Author: nina hovnanian

ARMENIA’S FORMER FM IS SOLID IN HIS ROLE – RULING PARTY OFFICIAL

news.am
October 19, 2012 | 13:33

YEREVAN. – The US ambassador’s statement, with respect to The Civilitas
Foundation founder, former FM, and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) MP
Vartan Oskanian’s money laundering, only increased the suspicions. Why
Japan’s or China’s ambassadors did not make and statements?, ruling
Republican Party (RPA) National Assembly Faction leader Galust Sahakyan
said during a press conference on Friday.

“Was Oskanian the only one in Armenia? They should have given 200
dollars to somebody else, too, and told [him(inlove) ‘go and do charity
work!’ If Oskanian is able to prove his innocence, I will apologize
to him, [but if] he cannot [prove his innocence], the corresponding
effects will ensue,” Sahakyan stressed.

Also, Galust Sahakyan is of the view that it is highly unlikely that
second President Robert Kocharyan, PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan, and
Vartan Oskanian will run for next year’s presidential elections. “I
saw no aspirations from Gagik Tsarukyan to assume office and become
president. I didn’t see it in Oskanian even more so. He didn’t have
it with any policy during his tenure [as FM]. He just played the role
of the FM. He was alienated from domestic politics. He is solid in his
role, which doesn’t mean [, however, that] he could become a president,
or a poet,” the RPA National Assembly Faction leader added.

EXPERT: AZERI OFFICIALS USE COUNTRY’S MILITARY BUDGET FOR OWN BENEFIT

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 – 17:02 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Azerbaijan’s statements on boosting the military
budget are not true to fact, Armenian political analyst said.

Sargis Asatryan linked Azeri military budget boost to money laundering
processes, adding that Azeri officials use country’s military budget
for own benefit.

“Baku is likely to weaken its positions in the future, given the
estimates forecasting Azeri oil depletion in the 20 years to come,”
the expert said.

Dwelling on the possible military clash between Azerbaijan and
Turkmenistan, Mr. Asatryan ruled out hostilities in the near future.

ARMENIAN NPP TO EXTEND TERM OF OPERATIONS BY 10 YEARS

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 – 17:04 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The governments of Armenia and U.S. have signed a
memorandum of understanding related to energy sector. Armenian side
was represented by Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan; Ambassador bJohn
Heffern signed the document on the U.S. side

According to the envoy, the document proves the parties’ readiness to
cooperate in all aspects of energy sector. “The safety of Metsamor
Nuclear Power Plant being among the key issues in the memorandum,
the U.S., jointly with the government of Armenia is taking every
effort to provide its secure operations,” Mr. Heffern stressed.

According to Mr. Movsisyan, the government resolved to prolong Metsamor
NPP’s term of operation by 10 more years, considering that construction
of a new energy block will take the same time. As he further noted,
the program implementation is currently being discussed.

“Though adhering to international community’s position of extending
the NPP’s term of operation till 2016, the U.S. is ready to assist
in safe operation of the NPP if a relevant resolution is reached,” Mr.
Heffern said.

ARMENIA TO PARTICIPATE IN WOMEN’S WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 – 17:13 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia’s Elina Danileyan, Lilit Lazarian and Tatev
Abrahamyan (U.S.) will participate in Women’s World Chess Championship,
to be held on November 10- December 2 in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia.

The tournament will be played as a 64 player knockout type. Each
pairing consists of two games, one with white and one with black. The
winner advances. In case of a tie, tiebreaks are played the next day.

The final consists of four games at classical time control, followed
by four rapid games.

The world champion will then defend her title in the Women’s World
Chess Championship 2013, a ten game match against Hou Yifan, winner
of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2011-2012.

AZERBAIJAN PURCHASED 9 HELICOPTERS LAST YEAR – UN

News.Az
Thu 18 October 2012 09:14 GMT | 10:14 Local Time

The countries of the South Caucasus purchased new aviation facilities,
missile and artillery complexes within the armament programs in 2011.

APA reports quoting the UN Register of Conventional Arms that in
comparison with previous years, the reports on the purchase and sale
of weapons of very few countries in 2011 was made public.

According to reports, in 2011, Azerbaijan purchased 9 helicopters,
Armenia 7 missiles and Georgia 200 howitzers of 122 mm.

It was noted that Georgia purchased artillery from Bulgaria, no
information was given about the partners of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

‘GAMAVOR’ STORY STIRS NORTH ANDOVER CROWD

Armenian Weekly
October 18, 2012

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.-Hourig Papazian-Sahagian has the perfect formula
for success.

As the linchpin for a musical ensemble called, “The Way We Were,”
she feels enamored by nostalgia, especially if the storyline is meant
to enhance the Armenian heritage.

