Author: nina hovnanian

Mexico to Remove Bronze Heidar

10:59, 24 November, 2012

YEREVAN: 24 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS: An expert commission of Mexico City
said government should remove the statue of Azerbaijan’s former
president that was recently erected along the city’s main boulevard.
As Armenpress reports, citing the news report of Associated press,
«the bronze, Stalinesque statue of Geidar Aliyev was erected by the
Azerbaijan Embassy, which paid for the renovation of part of the city
park where it sits. Protesters have said they are offended by a
monument to an authoritarian figure like Mr. Aliyev, who led
Azerbaijan first as Communist Party boss during Soviet times and then
as president from 1993 to his death in 2003». Azerbaijan officials
have said yesterday that removal of the statue could affect diplomatic
relations with Mexico.

For installing Aliyev’s monument in Mexico Azerbaijani government has
spent about 5 million dollars on the renovation of Mexican parks.

Earlier the New York Times has reported that when the mayor
inaugurated a pretty little garden fronted by a very large statue at
the edge of the central Chapultepec Park last summer, it seemed
another step forward in his drive to improve the quality of life in
this impossible city.

NaharNet, Lebanon
Nov 23 2012

Berri Cancels Parliamentary Session Set to Welcome Armenian President

by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 November 2012, 09:51

Speaker Nabih Berri cancelled on Friday a parliamentary session
scheduled for next week, during which Armenian President Serzh
Sargysyan was planned to address MPs.

`As several ministers and fellow lawmakers are attending the ceremony
of appointing Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi as a cardinal at the
Vatican, the session on November 27 has been cancelled,’ Berri said in
a statement.

Pope Benedict XVI will appoint on Saturday al-Rahi and five other
non-European prelates as cardinals at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The speaker instead inviting lawmakers to attend a lunch banquet in
honor of Sargysyan in Ain al-Tineh.

He explained that the invitation is `personnel.’

Sargysyan is due to arrive in Lebanon on November 27 on a three-day
official visit.

Sharp differences surfaced recently between the March 14 coalition and
Berri after the opposition accused the speaker of luring it to attend
parliamentary sessions despite vows by the coalition to boycott all
legislative activity.

The alliance rejected attending the session and another one planned to
show solidarity with the Palestinian people against the Israeli
aggression on the Gaza Strip.

The opposition decided to boycott parliamentary activities after the
assassination of Internal Security Forces Information Bureau chief
Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan in October.

The alliance accuses the Syrian regime of being behind the murder and
blames Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s cabinet for covering the crime.

NowLebanon
Nov 23 2012

Berri dismisses call for parliament to receive Armenian president

November 23, 2012

Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker on Friday dismissed his call for a
plenary legislative session to receive Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan during the latter’s upcoming trip to Lebanon.

`Due to the [absence] of several ministers and MPs who are currently
in the Vatican to participate in the ordination of Maronite Patriarch
Bechara Boutros al-Rai as a cardinal, Berri dismissed the call for a
plenary session to receive the president of Armenia,’ a statement
released by Nabih Berri’s office read.

However, Berri invited all the MPs and ministers for a luncheon in
honor of Sargysyan on the same day the session was supposed to be
held.

Parliamentary work in Lebanon has been disrupted since the opposition
March 14 coalition announced that it would cut all ties with the
current government, including meetings held by parliamentary
committees to discuss proposals transferred by the cabinet.

The boycott decision followed the assassination of Lebanon’s Internal
Security Forces intelligence chief Wissam al-Hassan on October 19 in
Beirut’s Ashrafieh.

-NOW Lebanon

Azeri-Press Agency (APA)
November 22, 2012 Thursday

Raffi Hovannisian: “Speaking of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, one should
not use such political terms as occupation”

Victoria Dementeva; “I think that the sides should set aside the
legacy of the past and treat themselves critically”, Leader of the
“Heritage” Party of Armenia Raffi Hovannisian, who attended the
meeting of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties
(ICAPP) in Baku, told journalists, APA reports.

