Author: nina hovnanian

TEST OF WILL?: NKR ANNOUNCES OPENING OF AIRPORT AS ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN TENSIONS REMAIN HIGH
By John Hughes

ArmeniaNow
Karabakh | 27.09.12 | 13:11

Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh are now saying that the self-declared
republic’s airport – which has already been a flashpoint of regional
tension and controversy – will open “next week”.

The announcement has dominated Armenian media since Wednesday, when
the head of civil aviation in the internationally-unrecognized NKR
Government stated that flights will begin, and that the airport just
outside capital Stepanakert will serve 100 passengers per hour with
flights on “Artsakh Air”.

The airport was first predicted to open nearly two years ago, drawing
immediate anger from Azerbaijan officials, who said any flights in
“occupied” airspace would be viewed as provocation, and subject to
being shot down. For more than a year, opening of the airport has
been delayed “for technical reasons”.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan – a native Karabakhi – responded
to threats in March 2011, by saying that he would be the first
passenger to fly out of the airport, underscoring his confidence in
safe operation from the troubled territory which has been under cease
fire since 1994.

As recently as July of this year, Baku restated its right to shoot
down aircraft over Karabakh, which covers some 7,000 square kilometers
of land viewed by Azeris as still belonging to them.

When the OSCE Minsk Group stated in July that opening the airport
would be seen as a means of strengthening the potential for peace
between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the director of Azerbaijan’s State
Civil Aviation Administration Arif Mammadov reiterated the earlier
statements on downing planes.

“This is the right of the Azerbaijani side, according to the law on
aviation. Whether this right will be implemented or not, it is for
the government to decide,” Mammadov said.

The apparent decision to now begin operating commercial flights out
of Karabakh comes as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have
piqued since last month. Hungary extradited an Azeri army officer,
Ramil Safarov, who had brutally killed an Armenian officer in Budapest.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev immediately pardoned the killer, promoted
him from lieutenant to major, paid him a salary equivalent to the 8
years he had been in jail in Hungary, and gave him an apartment.

The action drew international condemnation against Azerbaijan, and
was widely viewed by political analysts as proof that the warring
nations – Armenia is Christian, Azerbaijan is Muslim – are too far
apart in any meaningful way for reconciliation to be expected.

Since the “Safarov Affair”, a peace settlement seems more distant than
at any time in the protracted conflict. It is likely that international
attention and concern will focus on the tiny airport should there,
indeed, be planes flying “soon” as announced by head of the NKR Civil
Aviation Dmitry Adbashyan.

ARMENIAN PM DENIES LINKS WITH BUFFALO MEAT IMPORTERS

/ARKA/
September 27, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, September 27. / ARKA /. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sarkisian denied today any connection with imports of Indian buffalo
meat and called on political parties to stop linking his name to
this business.

“Well-known political forces are trying to discredit me, linking
my name to the import of buffalo meat from India. I do not have any
connection with buffalo meat importing companies. I have no friends
in them, neither relatives nor other people connected with me,
” the prime minister said at a Cabinet session.

The prime minister asked Abram Bakhchagulian, head of Food Safety
Service, to pr vide information about the companies importing buffalo
meat. According to Bakhchagulian, in 2011 six companies brought in
10,300 tons of buffalo meat. The largest importer was Alex Group
accounting for over 61 percent.

In the first nine months of this year 5000 tons were imported. The
largest importer was Parkev Company accounting for 34.23%.

Bakhchagulian said meat imports are handled by companies with at
least 10 year experience in running meat factories. Bakhchagulian
said no violations were detected over the last two years.

In 2010 the government of Armenia approved a special procedure for
import of buffalo meat from India. A year earlier a working group was
set up by the prime minister to address the issue and several Armenian
delegations visited meat factories in India to be dissatisfied with
their sanitary conditions. The delegations came to the conclusion
that Armenia should purchase meat only from five Indian companies.

In order to ensure full control over this process, the government has
appointed a specialist to work in India in collaboration with these
companies and give permissions to Armenian companies to buy meat.