The cast from ‘The Gamavor Story’ entertains at St. Gregory Church in
North Andover. (Violet Dagdigian photo) She’ll be the first to tell
you that what we need as Armenians are better and more provocative
ways of reliving the past.

History was retold in a most unique way during a recent product of
“The Hye Legion: The Gamavor Story,” staged at St. Gregory Church
before 100 guests representing three generations.

The event was sponsored by the Ladies’ Guild and took place inside
Jaffarian Hall with an elaborate setting and authentic period
costumes. Had this been an Off-Broadway production, it would have
fit the mood perfectly.

In essence, we had a history lesson adapted to music and script,
conceived by an 80-something cultural guru who keeps defying the
ravages of time with her timeless productions.

“You can take the teacher out of the classroom but not the classroom
out of the teacher,” said the former executive director of the
Prelacy’s Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC). “My troupe
loved learning about the gamavor history as I loved teaching it along
with the songs.”

The story is based on the concept Papazian-Sahagian adapted as
director/playwright. It recounts true-to-life stories of daring
search-and-rescue missions by Armenian-American volunteers (gamavors,
in Armenian) during the genocide years of 1915-23.

At that time, an alarm sounded throughout the United States, calling
for selfless volunteers to answer a call for help in their ravaged
land. Many returned to the Turkish killing fields, only to suffer
the ultimate sacrifice.

While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance,
it also features a dozen songs, many of which were familiar to viewers.

“The Merrimack Valley is replete with gamavors who left the comfort and
security of their homes to serve in battle,” said Sossy Jeknavorian,
chairwoman of the Ladies’ Guild. “Several people in the audience
could relate to that era. Although the production carried a strong
message about hope and survival, it was also meant to entertain and
inspire. People were singing along with the songs and applauding
loudly.”

Papazian-Sahagian was presented with a bouquet of flowers after
taking a bow as a cast of 35 reached out. The ensemble made its way
from the Mid-Atlantic region, where it is based, returning the same
day in what made for a long day.

Members represent a cross-section of over three generations, born and
raised in the United States. “They derive their inspiration from the
enduring soul of the survivors, who are their cultural and spiritual
mentors,” added Papazian-Sahagian. “The story must take its place in
the pages of human history as a brilliant display of extraordinary
courage.”

Among those who were impressed was Steven Mahlebjian, whose sister
Lynn portrayed Soseh, the fedayee (freedom-fighter) girl.

“I never knew about the gamavor history,” he said. “It just continues
to underscore the passion and dedication of our people. The patriotic
songs bring back memories of those I used to sing during my AYF days,
and really brought tears to my eyes. It’s so nice to see a cultural
event that is both educational and entertaining.”

One lyrical nutmeg happened to be an arrangement of “Haratch Nahadag”
composed by Maestro Parsegh Ganachian solely for the Gamavor Movement.

Other songs like “Dalvorig” and “Giligia” captured their own
spotlights.

This marked the second appearance by the troupe to Merrimack Valley,
having staged “Hello Ellis Island” two years ago at this same church.

ENVIRONMENTALIST: GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATION AT MADAN BURIAL SITE

arminfo
Thursday, October 18, 00:19

The Government of Armenia is responsible for the emergency situation
at the Madan burial site near Alaverdi town, Head of EcoLur NGO Inga
Zarafyan told ArmInfo.

To recall, the official website of the Armenian Ministry of Emergency
Situations reports that on October 17, at 6:43 pm the Ministry
received a signal that as a result of an emergency situation the toxic
substances started penetrating into the river Debed. The rescuers of
Alaverdi town arrived at the scene. By the instruction of the Nature
Protection Minister, the employees of the Environmental Inspectorate
also came to the scene. The concrete containers with the arsenic
were conserved during the Soviet times, however, 30 years later the
constructions gradually started decaying.

Zarafyan said that according to the effective legislation, the ore
mining companies bear no responsibility for their infrastructure. She
recalled that despite the experts’ protests, the Armenian Parliament
adopted a new Code on Natural Resources, which lifted from the
companies the responsibility for the tailing dumps, waste dumps and
other ore mining waste.

There are 19 tailing dumps in Armenia, with some of them regarded by
environmentalists as dangerous. “Due to our Natural Resources Code, our
companies and government pay nothing to keep them safe,” Zarafyan said.

TURKISH MINISTER’S OFFENSIVE REMARKS AGAINST EU ARE NORMAL – ARMENIAN TURKOLOGIST

news.am
October 18, 2012 | 01:46

YEREVAN. – In recent years, a very bad opinion has formed in Turkey
with regards to the European Union (EU) and the number of those who
are against EU is increasing in the country, Yerevan State University
Faculty of Oriental Studies Deputy Dean, turkologist Ruben Melkonyan
told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

According to him, in line with the results of an annual survey
conducted in Turkey, the number of those who want for their country to
become an EU member is dropping and this is forty percent, at present.

