Author: nina hovnanian

HSBC LEFT GEORGIAN MARKET DUE TO UNFRIENDLY ATTITUDE – GAIOZ SANADZE

NEWS.AM
June 29, 2012 | 16:13

HSBC bank’s leaving the Georgian marker is most likely conditioned by
unfriendly attitude of the regulator (central bank) and the Georgian
government, Georgia’s Central Securities Depository General Director
Gaioz Sanadze told Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent.

Sanadze was a participant of the joint discussions on Armenian-Georgian
financial markets being held in Armenia’s Dilijan city.

“They used to work under different conditions, while this time it was
decided to protect the national structure, and not an international
organization which has entered the Georgian market. Probably they were
offended not getting the opportunities and support that is given to
local banks,” he said.

Sanadze considers in any case withdrawal of HSBC had to be an issue
of concern for the Georgian central bank.

After a three-year work in Georgia, HSBC announced it is leaving the
market in 2011. Many Georgian analysts have linked it to the Armenian
origin of one of the owners of HSBC Georgia (30% of the shares owned
by the Armenian Diaspora businessman Vache Manukyan).

AZERBAIJANI FM MISINFORMS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AGAIN

arminfo
Friday, June 29, 15:59

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov misinforms the
international community again. This time the minister decided to
mislead his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Portas.

TREND reports that during a press conference with his Portuguese
counterpart in Baku, Mammadyarov said that “Armenia speculates the
self-determination principle of the peoples, ignoring the rights
of the Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh, who want to live in a part
of Azerbaijan”.

“The self-determination principle does not mean seizing the territory
of another country and in particular, Azerbaijan,” Mammadyarov said
without explaining how the self-determined people of Nagorno-Karabakh
could seize the territory of another state.

No new proposals have been presented to the parties during the Paris
meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers, he said. “We
will continue the negotiation process, but would like to start working
on the final variant of the big peace agreement,” Mammadyarov said.

Mammadyarov added that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen will arrive in
the region in mid-July to continue the negotiations with the parties
to the conflict.

To recall, the OSCE Minsk Group represented by co-chairs from Russia,
the United States and France has been trying to resolve the Karabakh
conflict since 1992.

EDWARD NALBANDIAN: THERE CAN BE NO SETTLEMENT WITHOUT THE PARTICIPATION OF KARABAKH

armradio.am
29.06.2012 14:44

“There can not be a settlement of the Karabakh issue without the
participation of Artsakh,” Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward
Nalbandian said.

Minister Nalbandian reminded that Armenia had declared ahead of the
Kazan Summit a year ago that there could not be any final agreement
over the Basic Principles without the approval of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Even after an agreement over the Basic Principles, it will be
impossible to draft a peace treaty without the participation of
Nagorno-Karabakh,” the Foreign Minister said.

Edward Nalbandian stressed that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
permanently hold consultations with the leadership of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh), as well.

The mediators will visit the region again in about ten days and they
are scheduled to pay a visit to Stepanakert, the Minister informed.

SERZH SARGSYAN’S “AGHDAM”
Hayk Aramyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 14:02:58 – 29/06/2012

Addressing the EPP summit in Brussels, Serzh Sargsyan underlined
that there is no alternative to reasonable concessions in the peace
settlement of the Karabakh issue mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group.

It is not the first time Serzh Sargsyan dwelt on concessions.

Moreover, once, he stated that Aghdam is not our homeland.

Almost the entire political class of Armenia, the opposition
and government, build their attitude to the Karabakh issue on
“compromise”. There are no other ideas or proposals. In Armenia,
compromise is considered a sign of a good political tone and wisdom
but the most important thing is sincere belief. Noting else could
be expected taking into account the quality of the class composed
of conformists, adventurers and political criminals servicing the
criminal-oligarchic system for a long time now.

Judging by leaks, the West is felt likely to accelerate some agreement
on the Karabakh issue to implement different projects in the region.

In the case of Armenia, a “small concession” is required, like the
European Union and U.S. officials hinted, in return for economic
and political projects. Besides, it was hinted to Serzh Sargsyan in
Brussels that they will give no money for the development of Armenia’s
economy unless real reforms are carried out.