Former Armenian Foreign Minister Hovannisian said that speaking of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, one should not use such political terms as
occupation: “If we base on this term, then it turns out that most of
the Armenian lands are under the occupation of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Therefore, I think the sides should set aside the legacy of the past
and treat themselves critically. Every country has problem with
democracy and of course, there are conflicts.”

The Daily Star (Lebanon)
November 22, 2012 Thursday

Geagea stands firm on boycott

Geagea vowed Wednesday that March 14 coalition would continue its
boycott of Parliament until the “killing machine” stops.

BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea vowed Wednesday that March
14 coalition would continue its boycott of Parliament until the
“killing machine” stops, as Speaker Nabih Berri was quoted as saying
he wanted to see the legislative branch get back to work.

“I think, your excellence, it is time to shout all together: ‘enough
to political assassinations and we will not return to carrying out
routine work from now on until the killing machine has stopped,'”
Geagea, addressing Berri, said during a brief televised appearance.

“Isn’t it a crime to convene Parliament after 25 assassinations of
political [figures] and lawmakers, and isn’t it a crime that six MPs
have fallen victim to such attempts and only two survived?” Geagea
asked.

Without naming Hezbollah, Geagea, a leading figure in the March 14
opposition that has boycotted government’s work, argued it would be
unethical to convene parliamentary committees that included members of
the resistance group.

“Isn’t it a crime for parliamentary committees to convene while its
participants are those affiliated with suspects directly accused of
assassinations?” he asked.

Four members of Hezbollah were indicted by the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon over the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik
Hariri. The group denies any involvement in the case.

Meanwhile, Berri appeared adamant that parliamentary committees be
convened and the work of the legislative branch return to normal.

Earlier Wednesday, the speaker was quoted as saying he would call for
the convening of joint parliamentary committees, including the one
studying a new electoral draft law.

MPs who visited Berri quoted him as saying that “after the visit by
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to Lebanon, he will call for the
joint parliamentary committees to resume studying draft laws on the
agenda.”

During his meeting with the parliamentarians, Berri reiterated that
legislative work should be reactivated in the face of the March 14
boycott of government work.

The opposition’s decision to boycott Parliament in a bid to pressure
Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign came after the assassination of
a top intelligence chief last month.

Last week, Berri called for a parliamentary session for lawmakers to
listen to the Armenian president’s speech this month. The speaker was
also reportedly considering convening another session in solidarity
with the Palestinian in Gaza.

His call for a Parliament session to welcome the Armenian president
drew harsh criticism from opposition lawmakers, who said the speaker
was trying to corner them into abandoning their boycott.

Ali Hamdan, an adviser to Berri, told The Daily Star that the joint
committees studying a new draft electoral law was among those that the
speaker intends to convene.

The work of the committee studying the draft electoral law came to a
halt when March 14 parliamentarians said they received death threats
and were afraid for their lives.

A new law to govern the upcoming 2013 parliamentary polls is a demand
by most of the country’s leaders.

However, disputes over the type of system and the size of districts
have delayed approval of any of the proposals.

Book on Armenian Grand Master Levon Aronyan presented

tert.am
21:47 – 23.11.12

Seda Aronova, mother of the chess-player Levon Aronyan, has written a
book on her son’s childhood and first steps in chess.

The Golden Tulip hotel has hosted a presentation of the book entitled
`Levon Aronyan.’

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan participated in the presentation.

Talking to journalists, Mrs Aronova said that the book is a present to
her son on the occasion of his 30th birthday anniversary.

`I have been looking for a present, but I have not found one better
than this. Since I had articles about my son in newspapers and
magazines, we decided to use them. I wrote about his first steps. But
next year I will present a book about Grand Master Aronyan next year,’
Mrs Aronova said.

She shared her experiences when her son participates in tournaments.
The World Cup was the most impressive.

Levon Aronyan himself noted that he is most impressed by the
descriptions of his family’s experiences in 1990s.

`This book tells you about how you can go through hardships and
succeed. It is also about my mother’s efforts to bring me up,’ he
said.

The chairman of the Armenian Writers Union, who attended the
presentation, noted that the book is unique due to its hero.

`This book must be translated into a number of languages for people to
know about our grand master even better. I think it will find its
place among the books telling about the world stars,’ he said.