Buffalo meat from India is used in Armenia for production of sausages.

In line with the government decision, only those Indian companies which
have at least ten years experience, have their own slaughterhouse,
processing plants and freezing facilities meeting world standards
can export meat to Armenia.

SOLDIER KILLED BY AZERBAIJANI SNIPER AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY BY KARABAKH PRESIDENT

news.am
September 27, 2012 | 13:28

STEPANAKERT.- President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan
signed a decree to award posthumously NKR Defense Army soldier killed
by the Azerbaijani sniper.

Private Vaghinak Baghdasaryan was awarded for bravery shown during
the defense of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic state border.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, Vaghinak Baghdasaryan
(born in 1993) was fatally wounded by an adversary bullet on the
frontline on Tuesday.

A criminal case was instigated on Article 104, part 2, 13 – murder
out of motives of national, race or religious hate or fanatism and
an investigation is underway.

I TOTALLY RESPECT ARMENIANS’ RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR POSITION AND ANGER – EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER

NEWS.AM
September 27, 2012 | 14:11

YEREVAN. – I totally respect the Armenians’ right to express their
position and anger in connection with Ramil Safarov’s pardon and
glorification, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European
Neighbourhood Policy tefan Fule stated Thursday responding to
Armenian journalists’ questions.

The European diplomat added that he deeply regrets the damage which
Safarov’s pardon and glorification has caused to the Nagorno-Karabakh
peace process.

“Value-based interrelations are important for us, [and] at the same
time I call for restraint between words and actions,” Fule noted.

He also urged to focus the efforts on establishing peace and stability,
since it is solely in this case that Armenia can fulfill its enormous
potential.

Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier that Ramil Safarov, a lieutenant
in the Azerbaijani military, was extradited on August 31 from Hungary,
where he was serving a life sentence–and with no expression of
either regret or remorse–for the premeditated axe murder of Armenian
lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan, in his sleep, during a NATO Partnership
for Peace program in Budapest back in 2004.

As expected, Ramil Safarov’s return to Baku was welcomed, as was
his act of murder, by the officials of president Ilham Aliyev’s
government and much of Azerbaijani society, and the Azerbaijani
president immediately granted him a pardon.

And Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan announced on August 31 that
Armenia is suspending its diplomatic ties with Hungary.

Ramil Safarov’s pardoning is condemned by virtually all international
organizations.

KARABAKH PRESIDENT AWARDS POSTHUMOUSLY ARMENIAN SOLDIER

TERT.AM
27.09.12

On 26 September Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan signed a decree
on awarding posthumously NKR Defence Army machine-gunner, private
Vaghinak Baghdasaryan for bravery shown during the defense of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic state border with the “For Service in Battle”
medal, press office of the NKR president reported.

Being on battle position Vaghinak A. Baghdasaryan (born in 1993),
got a gunshot wound and died on the spot on September 25. The fire
was reportedly opened by the enemy.

In a statement, Armenia’s Ministry of Defense has expressed condolences
to the family of Vaghinak A. Baghdasaryan. The Ministry has called
for Azerbaijan’s full responsibility for the incident.

“It was a very heavy loss for us. With such steps, the enemy
contributes to an increased tension on the borderline,” the statement
ran.

BERMAN URGES CLINTON TO SUSPEND AZERBAIJAN FROM NATO PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Rep. Howard Berman

The Ranking Democrat on Foreign Affairs Committee urges Clinton to
End US Arms Sales to Azerbaijan

VALLEY VILLAGE, Calif.~WRep. Rep. Howard L. Berman, the top Democrat on
the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote Secretary of State Clinton
today and called for Azerbaijan~Rs suspension from the NATO Partnership
for Peace Program and ending arms sales to Azerbaijan. Berman wrote
the letter following the recent pardoning of Azerbaijani axe-murderer
Ramil Safarov and his promotion to the rank of major in the Azerbaijani
military.