Nevertheless, the question if the West insists on “reasonable
concessions” in the Karabakh issue in its programs with Armenia is
still open. In case of radical domestic reforms in Armenia this demand
is doubtless. The Armenian government does not go beyond declarative
statements, makes no specific steps that would force the West to give
an “ultimatum”.

In this sense, it is not ruled out that the “reasonable concession”
is just an attempt of the Armenian power to “compensate” for the lack
of reforms. More, it is not even ruled out that the Karabakh issue may
again become a key factor in home developments to keep the situation
under control ahead of the presidential elections.

But the times of “nimbleness” is past. Armenia needs domestic reform
or we will miss prospects of development being forced to carry out
“reasonable concessions”. No one will invest in a country where the
authorities are ready to do whatever they can to strengthen their
foothold Serzh Sargsyan, addressing the EPP summit in Brussels,
underlined that the peace settlement of the Karabakh issue within the
OSCE Minsk Group based on reasonable concessions has no alternative.

It is not the first time Serzh Sargsyan is dwelling on concessions.

Moreover, once, he stated that Aghdam is not our homeland.

In general, almost the whole political class of Armenia, the opposition
and government, build their attitude towards the Karabakh issue on
“compromises”. There are no other ideas or proposals. In Armenia, the
compromise is considered a sign of a good political tone and wisdom,
but the most important – it is sincere belief. Noting else could
be expected taking into account the quality of the class composed
of conformists, adventurers and political criminals, which has long
become a servant of the criminal-oligarchic system.

But the times for being “nimble” have ended. The home life of Armenia
needs to either reform or we will lose any development prospect being
forced to carry out “reasonable concessions”. No one will invest in
a country where the authorities are ready to do everything they can
to strengthen the criminal-oligarchic positions.

“MY ARMENIA” FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE ALL-ARMENIAN CULTURAL HOLIDAY

ARMENPRESS
28 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS: The number of the participants of “My
Armenia” Pan-Armenian Festival of the Diaspora Ministry exceeds 1300
against the 500-700 participants of the previous years. The solemn
opening of the festival will be held June 29, at 21:00. “Today
a while ago an interdepartmental session of the festival with
participation of all ministries and governor offices wrapped up,”
Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan said, Armenpress reports. She
noted that all ministries and governor offices will support the
festival. Mrs Hakobyan stressed that the goal and the task of the
festival is expansion of Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora ties of cooperation,
preservation of cultural identity, deepening of cultural ties between
young artists. “Dance ensembles, choirs, individual performers, duduk
players from different communities of Diaspora will participate in
the festival,” Samvel Haroyan, head of the festival, said. He informed
that the groups will come up with concert programs not only in Yerevan
but in provinces and Nagorno Karabakh as well. 11 dance groups from
Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey,
Syria, Jordan, Canada and the US will perform. “My Armenia” will be
a cultural holiday in the homeland and will be continuous.

DELEGATION OF ARMENIAN GOVERNORS LEAVES FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH

news.am
June 28, 2012 | 15:54

YEREVAN.- The delegation headed by Vice Prime Minister, Minister of
Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan and governors of Aragatsotn,
Armavir, Shirak, Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Tavush Regions left for the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on Thursday.

The delegation members will meet with NKR President Bako Sahakyan,
Prime Minister Ara Harutunyan and will discuss the issues of
cooperation between the Armenian and Karabakh regions.

The governors will visit Nagorno-Karabakh regions to discuss
cooperation directions and future projects. The arrangements will be
considered by the NKR government.

ARS ANNOUNCES ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Armenian Weekly
June 28, 2012

The Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA, Inc. Board of Regional
Directors extends its hearty congratulations to all the applicants for
devoting their time and effort to the ARS Eastern USA Essay Contest.

The board also sends its continued gratitude to the principals and
teachers for their cooperation in this mutually beneficial educational
effort.