Three thousand copies of the book have been released and are not to be
sold. Mrs Aronova said that new editions will be released if the book
finds favor with readers.

Global Insight
November 21, 2012

Peace talks remain elusive as Azerbaijan’s president increases hostile
rhetoric against Armenia

by Lilit Gevorgyan

On 20 November an inflammatory speech attacking Armenia and Armenians
worldwide by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev triggered a sharp
reaction from Yerevan. The speech underlined the lack of improvement
even in rhetoric to allow the negotiating parties to return to peace
talks over the final status of the ethnic-Armenian Nagorno Karabakh
entity. Last week, Aliyev delivered a controversial speech to the
ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party celebratory session to mark its 20th
year. Aliyev was elected in 2003 replacing his father, Soviet era
leader Heydar. Aliyev publicised dozens of inflammatory quotes from an
earlier speech. Armenian officials were quick to respond. The deputy
chairman of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told Agence
France-Presse that “Aliyev shows by his cynical proclamations that
there are still supporters of fascism in the 21st century, and that
this ideology flourishes thanks to leaders like him.”

Significance:Aliyev’s speech is intended for a domestic audience where
the opposition remains greatly marginalized. A nationalist card offers
a useful distraction for the public from the ever-widening wealth gap
and corruption under Aliyev. Having removed all constitutional
constraints on presidential terms, Aliyev is set to run and most
likely win his third presidential term in late 2013. However, his
anti-Armenian rhetoric will undermine Azerbaijan’s international
image, which the president has been trying to improve by investing
billions of dollars in hosting sports and entertainment events. The
latest damaging move comes after Aliyev decided to pardon Ramil
Safarov, an Azerbaijani military officer convicted for life by a
Hungarian court for murdering a fellow Armenian officer at NATO
language course in Budapest. The move not only triggered international
criticism but also effectively halted the peace talks as the Armenian
side argued that the Azerbaijani leadership did not allow any room for
the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. The latest move by Aliyev
will deepen this mistrust and push back further the re-opening of
peace talks.

Economic News (Information Agency Oreanda)
November 22, 2012 Thursday

KAMA Tires Presented at EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA 2012

Yerevan . OREANDA-NEWS . November 22, 2012. Products of the
Nizhnekamsk tire complex of the JSC TATNEFT were presented at the
Anniversary Armenian-Russian Industrial Exhibition EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA
2012″, Yerevan (Armenia), reported the press-centre of TATNEFT.

The exhibition was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Russian
Federation Embassy in the Republic of Armenia and Trade Representation
of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia, Union of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Armenia, Armenian Development
Agency and industry ministries of Armenia. The objectives of the
event, which was held for the fifth time this year, were the
development of economic, scientific, technological, cultural and
political cooperation between Russia and the Republic of Armenia,
establishment and strengthening of relations between the two
countries, as well as development of joint business, trade and
economic relations.

The extensive exhibition, which included 48 exhibition stands of
industrial enterprises from more than 20 regions of Russia and Armenia
were located in the Government House and it was divided in the
following areas: energy, engineering, metallurgy, aviation, transport
and logistics, automotive industry, telecommunications and
communications; banking and insurance companies; agriculture and food
industry.

Innovative products of the tire complex of TATNEFT were presented to
the visitors by the “Varan Group” Company, which is an official dealer
of the “Kama” Trade House in the Armenian market. “Kama” exhibition
stands included products of TATNEFTs tire companies (JSC
“Nizhnekamskshina” and Nizhnekamsk solid steel cord (SSC) tire
factory). The great interest of the event visitors was provoked by the
innovative SSC KAMA tires, as well as new Premium Viatti tires.

The “Kama” stand organizers were awarded an honorary diploma for
participation in the anniversary exhibition, which became an effective
platform for establishing promising contacts for further cooperation.

Rindge Taps Elanjian as `Man of the Year’
by Tom Vartabedian

November 23, 2012

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – George Elanjian, who provided the financial backbone
behind the $6.2 million Armenian Heritage Park project, is basking in
another moment of glory and accomplishment these days.