Berman is facing a re-election campaign this year against Rep. Brad
Sherman. The two will face off at a debate on Saturday at 6 p.m. at
Ferrahian High School~Rs Avetissian Hall. The debate is organized by
the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.

The letter follows:

Dear Madam Secretary,

The recent pardoning by President Aliyev of the Azerbaijani
axe-murderer Ramil Safarov ~W and his promotion to the rank of major
in the Azerbaijani military ~W was indeed appalling. Aliyev~Rs action
makes a mockery of justice and shows contempt for NATO and its members,
as well as for NATO~Rs Partnership for Peace (PfP) program and all
states that participate in it. The State Department appropriately
issued a strong condemnation of Azerbaijan~Rs pardon. In my view,
however, the abhorrent nature of this pardon, as well as the gruesome
nature of the original crime and the context in which it occurred,
demands something more. It demands a strong and meaningful response.

Accordingly, in light of the fact that this unprovoked and horrific
murder occurred at a PfP event, I urge you to arrange for a joint
protest to President Aiyev by all members of NATO. Second, I urge
that NATO suspend Azerbaijan from all participation in PfP events
unless and until Aliyev rescinds the pardon and promotion and
re-incarcerates the killer, or returns him to Hungary, to serve
the remainder of his life sentence. Further, I strongly encourage
you immediately to halt all military assistance and arms transfers
to Azerbaijan. President Aliyev~Rs action, in its callous disregard
for Armenian life, obliterates any near-term hopes for building trust
between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It thus undermines attempts to foster
peace in the volatile Caucasus region. It likewise serves to remind
us that a peaceful resolution regarding Nagorno Karabakh must provide
adequate security safeguards against Azerbaijani aggression.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, U.S. Congressman Howard L. Berman

Editor~Rs Note: Berman is facing a re-election campaign this year
against Rep. Brad Sherman. The two will face off at a debate hosted
by the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region. on
Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ferrahian High School~Rs Avetissian Hall.

ARMENIANS CALL ON TURKISH JOURNALIST TO RETURN CHURCH

27.09.12

Members of the Armenian community in Turkey have called on journalist
and Haberturk daily Editor-in-Chief Fatih Altaylı to return a church
in Van he inherited from his grandfather, after Van’s Directorate of
Cultural Affairs inquired as to the owner of the historic church,
known as “Seven Churches,” in the village of Yukarı Bakraclı,
during a restoration project, Today’s Zaman.

Stating that the church had belonged to his grandfather, Altaylı
commented: “No one has asked me anything on the matter. I would give
any necessary authorization [to the state]. If the state asked me to
sell it, I’d sell it. What am I going to do with a church?” He also
added that he does not have sufficient financial resources to restore
and maintain the church privately.

Altaylı’s ownership of the ruined Armenian church has sparked a debate
in social media, particularly among Armenians and liberals. Activist
Hayko Bagdat, who started a campaign over social media calling on
Altaylı to return the church, told Today’s Zaman,

“Because Altaylı is a known figure in society he can provide a window
of opportunity to discuss what happened to the properties of Armenians
who are no longer [living in the region].”

Bagdat was critical of Altaylı’s remarks regarding the sale of the
church, stating, “Whose church are you selling to whom?” He called
on the public to examine how the property of Armenians who left these
lands in the past has been redistributed.

Garo Paylan, an activist working for an Armenian civil society
organization, told Today’s Zaman that there are 2,000 Armenian churches
left in Turkey today, with 1,500 of them in villages and small
towns and badly in need of restoration. “The Seven Churches, which
is now owned by Altaylı, is one of the rare, historical churches in
relatively good shape,” stated Paylan, adding, “None of the original
owners of these properties are alive.”

Describing the news of Altaylı’s ownership of an Armenian church
as a “striking example and tool to make us talk about the transfer
of properties in Anatolia, which is hardly talked about in Turkey,”
Paylan hopes to raise awareness among the public on the transfer of
Armenian properties without the consent of the original owners.