More than 200 students from Armenian schools across the eastern U.S.

participated in the annual essay contest. The ARS Eastern USA sponsors
the annual event for Armenian day and one-day students to encourage
them to think about topics of importance to the Armenian people,
and how issues impact their young lives.

This year’s essay judging committee was comprised of five members
from the Philadelphia “Ani” and “Artemis” ARS Chapters, who were
appointed by the board.

Participating Armenian one-day schools were Mourad Saturday School,
Providence, R.I.; St. Stephen’s Saturday School, Watertown, Mass.;
Taniel Varoujan School, Glenview, Ill.; Nareg Saturday School, New
Jersey; and Zavarian Saturday School, Detroit, Mich.

Participating Armenian day schools were Armenian Sisters’ Academy,
Lexington, Mass.; Armenian Sisters’ Academy, Radnor, Pa.; St.

Stephen’s Elementary School, Watertown, Mass.; and St. Illuminator
Armenian School, New York, NY.

Essay contest winners are awarded Barnes and Noble gift certificates.

Honorable Mention winners are awarded a certificate for their hard work
and participation. Winners also received an ARS Eastern USA mouse pad.

Essay Contest Results

Armenian One Day Schools (Armenian language):

Grades 3, 4, and 5

1st place: Izabella Terzian, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

2nd place: Melineh Momjian, Nareg Saturday School

3rd place: Shirag Berejiklian, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

Honorable Mention: Jaq Nagashyan, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

Grades 6, 7, and 8

1st place: Nayiri Diratsoghlu, Nareg Saturday School

2nd place: Mary Kalsdian, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

3rd place: Sarineh Ashjian, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

Honorable Mention: Lori Samvelian, Nareg Saturday School; George
Donoian, Mourad Saturday School; Datevik Khachadryan, Mourad Saturday
School

Armenian One-Day Schools (English):

Grades 3, 4, and 5

1st place: Raffi Sarafian, Taniel Varoujan School

2nd place: Nora Sorejian, Taniel Varoujan School

3rd place: Simon Sazian, Taniel Varoujan School

Honorable Mention: Areni Artinian, Taniel Varoujan School; Nora
Chopjian, ARS Zavarian Schools; Allison Jacops, ARS Zavarian Schools;
and Orora Kantarjian, St. Stephen’s Saturday School

Grades 6, 7, and 8

1st place: Mgrdich Khdrlarian, Nareg Saturday School

2nd place: Lisa Billeh, Taniel Varoujan School

3rd place: Michelle Halagian, ARS Zavarian Schools

Honorable Mention: Shant Jindoian, Taniel Varoujan School; Nayri
Carman, ARS Zavarian Schools; Nathalie Hardy, Taniel Varoujan
School; Alin Takvorian, Nareg Saturday School; Samantha Paterson,
ARS Zavarian Schools; Violette Dekirmenjian, Taniel Varoujan School;
Alina Sourenian, Taniel Varoujan School

Armenian Everyday Schools (Armenian):

Grades 3, 4, and 5

1st place: Garen Mgrdichian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

2nd place: Arman Movsesian, St. Stephen’s School

3rd place: Nicole Topanian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

Honorable Mention: Simbad Deirmenjian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy;
Simon Pomakian, St. Illuminators School; Ani Kaleshian, Armenian
Sisters’ Academy; Christine Chaghlasian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy;
Sarin Mgrdichian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy; Karina Hananian, Armenian
Sisters’ Academy; Ani Chaghlasian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy; Samvel
Sagherian, St. Stephen’s Elementary School; Nareg Sahagian, St.

Stephen’s Elementary School; Mark Haroutyounian, St. Stephen’s
Elementary School; Nshan Glorigian, Armenian Sisters” Academy

Grades 6, 7, and 8

1st place: Daron Pogharian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

2nd place: Nareg Zarayan, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

3rd place: Alin Streeter, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

Armenian Everyday Schools (English):

Grades 3, 4, and 5

1st place: Antranig Douglas, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

2nd place: Adriana Minasian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

3rd place: Peter Koutoujian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

Honorable Mention: Aleen Karakouzian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

Grades 6, 7, and 8

1st place: Anto Keshkegian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

2nd place: Raphael Yeremian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

3rd place: Adam Torkomian, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

Honorable Mention: Arjirel Lion, Armenian Sisters’ Academy; Brian
Damero, Armenian Sisters’ Academy

FRENCH SOCIALIST MP DRAFTING NEW BILL TO CRIMINALIZE GENOCIDE DENIAL

Genocide | 28.06.12 | 14:24

Valerie Boyer, a pro-Armenian representative of the French National
Assembly, is said to be drafting a new bill penalizing the denial of
the Armenian Genocide.

