Author: Toneyan Mark

PRE-ELECTION CHALLENGES CORPORATION
Hakob Badalyan
Lragir.am
13 april 06
When politics is mixed with economy, the outcome is neither economy
nor politics. This magnificently simple formula was given by the
minister of defense on April 11, commenting on the Russian-Armenian
agreement on gas and thereof the sale of the fifth generating unit of
the Thermal Power Plant of Hrazdan to Gasprom. They say other things
were sold as well, but first let us try to find out if the outcome
of the sale of the fifth generating unit was economics or politics.
A recent news release of the news agency Regnum on the decision
of the Armenian government informed that before the sale the fifth
generating unit was transferred from the balance of the Ministry of
Energy to the Ministry of Defense which was going to sign a contract
of sale with either Gasprom or the legal entity founded by Gasprom
in Armenia. And the proceeds from the sale of the fifth generating
unit, 248 million dollars, would embark the balance of the Ministry
of Defense. Of course, under the decision of the same government, 188
million dollars out of this money will be paid to Armrusgasard within
three years to subsidize gas consumed by the population and industry.
The other 60 million will be transferred to the state budget, again
within three years.
If the money is to go to the state budget finally, why did the Ministry
of Defense sell the fifth generating unit and not the Ministry of
Energy? And why is the money first transferred to the ministry and
only then to the necessary targets. This money “voyage” seems not
to obey any economic rule. It does not mean, however, that it has
a political logic. If apparently it is not economy, and we will say
it is not politics not to politicize, what is it then? Does it mean
that what was mixed with economy in the deal was not politics, or
what was mixed with politics was not economy, or something else was
mixed with economy and politics, or yet this something was covered
with economy or politics?
Since the deal and its details are kept in an atmosphere of secrecy,
and the defense minister promises to explain the charm of the sale
of the fifth generating unit later, we have to look for answers to
these questions all by ourselves, tracking facts and statements.
Under these circumstances the fact of selling the energy plant via
the Ministry of Defense causes surprise. It is surprising, for the
Ministry of Defense had not interfered with the sale of any of the
objects of the energy sector of Armenia that were also sold or given
to Russia. It is true, of course, that the defense minister is also
the co-chair of the Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission,
but he was the co-chair of this commission when the distribution
networks were given to Russia to repay the debt of Armenia, and the
Ministry of Defense did not interfere.
It is also rather interesting that till the agreement on gas the
co-chair of the intergovernmental commission and the minister of
defense displayed no public activity with regard to gas. Certainly,
instead of words and forecasts he preferred to tackle the danger
threatening the people of Armenia, in other words, he was busy with
real work while the other government officials were making indefinite
allegations. We were rather late to learn, however, that the defense
minister was working. He announced March 22 that he had extended
proposals to Gasprom which were accepted and the population was
saved from a social aftershock. In early April it became known what
proposals had been mentioned and what the price of salvation of people
had been. The joy for salvation was so great that people forgot to
ask if the defense minister alone had realized that selling the fifth
generating unit would relieve people’s state for three years, if the
Russians agreed to buy the generating unit from the defense minister
only or if only the generating unit. For Gasprom officially published
that it would buy other objects of the energy sector of Armenia,
and the minister of defense announced there would be interesting
developments with regard to the Iran-Armenia pipeline.
So there is no need to cause problems with anti-Russian moods now and
have to overcome them later, announced Serge Sargsyan. He announced
that the anti-Russian groups did not have any influence, all they could
do was to make a noise. If they do not have influence, how are they
supposed to cause problems. It means they have influence, nevertheless.
Besides, there is a noteworthy nuance, which had a rather typical and
revealing role in the entire odyssey about gas, however. The defense
minister voiced the criticism against anti-Russian groups when John
Danilovich, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge
Corporation, was visiting Armenia. Through the latter the U.S.
government is going to allocate 235 million dollars to Armenia, which
is characterized as a carte blanche to President Robert Kocharyan
on some conditions, of course. But one man’s meat is another man’s
poison. This is life.