“It is natural that, wishing to satisfy its own people, the Turkish
government is allowing for unpleasant expressions addressed at the EU,”
the turkologist noted.

In Melkonyan’s view, such demeanor by the Turkish officials is also
linked with the developments unrolling in the Middle East. “The very
same Europe has given empowerment to Turkey and, by taking advantage
of [its] monopoly in some matters, it allows itself to insult the
European civilization. All this ought to raise Europe’s vigilance,”
Ruben Melkonyan stressed.

To note, Turkey’s Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan had stated that
the EU is the world’s most insincere organization.

RUBEN SAFRASTYAN: ESTABLISHMENT OF CEASEFIRE IN SYRIA HARDLY POSSIBLE
Nvard Davtyan

“Radiolur”
18:06 18.10.2012

The proposal of the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria to establish
ceasefire ahead of Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha is hard to implement,
Director of the Oriental Studies Institute of the Armenian National
Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan says. According to him, the main
problem lies in the lack of unity among the opposition forces. How
should the authorities act in this situation? Which are the possible
developments in the light of the envoy’s proposal and new EU sanctions
against Syria?

Ruben Safrastyan describes the proposal to establish ceasefire ahead
of the holiday of Eid al-Adha as “a simple game.”

As foreign media have reported, the opposition will agree to the
ceasefire, if the authorities make the first step. Safrastyan
considers that the establishment of armistice is hardly possible,
first of all because of lack of unity inside the opposition. There
is no common leadership, there are separate groups financed by
different countries. “If the authorities see that the opposition is
not taking joint actions, they will not make the first step, either,”
Safrastyan said.

Ruben Safrastyan says the proposal to deploy peacekeepers in Syria
is interesting. He is inclined to think, however, that it won’t be
accepted either by the authorities or the opposition. According to him,
both have overpassed threshold of possible compromises.

Director of the Oriental Studies Institute considers that the European
Union’s new package of sanctions cannot have a serious influence on
the settlement of the crisis, either. The new restrictions, of course,
are aimed to weaken the powers of the authorities. He notes, however,
that “according to the data of intelligence services and think tanks,
Syria still has a huge potential to continue the struggle against
the rebels.”

Safrastyan says Turkey’s entry into Syria is quite possible. This
can be seen from the Turkish policy towards that country, he said.

“It will be first of all directed against the Kurdish organizations
functioning in Syria. Turkey will thus try to solve an issue of
geopolitical importance. By striking a blow to Syria Turkey will try
to get rid of Syria as a geopolitical factor in the region. Second,
Turkey will thus try to win the positive attitude of the West. With
its attack Turkey will be attempting to shift the balance in favor
of the opposition,” Safrastyan said.

There is also a fourth factor connected with the Armenian community
of Aleppo. According to some data, Turkey is trying to stir chaos
among Armenians and make them leave the country. Thus, it will get
rid of Aleppo, an important religious, cultural and political center
comprised of people, whose ancestors escaped the Genocide.

Safrastyan does not predict large-scale military actions. Ankara’s
penetration will be restricted to the border regions, he says. The
expert believes these actions of Turkey will earn the support of the
West, but will not be welcomed inside the country. According to him,
a strong opposition has been formed in the political and public
circles of Turkey, which can affect the government’s decision to
enter or not to enter Syria.

TURKISH PROF: GROUNDING OF ARMENIAN PLANE LEGAL BUT HOSTILE ACT

hetq
16:13, October 17, 2012

Assistant Prof. Volkan Gunel, an expert on international law from
Istanbul’s Ozyegin University, has stated that the forced grounding of
an Air Armenian passenger plane en route to Syria on October 15 may be
legal from an international law perspective, but that it still
constitutes a “hostile act”.

“There are no examples of such conduct in practice. Civilian planes do
not get ‘pulled over’ like this. The Convention on International Civil
Aviation has very strict rules. [Forcing] a plane to land is a hostile
act that is extremely inimical to [established] practice,” Assist.

Prof. Gunel said, adding that interrupting with the flow of civilian
aviation would also have negative repercussions for a country in the
long term as well.

Bound for Aleppo, the plane took off from Armenia at 11:30 and bore a
cargo of some 1,500 plastic bottles of sunflower seed oil, 1,500
plastic bottles of vegetable oil, 3,000 boxes of jam, 1,500 boxes of
peas, 1,500 boxes of caviar, 1,500 packages of rice, 1,500 kilograms
of sugar, 3,000 kilograms of cereals and 1,500 kilograms of pasta,
this according to a Bianet new item.