George Elanjian shares his Man of the Year Award from Rindge Tech with
wife Dottie.
He was named `Man of the Year’ by his alma mater, Rindge Tech, from
where he graduated in 1957.

Close to 350 people turned out at the school’s 55th reunion Nov. 19 to
applaud Elanjian for his community service, sound work ethics, and
ambassadorship to the school, which has never wavered over time. The
school boasts the oldest alumni association in the country, dating
back 116 years.

The tribute came only weeks following the death of his four-month-old
grandchild to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), a tragedy that
rocked the entire Greater Boston Armenian community. Elanjian managed
to keep his composure during an acceptance speech before his peers.

`Unfortunately and tragically, our family is still grieving the loss
of our grandson,’ he said. `My wife Dottie is the glue that has held
our family together through thick and thin.’

On hand to relish the moment were his two daughters, Janine and Loren,
along with some close friends.

In presenting the award, Ted Darling described Elanjian as a graduate
who embodied the true Rindge spirit of `service above self.’

`George has always carried the vision of our school no matter where he
has gone,’ said Darling. `He’s the perfect role model for others who
have attended this school. His work throughout the community and
business world has manifested itself in every facet.’

Among his deeds was chairing the All Gifts Committee, which resulted
in seeing the genocide memorial reach fruition this year at the Rose
Kennedy Greenway. Elanjian helped organized many a fund drive inside
area churches while tapping into all available resources to reach the
goal.

In his acceptance talk, he touched upon his proud Armenian ancestry
and being born to genocide survivors.

`My parents met here and brought other immigrants with them to
discover a new world and opportunity waiting,’ Elanjian said. `They
worked hard and coped with sacrifice. They stressed the importance of
education, church, and culture. I’ve tried to instill those same
values into my children.’

Elanjian was active with the Watertown Armenian Youth Federation
(AYF), played football at Rindge, and belonged to St. Stephen’s
Church, where he and Dottie were among the pillars of the Couples’
Club. He also served on the Board of Trustees.

After high school, Elanjian proceeded to Wentworth Institute of
Technology, where he secured a degree in architectural engineering. He
completed ongoing continuing education courses at Boston Architectural
Center before becoming registered in 1974.

>From 1972-93, Elanjian became principal architect with the firm of JGD
Inc. During that time, he was responsible for the design, bid
documents, and construction administration for Bentley College (now
Bentley University), which featured a 120-acre project worth more than
$100 million, along with a campus development plan of 1.2 million
square feet of new buildings, additions, renovations, and a pedestrian
bridge.

Since 1993, Elanjian has operated his own business called CGE and
Associates. As project architect, he has taken charge of many design
projects, including custom homes, multi-family residential units,
commercial office buildings, restaurants, and most recently, the
preliminary design phase of a 20-acre, $43.25 million housing project
in his hometown of Woburn.

The Elanjians have been blessed with three married children and five
grandchildren, alternating between their home in Woburn and another in
Gloucester.

A number of notable graduates have occupied this honor roll, which
came as a total surprise to Elanjian.

`Attending this school while growing up in Cambridge had a huge impact
in my life,’ he said. `The memories will always remain indelible.’

Democratic party: The alterations offered by Prosperous Armenia Party
(PAP) are senseless, until the problems available in Armenia will not
be eradicated

arminfo
Friday, November 23, 17:13

Everything happening in Armenia is like a storm in a glass of water,
as everybody understands that there will be no rush at the
presidential election, the
leader of the Democratic Party, Aram Sargsyan, said at today’s
press-conference.

“The alterations offered by Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) are
senseless, until the problems available in Armenia will not be
eradicated, in particular, corruption, monopolies, oligopolies, etc.
The changing of the government system offered by the PAP will not
resolve problems which are available in the country today”, – he said.

He also added that the reforms offered by the PAP on transition to the
parliamentary system of government and 100% proportional electoral
system are untimely now, they had to be presented a year before the
parliamentary election.

As for supporting the candidacy of an incumbent President of Armenia,
the leader of the Democratic Party said that if Serzh Sargsyan passes
from words to specific actions and starts resolving problems, in that
case his party will adopt a relevant decision on the matter.