Another nuance is interesting, which is also important. Earlier when
the president of Armenia visited Russia to settle the question of gas
with Putin, it was announced that the problem of gas would be settled
in mid-February. Surprisingly, however, the problem was solved much
later. The deal of 248 million dollars was signed in early April, a
week after the agreement on 235 million dollars signed in Washington,
which means that within only three years more money will be transferred
to the balance of the defense ministry (outside its budget) than the
money that will come from America within 5 years.

MINISTER OF DEFENCE MEETS NATO SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
April 11 2006
On april 10, Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Safar
Abiyev met with Robert Simons, the NATO Secretary General’s special
representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Minister Abiyev said Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with NATO
successfully fulfilling its obligations under the Individual
Partnership Action Plan (IPAP).
He noted Azerbaijan’s aim is to integrate into European security
structures, but the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
prevents Azerbaijan-NATO relations from developing.
Robert Simons said Azerbaijan-NATO relations have big prospects and
IPAP would give an impetus to the improvement of Azerbaijan’s defence.
Speaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Mr. Simons said NATO espouses
peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Safar Abiyev also noted Armenia has been violating all international
norms.
“The international community should press Armenia on this dispute.
Azerbaijan will itself restore its territorial integrity if the
problem is not peacefully solved”, Mr. Abiyev added.
They also discussed the military-plitical situation in the South
Caucasus as well as prospects of Azerbaijan-NATO relations and
participation of Azerbaijan in peacemaking operations.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/10/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) US Suggests New Proposals for Settling Karabagh Issue 2) Karabagh Asks Azerbaijan to Maintain Ceasefire 3) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference Concludes in Antelias 4) Aznavour Hails New Paris-Yerevan Flights; Visits Monasteries in Tavush 5) Morgenthau's Memoirs Published for First Time in Turkey 6) First Part of Russian Material to Be Withdrawn in May 1) US Suggests New Proposals for Settling Karabagh Issue BAKU (Armenpress)--The United States has suggested new proposals to continue the Prague process of the Karabagh conflict regulation, said Azeri Foreign Minister, Elmar Mamedyarov. He said that the proposals are interesting. Azeri officials will analyze the new proposals and give their opinion when Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk group co-chairman Steven Mann visits Baku. Mamedyarov also said that a recent decision to promote US-Azeri relations has been made, in accordance with Azeri national interests. 2) Karabagh Asks Azerbaijan to Maintain Ceasefire STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)--The Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) Foreign Ministry expressed its concern last week over frequent ceasefire violations along the contact line between the Armenian and Azeri armed forces. The statement blamed the incidents on increasingly hostile statements made by top Azeri government officials. The statement said that the ceasefire violations have increased casualties along the contract line, led to mutual distrust, and could possibly escalate tensions in the Karabagh conflict zone, threatening the stability in the entire region. "The Nagorno Karabagh republic confirms its adherence only to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, as well as its readiness to implement the sides' open-ended obligations to maintain the cease-fire, which is confirmed by the 6 February 1995 agreement signed between the defense ministers of the Nagorno-Karabagh, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. We call on the two other parties that signed the agreement, namely Azerbaijan and Armenia, to join our initiative. "We hope that through joint efforts and with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and other international mediators and interested sides, it will be possible to confirm our adherence to the agreement and implement the mechanisms it indicates in order to localize incidents on the armed forces' contact line," the statement said. MKR confirmed its position that along with the strict observance of the ceasefire, other preconditions for a peaceful solution are a peace process that involves all the parties to the conflict, confidence-building, strengthening of democracy, and respect for human rights. 3) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference Concludes in Antelias The Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference, which began Thursday in the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, concluded its sessions Saturday. The official closing ceremony of the conference was held on Palm Sunday, under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I, who also delivered his Pontifical speech on this occasion. The conference was initiated by the Writers' Union of Armenia in cooperation with the Assembly of Lebanese-Armenian Writers. It was held under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I. More than 300 Armenian writers from Armenia, Karabagh, Lebanon, the Middle East, Europe, Northern and Southern America, Canada and Australia gathered in Antelias, Lebanon to participate in the conference. Thursday's sessions were dedicated to, "Modern Children's Literature and National Schools." Eduard Milidonian from Armenia and Krikor Shahinian from Lebanon gave two expert presentations about this topic. The next session was dedicated to proposals about the Fourth Pan-Armenian Writer's Conference. Under the chairmanship of Norayr Atalian from Armenia and Markar Sharabkhian from Canada the participant Armenian writers made various proposals about the importance of contact between Armenian writers around the world. The idea of establishing a website for this purpose was proposed. Other suggestions were made on the organization of the printing press. The ninth session was dedicated to the concerns and difficulties of Armenian writers. Seiran Krikorian from Armenia and Jirayr Tanielian from Lebanon chaired the session, during which various suggestions were made about coordinating intellectual activities in Armenia and the diaspora. The conference also included a performance of "I Veh Partsants" and "Cilicia" by the Seminary Choir and an exhibition of books published in Armenia. 4) Aznavour Hails New Paris-Yerevan Flights; Visits Monasteries in Tavush YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--Charles Aznavour, the famous French singer of Armenian descent, was in Armenia Monday to inaugurate new regular flights between Yerevan and Paris by Air France, one of the world's biggest airlines. Aznavour was among 39 French officials, business executives and other dignitaries who arrived in the Armenian capital on Saturday on the flagship French carrier's first-ever flight to the South Caucasus. "I feel happy attending any event that strengthens Armenian-French friendship," he said during the official presentation of the new flight service at the French embassy in Yerevan. The 75-year-old crooner, who has a square named after him in the city center, took the opportunity to again emphasize his Armenian heritage. "I am 100 percent Armenian by heart, by soul and by family language," he told reporters in French. On Sunday, Aznavour visited the Armenian region of Tavush, where he was welcomed by the local governor and the head of Gugarats diocese of the Church. Aznavour visited two medieval monasteries in the region-Goshavank and Haghartsin, and was welcomed by local residents. Aznavour also met with President Robert Kocharian, telling him that he has decided to visit Armenia "at least a couple of times a year." "I am happy to see that life is moving forward in the country," Kocharian's office quoted him as saying. Air France will fly to Armenia three times a week in addition to two weekly Yerevan-Paris flights that have long been carried out by the Armavia national carrier. A senior company executive, Etienne Rachou, said the launch of the new flight service is part of a broader Air France strategy of boosting its passenger traffic in Central and Eastern Europe by 10 percent. "And in this development of Eastern Europe Armenia is naturally findings its place now," Rachou told a news conference. The French ambassador in Yerevan, Henry Cuny, said the Air France flights will testify to the "strengthening of political relations between France and Armenia." "The presence of Air France underscores Armenia's rapprochement with Europe," he said. "It is also an appeal addressed to new French investors." Air France is the fourth major Western airline to operate flights to Armenia. The three other carriers are Austrian Airlines, British Airways and Germany's Lufthansa. They are believed to mainly cater for passengers traveling between the United States and Armenia. 5) Morgenthau's Memoirs Published for First Time in Turkey Ragip Zarakolu, owner of Belge Publishing House, recently published Henry Morgenthau's memoirs of his term as US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian genocide. This is the first time his memoirs have been published in Turkey. Zarakolu is notorious in Turkey for publishing books deemed subversive by the Turkish authorities. Because of his work, Zarakolu spent three years in prison in the 1970's. His wife also spent several years in prison. Belge Publishing House has published countless books about the Armenian genocide, including Franz Werfel's Forty Days in Musa Dagh, Tessa Hoffman's Talaat Pasha Trials in Berlin, and Peter Balakian's Black Dog of the Fate. When Zarakolu was acquitted of charges against him for publishing a book by Vahakn Dadrian, the possibility of more free discussion about the Armenian genocide in Turkey increased. Since then he has withstood a constant barrage of criminal charges, further imprisonment, confiscation and destruction of books, the bombing of his publishing house, and heavy government fines and taxes. His publishing house has endured more than 40 criminal indictments. 