Referring to the TaÅ~_oran Armenian Church in Malatya, now owned by the
state, Paylan said: “No foundation able to inherit is left for this
church. No one can claim it, despite the government’s step [towards
returning the properties of minorities]. But if the state wants to,
it can be returned to the Patriarchy, or other Armenian institutions.”

Bagdat noted that a campaign to collect signatures calling on Altaylı
to return the church has been initiated.

PIT BULL ATTACKS TWO WOMEN CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES IN ARMENIA

news.am
September 27, 2012 | 21:47

ARARAT. – A pit bull terrier attacked on two women, Ruzan and Raisa
Grigoryans, in Norabats village in Armenia’s Ararat Region. As a
result, the victims were hospitalized with serious injuries.

44-year-old woman’s condition is serious, while her 29-year-old
daughter-in-law is in satisfactory condition, Doctor Nikolay Dallakyan
told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

As the village community head Galust Galstyan claimed, the dog belongs
to the Grigoryans, the victims, and thus the dog attacked its owners.

To note, the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations received an
alarm at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday that a dog has attacked two women
and rescuers were required.

ARMENIA’S PROSECUTOR GENERAL PETITIONS FOR EX-FM’S PROSECUTION

tert.am
27.09.12

Armenia’s Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan has petitioned Armenia’s
parliament for its consent to involving Vartan Oskanian, an MP of the
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), in a criminal investigation conducted
by Armenia’s National Security Service.

Sona Truzyan, Spokesperson for the Prosecutor General’s Office,
informed Tert.am that by presenting a petition the Prosecutor’s
Office does not raise the issue of arrest. Rather, it is a petition
for depriving Vartan Oskanian of his parliamentary immunity.

Talking to Tert.am, PAP Spokesman Tigran Urikhanyan said that the
PAP will make comments after the legal process has begun.

“The party is likely to hold a meeting tomorrow [Friday], whereafter
we will announce our position,” he said.

With respect to political connotations in the whole matter, Urikhanyan
said all the answers will be available on Friday.

OLD HORRORS THAT HARROW THE LIVING: ‘RED DOG HOWLS’ SPEAKS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
BY LINDA WINER

Newsday (New York)
September 25, 2012 Tuesday
ALL EDITIONS

It is hard to imagine a more sensitive production of “Red Dog Howls”
than the one now at the New York Theatre Workshop. With Kathleen
Chalfant as a strong but isolated 91-year-old survivor of the 1915
Armenian genocide, playwright Alexander Dinelaris has the very model
of humane gravitas – her hard bones and hollows can turn mordant, then
loving with all the magic and mystery of a blue-period Picasso woman.

But sincere plays about unfathomable horrors are a daunting challenge,
and this one, for all its sober intentions, has the secondhand quality
of terrible events retold conscientiously.

Director Ken Rus Schmoll divides the playing area into three spaces –
one for the old woman’s surprisingly overdecorated Washington Heights
apartment. The others, far more stark, are for scenes of affection
and strife with a young married couple – tenderly played by Florencia
Lozano and Alfredo Narciso.

He portrays Michael Kiriakos, narrator of this story, a man whose
deep Greek roots and motherless family history are pulled out by what
the old woman finally tells him. When his father died, he was left a
mysterious box of letters he was to burn. The son copies the address
and seeks answers, which the old woman parcels out more parsimoniously
than her Armenian soup. She wants him to get strong. Meanwhile,
Michael’s pregnant wife gets pushed away.

Michael begins with a monologue that tells us, portentously, “There
are sins that cannot be absolved.” The writing is both poetic and
way too pedestrian. “I don’t know who I am, but I am trying to find
out if I can be a man,” says Michael to his incredibly tolerant wife.

According to a note in the program, Dinelaris – whose writing range
includes the ironic gay musical “Zanna Don’t!” and the book for the
new London musical adaptation of “The Bodyguard” – has been working
on this at least since 2007. Clearly, he is haunted by the material,
which is not the same as being able to haunt us.

WHAT “Red Dog Howls”

WHERE New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. Fourth St.

INFO, 212-279-4200, nytw.org

BOTTOM LINE Unbearable horror retold with good intentions