According to the Turkish news agency Cihan, the re-elected Socialist
lawmaker has promised to submit to the country’s parliament a new
resolution conforming to all constitutional demands.

Boyer’s first bill making public denial of the Armenian Genocide in
France punishable with imprisonment and a fine of ~@45,000 (about
$56,000) was approved by the French Senate in January. A group of
parliamentarians opposing the law later applied to the Constitutional
Council asking it to review the document’s compatibility with
the country’s basic law. The Council eventually declared the law
unconstitutional.

TURKISH EDUCATION MINISTRY DEFENDS A TEXT BOOK THAT INCLUDES SLURS ABOUT ARMENIANS

ARMRADIO.AM
28.06.2012 14:45

The Ministry of Education of Turkey has defended a school text book
that includes slurs about Armenians as well as a number of Turkish
writers, saying the book was “written with the sense of national
reflex and humorous criticism,” the Hurriyet Daily News reports.

Penned by Yunus Zeyrek, the book, titled “Bu Dosyayý Kaldýrýyorum:
Ermeni Meselesi” (“Closing this File: The Armenian Issue”) defines
Armenians as “dishonorable and treacherous” and vilifies novelists
such as Nobel Prize Laureate Orhan Pamuk and writer Elif Þafak.

History and literature teachers distributed the books to students of
their own volition after receiving them.

Education Minister Omer Dincer responded a parliamentary question
proposed by Kadir Gokmen Oðut of the opposition Republican People’s
Party (CHP) about the book, saying “the examples in the book were
written with the sense of national reflex and humorous criticism,”
the Daily News Reports, citing daily Taraf.

Oðut asked whether the ministry had approved the handing out of the
book and also whether the content of the book could be considered as
being a form of hate crime. In his response, Dincer said the Ministry
of Education had never recommended the book. “The Governorship of
Istanbul stated that some of the books were presented to students by
the District Governor of Kartal and that nobody was targeted in any
chapter of the book.”

Dincer had earlier announced that the ministry had launched a probe
against a controversial book distributed by the education directorate
among high schools in Istanbul’s Kartal district

PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV : ‘AZERBAIJANI-RUSSIAN RELATIONS BASED ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DEVELOP IN ALL SPHERES’

TODAY.AZ

28 June 2012

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent congratulatory letter to
participants of Third Russian-Azerbaijani inter-regional forum
“Russia-Azerbaijan dialogue 2012.

The letter reads: “Dear friends!

I warmly welcome you – the participants and guests of the Third
Russian-Azerbaijani inter-regional forum. Noteworthy is that these
forums as a good tradition has become effective platform for discussion
of urgent questions of the bilateral cooperation.

The Azerbaijani-Russian relations based on strategic partnership
develop in all spheres. Deepening of the economic, scientific-technical
and humanitarian relations certainly impact on improvement of welfare
of the citizens of both countries, and have positive influence on
strengthening of historical ties between the two peoples.

Experience of last years prove that forming of favorable trade-economic
and investment environment among the regions of neighboring states
enables to prevent negative results of the global financial crisis
that many world countries are facing. From this standpoint, the
interregional cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan can be a good
example. With great pleasure I would note that currently our Republic
has established direct ties with the most subjects of the Russian
Federation, and signed intergovernmental agreements with some of them.

I am convinced that within the Forum, efficient exchange of
views and discussions will give new impetus to development of
the Azerbaijani-Russian relations, promote deepening of mutual
understanding and cooperation between our countries.

I wish successful and fruitful work to all participants of the Forum.”