S. and European political
scientists have nothing to do with the reality. Despite decades of
partnership with the Atlantic alliance, Turkey cannot be considered
for the role which Russia can currently take on, namely NATO’s
strategic rival.

A lot has changed. Turkey is a rival to NATO and the United States.
Russia is a potential ally. All the others are on the verge of foul
and meaningless talks. The future global community depends
considerably on what kind of cooperation Russia will choose in
Eurasia, that is the Eurasian option it will choose.

The role and importance of Iran is outlining here. It is facing a
choice. The game’s importance is growing, the solution and agreement
on principles is not close, and there is time for all the participants
of the Eurasian and Near Eastern policy, even the smallest states,
should take the initiative.

March 2008 post-electoral events in new Armenian history book

tert.am
21:30 – 24.11.12

Photo by Photolur

A new Armenian history textbook designed for university students has
provoked heated debates in the social networks due to a chapter
relating to the March 1-2, 2008 post-electoral clashes in capital
Yerevan.

The book written by Dean of the Yerevan State University’s History
Department, Edik Minasyan, was published earlier this year.

`Violently rejecting the election results, the radical wing of the
opposition launched a series of rallies in Yerevan on February 20,
ignoring the procedures of law in an atmosphere of permissiveness …
Serzh Sargsyan, who had won the election, made a call for cooperation
to the other challengers on February 26,’ says the author.
Minasyan then notes that `the radical opposition continued its mass
protest. The unsanctioned rallies eventually destabilized the
situation across the country in just 10 days. The statements by
different NGOs, art critics and scholars, and the Armenian catholicos
were met with contempt by the co-thinkers of [first president] Levon
Ter-Petrosyan who had taken a radical stance in the existing
environment of distrust. ‘

Minasyan took liberties with words and phrasings expressing his
personal evaluation of the events

In comments to Tert.am, Lyudmila Sargsyan of the opposition Armenian
National Congress faction in parliament described the author’s
wordings as an attempt to act against his own conscience.

`If people try to misrepresent the reality and write history, we will
not be able to bring up a generation. That means there is no truth in
this country at all,’ said the opposition lawmaker.

`If this concerned the remote past, many might believe. But such a
representation of a tragedy which happened in our times and which was
provoked by the tyrannical regime … I don’t think such a person has a
right to be a dean, let alone communicate with the younger
generation,’ Sargsyan said.

Gurgen Yeghiazaryan, another representative of the opposition
alliance, was also critical of Minasyan’s description of the above
events. `What happened was an evil deed. A barefaced villain, who
considers himself a scholar, ignores the historical reality and facts
concerning the March 2008 developments and communicate favored by the
authorities to his students,’ he said, adding that he is ready to meet
the author anywhere to discuss the topic.

The mass protests which followed the February 2008 presidential
election lasted about ten days and ended in clashes between the
opposition co-thinkers and the police, leaving ten people dead and
scores of others injured in Armenia’s capital.

David Babayan: Stepanakert airport’s virtual flights will be followed
by real ones

18:58 23/11/2012 » INTERVIEWS

Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov has stated that
`under the circumstances, the operation of Stepanakert airport would
cause tension between the sides,’ stressing that the problem should be
resolved in diplomatic way, on the basis of the previous experience.

Panorama.am held an interview with Artsakh President’s spokesperson
David Babayan about the operation of Stepanakert airport and some
other issues.

– Mr Babayan, how would you comment on the Russian Co-Chair’s
statement? What did he mean by it?

– The Russian Co-Chair established the current situation – the
strained bilateral relations. But these tensions are artificially
caused by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan’s hysteria is nothing new, and it
will continue. In this respect Mr Popov said nothing new.

– There are different impressions of the Co-Chair’s statement. After
all, what solution do you see to the situation regarding the operation
of the airport?

– Whatever is said about it, all the same, the airport will be put
into operation. We should not forget that the Co-Chairs had stated
earlier that they reject any threat or use of force against civil
aircraft, which means that they share our approaches.

The Co-Chairs shared our approach that this is not a politicized
process, this is not a political measure, this facility has a
humanitarian and economic significance. And here they repeated what we
say. One should not be emotional about it. Let’s try to understand
what is really taking place.

– Will the airport’s operation cause additional tension?

– Azerbaijan is constantly creating an occasion to cause tension, and
the airport’s operation is just another occasion for Azerbaijan to
raise hysteria. Indeed, the tension was caused by the extradition,
heroization and pardon of the axe-murderer. The Azerbaijani side had
better think about it.

– When do you plan to put the airport into operation?

– Now only small technical issues remain to be solved. Currently
virtual flights are being operated via a computer program. Nearly 800
such flights have been implemented, to be followed by technical
flights. We need not hurry because, I reiterate, if we hurry, it would
mean that we politicize this process.

– Mr Babayan, what new approaches are there in the negotiation
process, what was discussed during the NKR President’s last meeting
with the Co-Chairs?