6) First Part of Russian Material to Be Withdrawn in May TBILISI (Prime-News/OSCE)--The first train loaded with military equipment from Russian military bases will be removed from Georgia in mid-May. "According to the negotiated plan, the train will be loaded with armored vehicles of the 62nd military base of Akhalkalaki," reported Interfax, quoting Vladimer Quparadze, Deputy Commander of Group of Russian Forces in South Caucasus. According to him, Valeri Evnevich, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russian Land Forces has arrived in Georgia to negotiate the details of base withdrawal from Georgia with the representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. The bases are being dismantled under an agreement signed last week between Russia and Georgia on the temporary functioning and withdrawal of Russian military bases and other military facilities deployed in Georgia. Under the agreement, Russia would complete the withdrawal of the military base in Akhalkalaki by 2007, and finalize the closure of the military base in Batumi by 2008. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, has welcomed the agreement between the two countries. "This agreement marks significant progress in the talks between the Russian Federation and Georgia, and is a way forward in the establishment of good neighborly relations between the two countries," said Minister De Gucht. "It also contributes to enhanced confidence among the countries of the region," he added. "The Chairmanship remains ready to promote OSCE assistance in support of the implementation of the agreement, should this be requested by the Russian and Georgian Governments." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

STARTING TODAY NEW GAS FEES ARE TO BE IMPLEMENTED
ArmRadio.am
10.04.2006 17:55
Starting today gas consumers will pay 65 drams per one cubic meter
of gas instead of the current 59 drams. Those who consume more than
10 000 cubic meters will pay US$94.5 instead of the current US$79.1.
Head of the Information Department of “Hayrusgazard” Company Shushan
Sardaryan informs that today and tomorrow the Company will make an
inventory of the volume of gas consumed to collect the corresponding
fees.
Starting April 1 the Company pays US$110 per 1 000 cubic meters of
gas imported to Armenia from Russia. According to Shushan Sardaryan,
the damage of the Company in the period between April 1-10 totaled
US$700 million.

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MAKES WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE ON TVO’S HUMAN EDGE
Canada NewsWire
April 10, 2006 Monday 8:00 AM Eastern Time
TORONTO April 10
On Wednesday April 12 at 10 pm, TVO’s acclaimed Human Edge will present
the world premiere of The Armenian Genocide. Written, produced,
and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Goldberg, this
fascinating point-of-view documentary explores what many believe to be
the first genocide of the 20th century. Between 1915 and 1923 over a
million Armenians perished under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. In the
hour-long film, Goldberg speaks with Armenian, Turkish, and American
scholars and historians to shed light on the historical events that
precipitated the genocide, and why the Turkish government of today
continues to deny such events ever occurred. The film also features
Kurdish and Turkish citizens in present-day Turkey who openly share
stories told to them by their parents and grandparents.
To facilitate further understanding of this hotly-debated subject,
the documentary will be preceded at 8 pm on the night of broadcast by a
panel discussion on TVO’s Studio 2. The current affairs show’s regular
international affairs panel of Janice Stein, director of the Munk
Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto; Globe and Mail
editor, Patrick Martin; and Toronto Star columnist Richard Gwyn will
help to place the Armenian genocide into context. Viewers will also be
able to follow the Studio 2 discussion online at
As of April 7, viewers will also be able to register in our online
discussion board at to express their views,
as well as access links to other relevant websites.
Now in its 17th successful season, Human Edge is TVO’s acclaimed
series of challenging, provocative, point-of-view documentaries from
around the world. Hosted by award-winning writer and broadcaster Ian
Brown, Human Edge provides viewers with windows into complex or touchy
subjects that make up the human experience to expand their horizons
and foster healthy debate. Executive producer is Rudy Buttignol.

NATIOANAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER OF FRANCE AND RA AMBASSADOR PLANT ABRICOT-TREE BROUGHT FROM ARMENIA IN PARK OF ARMENIA OPENED IN CITY OF EVREUX, NORMANDY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 10 2006
PARIS, APRIL 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A solemn ceremony
dedicated to the French-Armenian friendship took place in the city
of Evreux, Normandy, on April 7: the park of Armenia opened in the
central park of the city where Jean-Louis Debre, the National Assembly
Speaker of France and Edvard Nalbandian, the RA Ambassador in Paris
planted an abricot-tree brought from Armenia specially for that
purpose. Making a speech at the solemn ceremony organized on that
occasion, the NA Speaker of France touched upon the centuries-old
traditions of the Armenian-French friendship, emphasizing that at
present relations of Armenia and France are of brotherly character,
the birght evidence of what is the Year of Armenia to be organized
in France. The RA Ambassador mentioned in his speech that the planted
abricot-tree symbolizes in the best way the Armenian-French relations
with roots striken in the French land and having fruit with an Armenian
name. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press
and Information Department, during the private conversation before
the event, NA Speaker of France Jean-Louis Debre and Ambassador of
Armenia Edvard Nalbandian discussed current issues concerning the
Armenian-French relations.

Armenpress
ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT AND WORLD BANK SIGN AGREEMENT ON
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT
YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Finance and
Economy Minister Vartan Khachatrian and World Bank
Resident Representative Roger Robinson have inked
today an agreement whereby the World Bank will release
a credit to Armenia for a Renewable Energy Project.
The total amount of the project is US$25.050
million, including a US$5 million International
Development Association (IDA) credit, and a US$3
million grant from the Global Environment Facility
(GEF). The project will also be supported by
co-financing of US$7 million from EBRD, US$3 million
from the Cafesjian Family Foundation, and US$7.050
million from the government and local financial
institutions This project will assist the government
to increase privately owned and operated power
generation utilizing renewable energy and to reduce
greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) emissions by
overcoming barriers to the development of renewable
energy.
IDA and grant funds will be channeled through the
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, which
will provide finance to private investors through a
financial intermediary. By the time of completion, the
project is expected to contribute to the development
of about 80MW of additional renewable energy
generation capacity, adding 200GWh annual renewable
generation to the electricity generation mix. In
addition, carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be
lowered by around 130,000 tons annually. The Credit
will be made to Armenia on standard IDA terms,
including 40 years maturity and a 10-year grace
period.
Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in
1993, the commitments to Armenia total approximately
US $921 million for 42 operations.
Send instant messages to your online friends

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE AMBASSADOR OF CYPRUS VISITS ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I received the Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, Mr. Nikos
Panayi on April 5. Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, the primate of the Diocese
of Cyprus, also attended the meeting.
His Holiness and the Ambassador exchanged viewpoints on various topics
including the parliamentary elections to be held in Cyprus next month, the
discussions around solutions to the Cyprus issue, Turkey’s EU bid, issues
related to the cooperation between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the
Greek Church of Cyprus, as well the ongoing political dialogue in Lebanon.
The Pontiff stressed the importance of Cyprus for the Armenian Church and
nations both in a spiritual and cultural sense, and in terms of human
rights. He emphasized the importance of the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide and the just solution of the Cyprus issue to both nations and said
it was essential for the two churches and nations to establish closer
cooperation in this respect.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PREPARATORY WORK ON INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY AUTO INSURANCE IN
ARMENIA TO START IN 2007
YEREVAN, APRIL 7, NOYAN TAPAN. It is envisged to start in 2007 the
preparatory work on introduction of compulsory auto insurance – civil
liability of the owners of transport means with respect to third
persons – in Armenia. Levon Mamikonian, Director General of Cascade
Insurance CJSC, told NT correspondent about it. According to him, this
practice is common in many countries, thanks to which in particular
the expenses to compensate for the harm caused to health of those who
suffered as a result of a car accident are transferred from the budget
to the private sector. Besides, in a number of countries, the state
insures some groups of state employees and their civil liability by
using budget resources (state compulsory insurance). L. Mimikonian
said that the work on introduction of various types of compulsory
insurance first of all presupposes improving the financial stability
of insurance companies, enhancement of their technical capacities and
transparency of their activities.