– The Karabakh side offered to take actions to ease tensions and
create confidence between the sides. In particular, we try to reach an
agreement on observation of ceasefire on both sides even if on
holidays because, as a rule, ceasefire violations intensify in such
days.

Source: Panorama.am

Complete Biography of Garegin Njdeh Published in Yerevan

Azad-Hye special

Title: Njdeh
Author: Rafael Hambartsumyan
Price: $55 USD
Publisher: Nakhijevan Press, 2007
520 pages; hardcover
In Armenian.
To order: contact the author at: [email protected]

[image: Garegin Njedh]
Historian and political activist Rafael Hambardzoumian is the author of
the complete biography of Garegin Njdeh (Garegin Nzhdeh, Karekin, Njdeh).

This is the first time that such a large scale attempt has been made to
gather all material related to the national hero, thinker, philosopher and
military leader Garegin Njdeh (Garegin Ter Harutiunian), who has played a
crucial role in the formation and preservation of the Armenian statehood.

Garegin Njdeh was a prominent Armenian military commander who led an
anti-Bolshevik uprising in the southeastern province of Syunik in 1921,
proclaiming there the Republic of Mountainous Armenia (RMA) and
spoiling the Bolsheviks’ plans to surrender the region, part of historical
Armenian lands, to neighboring Azerbaijan. After months of fierce battles
with the Red Army, the RMA had to capitulate in July 1921 following Soviet
Russia’s promises to keep the mountainous region part of Soviet Armenia.
After losing the battle Garegin Njdeh, his soldiers and many prominent
Armenian intellectuals, including leaders of the first independent Armenian
Republic, crossed the border into neighboring Persia.

Garegin Njdeh was arrested by Soviet troops in Bulgaria in 1945 and
executed for his “anti-Soviet activities,” including the alleged
collaboration with Nazi Germany. His ashes were moved to Armenia 20 years
ago from the Russian City of Vladimir. Prime minister Margarian’s
Republican party says its ideology is based on Garegin Njdeh’s teaching
that has some nationalistic elements.
During Soviet times it was not possible to deal with the legacy of
personalities like Njdeh. The independence of Armenia brought new and much
needed opportunity to analyze Njdeh’s works. Rafael Hambardzoumyan pays
special attention to the numerous letters, essays and articles written by
Njdeh during the period of his captivity in Soviet jails.

It is worth mentioning the crucial role that Njdeh played during the
Karakilis
(Garakilise) war against the invading Turkish forces in 1918. The author
gives a complete account on Njdeh’s participation in many battles against
the Turks in locations such as Van, Kars, Ararad, Veti, Avshar,
Yegheknavan, etc. He has also played an important role in suppressing the
rebellion of the Tatar (Azeri) population in 1919 in the newly established
Armenian Republic.

A special section in the book describes the significance of the Republic
of Mountainous Armenia which was established by Garegin Njdeh in the
mountainous area of Zangezur (Southern Armenia) after the collapse of the 2
years old Republic of Armenia (1918-1920). The Republic of Mountainous
Armenia (known also as Lernahayastan) has been instrumental in keeping
Zangezur under Armenian control, thus preventing the annexation of that
part of Armenia to invading Azerbaijan, with the result of securing the
Armenian borders with Iran (a fact that is important even today during the
blockage of Turkey and the instable situation in Georgia). Another
importance role of the RMA was to provide exit to the withdrawing Armenian
army, intellectuals and political figures after the February 2001 revolt
against the Soviet rule.

The work of Hambardzoumyan is highly appreciated. It gives an opportunity
to evaluate the life and activities of the national hero Garegin Njdeh. For
the first time it is mentioned that the ideology developed by Njdeh
(Tseghakron
and Taronakan movements) stem directly from the old Armenian doctrines
related to the forefather of the Armenians Haik Nahapet, preserved
through acts like the “Mamikonian Vow”, which was a kind of oath
developed during the Armenian Golden Age (Vosketar). Njdeh has provided
the modern version of that national movement. The ideological basis of this
thought has emerged from a combination of patriotism and the Christian
faith.

[image: Complete Biography of Njdeh]By examining numerous documents and
printed sources Hambardzoumyan highlighted the patriotic role of Njdeh in
dealing with the advanced Nazi German forces during a very critical time.
He continued to play important role even after surrendering to the Soviet
authorities. During 11 years of captivity, though subject to physical
threats and pressures he remained uncompromised on his positions and even
envisaged regaining Western Armenian land at a time when Soviet Army was
planning to intervene in Turkey immediately after the WWII.
The author of the book underlines the political and strategic genius of
Garegin Njdeh as one of the most prominent figures of international
strategic and ideological thought in the first half of the 20th century.

Azad-Hye thanks Historian Rafael Hambarzoumyan for this valuable
contribution.