Starting January 1, 2008, the authorized capital of an insurance
company must make at least 500 mln drams (about 1.1 mln USD). It was
noted that prior to the introduction of compulsory auto insurance, a
body to regulate the process of insurance claims should be set up, as
it is expected that after auto insurance is made compulsory, the
number of road accident registerted will increase 2-3fold. According
to L. Mamikonian, the development of the insurance market in many CIS
countries is conditioned by the introduction of compulsory insurance
services. By making use of compulsory insurance services and receiving
compensations, people started to understand the necessity and
advantage of insurance, after which various types of voluntary
insurance also began to produce results. For example, 37 types of
compulsory insurance are used in Russia. A few years ago they
accounted for 75% of insurance payments on the Russian insurance
market. L. Mamikonian noted that out of 22 licensed Armenian insurance
companies, only 10-12 are operating actively. An average annul growth
of 30% was registered on the insurance service market over the last
3-4 years, although recently the growth has slowed down. In 2003, the
market volume made 4 mln USD, in 2004 – 7 mln USD, while in 2005 –
7.5-8 mln USD (according to preliminary data).

PRESS RELEASE
The Heritage Party
7 Vazgen Sargsian Street
Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 58.08.77, 52.22.38
Fax: (+374 – 10) 54.38.97
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:
April 7, 2006
HERITAGE PARTY HOLDS EMERGENCY CONFERENCE
Yerevan–The Heritage Party today convened a special meeting of members and
supporters at the auditorium of the Writers’ Union of Armenia. Throughout
the event, the party faithful analyzed the latest political developments and
deliberated on future courses of action.
The conference opened with Hasmik Harutiunian’s rendition of Armenia’s
national anthem, “Mer Hairenik.”
Heritage’s political secretary Vardan Khachatrian welcomed the capacity
audience with opening remarks. “We are determined to fight until victory,
and our collective resolve will prevail despite the repression and political
persecutions by the ruling administration,” he said.
Raffi K. Hovannisian, chairman of the Heritage Party, was then invited to
take the floor. In a powerful keynote address, he explored recent political
developments and proposed measures toward resolving the adverse effects of
the myopic domestic and foreign policies of the sitting presidency.
Making an assessment of current realities, Hovannisian revealed the “theater
of the absurd” which has come to grip the country’s social and political
life. “The real perpetrators are accusing the innocent, the politically
purchased are preaching ethics, and patriotism is once more being tainted by
criminal hands,” he said. Convinced that the divide of estrangement between
the people and the rulers of the day further deepened following the
outrageously falsified constitutional “referendum” last November,
Hovannisian asserted that the incumbent ruling clique, which “has turned our
Homeland into their bonanza,” is no longer capable of perceiving
contemporary challenges and surmounting them with strategic leadership and
in the national interest.
Raffi Hovannisian concluded with his and the Heritage Party’s common vision
for the Motherland, a future incompatible with the terrible truths currently
reigning within all spheres of national life. “The parochial maintenance of
petty power cannot remain the defining line of our identity, our
civilization, and our statesmanship,” he noted, calling for a determined
struggle to restore our nationwide unity, civic society, public trust, and
the conduct of free, fair, and dignified elections.
In his talk, Academician Rafael Ghazarian made an appeal to tolerate no
longer the immorality and perversion of the ruling circles. Brute force must
be met by popular strength, he maintained. “That strength is the body
politic which must stand firm against the infringements of the criminal
gang. That strength is in rediscovering our past unity.”
Also noteworthy were interventions by renowned actors Vladimir Abajian and
Yervand Manarian, Heritage board member Anahit Bakhshian, head of the party’
s Vanadzor division Garnik Sahakian, former Goris mayor Samvel Harutiunian,
and many others who called upon the public to unite and bring the country
out of the current crisis. They also drew attention to the fact that
democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are an imperative for Armenia.
In the collective view of Heritage Party members, the main obstacle standing
in the way of the country’s democratic progress is the ineffective domestic
and external policy of the current administration. And the way out of this
predicament, in their firm belief, is the rapid formation of new and
legitimate authorities.
In his closing remarks, Raffi Hovannisian underscored yet again that
“temporary obstacles cannot and must not block the party’s way, which today
continues its national quest with even greater responsibility and pride.”
Founded in 2002, Heritage has regional divisions throughout the land. Its
central headquarters are located at 7 Vazgen Sargsian Street, Yerevan
375010, Armenia, with telephone contact at (374-10) 580.877, fax at (374-10)
543.897, and email at [email protected]