Details of the book:
“Garegin Njdeh: Amboghjakan kensagrowt’iwn” (Garegin Nzhdeh: The Complete
Boigraphy)
Yerevan: Nakhijevan Press, 2007.
520 pages.
21×15 cm.
Hard. ISBN 99930-860-8-8
500 copies.
Price: $55.00.
Weight: 0.9 kg.
In Armenian.

Previous publications by Historian Rafael Hambardzoumyan on the same
subject:
– “Garegin Nzhdeh [Njdeh], Brief biography, sayings and biographical notes”
(“Garegin Nzhdeh [Njdeh]: Hamarot Kensagrakan, Asoytner Ew
Kensataregrutiwn”, January 2003, 209 pages, Nakhijevan Press

– “Garegin Nzhdeh [Njdeh]: Kensagrakan Hawelumner, Antip Grutiwnner u
Khorhrdatsutiwnner” (“Garegin Nzhdeh [Njdeh]: Biographical additions,
unpublished writings and thoughts”), January 2005, 498 pages, Nakhijevan
Press.

To order,you can reach Historian Rafael Hambardzoumyan at:
[email protected]
——————————
“Haverji Oughin” (The Path of the Eternal): film on Garegin Njdeh
If you would like to display in your community “Haverji Oughin” (The
Path of the Eternal) film on Garegin Njdeh, please complete the request
form and send
it to this e-mail to receive a free copy.
The film is made by Arthur Babyan and Armen Tevanian and its mass
production is sponsored by Vahe Hagopian.
For more information you are invited to contact Arthur Babyan at this
e-mail .
——————————
Quotations from Garegin Nzhdeh (1886-1957). Translated by Ara Baliozian

1. The morally depraved can also voice noble principles.
2. Life is constant and endless renewal. Only the morally irresponsible
refuse to understand this.
3. Without renewal, a nation dies every hour, every minute. Our political
parties either don’t understand this or they have no desire to understand
it.
4. A nation that fails to do what it can and must do has no right to expect
foreign assistance.
5. Nations that are unwilling to defend their own interests condemn
themselves to death.
6. When dealing with foreign powers and issues, our press adopts a
permissive, forgiving, and subservient tone. With our own internal
problems, however, it becomes arrogant, vindictive, vicious.
7. Life is endless renewal. Where there is no renewal there will be
spiritual paralysis and a slow death.
8. It is the height of ignorance for a political party to think that it can
deny the value of morality in its own conduct and maintain moral integrity
within its ranks.
9. To struggle in defense of what is right is not a calamity but a blessing.
10. Undermining the morality of a nation amounts to undermining its
strength.
——————————
Garegin Nzhdeh in Armeniapedia.org

Garegin Njdeh (Nzhdeh; Armenian: Ô³Õ¡Ö=80Õ¥Õ£Õ«Õ¶ Õ=86ÕªÕ¤Õ¥Õ°, real name: Garegin
Ter-Harutiunian, 1 January 1886 – late 1955) was an Armenian statesman,
military, and political thinker, native of Nakhchivan. A member of the
Dashnak party, he was involved in revolutionary activities in Armenia,
Bulgaria and Russia.

In 1912, together with General Andranik Ozanian he formed an Armenian
battalion to fight against the Turks in the Balkan war. Later, moving back
to Armenia, Njdeh commanded different military units. He played a key role
in organizing the defense of Karakilis (today Vanadzor) in 1918. A
convinced Anti-Bolshevik, he led the defense of Zangezur in 1921. The
movement was marked with the expulsion of region’s local Azeri minority.

Following the declaration of independence of Republic of the Mountainous
Armenia from Soviet Armenia, he was proclaimed Prime-Minister and Minister
of Defense. He fled Armenia after the triumph of Bolsheviks, and was
involved in patriotic activities in Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria and United
States.

He visited the United States and Canada, encouraging Armenian communities
that had established themselves there, and founding an Armenian Youth
movement called Tseghakron (Armenian: Õ`Õ¥Õ²Õ¡Õ¯Ö=80Õ¸Õ¶). In 1933, this movement led
to the foundation of the Armenian Youth Federation, the youth organization
of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Interfax, Russia
Nov 23 2012

Armenia afraid of Karabakh’s consideration at UN – Azeri diplomat

BAKU. Nov 23

Azeri Special Ambassador Yashar Aliyev believes Armenia is afraid of
considering the Nagorno-Karabakh issue within the UN framework.

“We declare that the UN is becoming a place posing great danger to the
Armenians. In this connection, they are sparing no effort to prevent
the Armenian-Azeri conflict’s consideration within the framework of
this organization,” Aliyev told journalist on Friday.

“The Armenians fear that, as a result of Azerbaijan’s all-embracing
activity in this organization, the official Baku’s influence is
growing day to day,” he said.

Aliyev insisted that, sooner or later, Azerbaijan will attain its goal
concerning Nagorno-Karabakh.

va