Author: Torgomian Varazdat

TITANIC EFFORTS WERE REQUIRED FROM AGHVAN VARDANYAN

Panorama.am
16:54 12/04/2007

This government has fulfilled 90% of the social task, entrusted to
it. Aghvan Vardanyan, Minister of labor and social issues, said during
today press conference, answering the question of our correspondent. In
his words, a number of programs have been overfulfilled, necessary
indices were ensured 5-6 years earlier than the envisaged terms.

In general, the minister considers as years of reforms for the social
sphere the period of his government: dozens of laws and sublegislative
acts proceeding from them, have been adopted; the wages, allowances
have been increased, the unit for involvment in the social security
system has been decreased from 36 to 33. "As compared with 2003 the
minimum wages have increased four times, average wages tripled, the
average size of allowances directed to needy families, have increased
3.5 times", the minister informed.

Though Aghvan Vardanyan did not mention that in parallel with the state
assistance how much have the prices for goods, including foodstuffs,
have increased. The only problem now that makes the minister of labor
and social issues to complain is the low rate of pensions. However
a program has been elaborated for the problem’s solution.

Answering the question to whom should be ascribed the positive
developments in the social sphere, he said what is done is necessary to
divide between "me, you and him". I should say the following. When the
coalition government was forming in 2003, during distribution of the
political posts many evaded from assuming the obligations of the social
block. And the Dashynaktsutyun undertook the responsibility of the
general social fields, adding that the provisions of just their party
were mainly included in the program of the government’s activities.

A. Vardanyan thinks that individuals have also had significance role
in the issue of the progress. For example, you cannot imagine what
titanic efforts were required from A. Vardanyan in order the bill
concerning the rates of deputies was rejected.

RWANDA: GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION WITHOUT FRENCH ARROGANCE
Florence Mutesi

The New Times (Kigali)
April 11 2007

To many Rwandans, 2007 is the first time for Rwanda to commemorate
the death of their beloved ones free of the French arrogance which
had characterised all the past years. Every time Rwandans would be
preparing for the commemoration week, France would put blame either
on the government in general or the president in particular.

One cannot mention all the French allegations because they are of no
help to anyone now. The only allegation I can mention now is when one
French judge claimed that President Kagame was responsible for the
shooting down of former president Juvenal Habyarimana in April 1994,
which triggered off the 100 days of a blood bath.

The French Judge’s intention, and indeed that of all the French of
tarnishing the current government was instead a turning point for the
Rwandan community. The report exposed the French’s arrogance when
they all kept quite including those who were in the country at the
time of the plane crash, not even the soldiers who were guarding the
airport at the time.

They showed no remorse in their responsibility in the three months
of mayhem, they turn round to accuse the people who stopped what they
had started. The Rwandan government was forced to take action that the
world least expected; to expel the French and all their organisations
and businesses closed down.

Those who thought that they had something to say about the Rwandan
Genocide were free to do so but not to add an insult to injury. Today
Rwandans must be relieved to commemorate the death of their loved
ones in the absence of the French.

This means Rwanda is interested in fighting any thing that may lead
to Genocide again, not only in Rwanda, but every where in the world.

President Paul Kagame challenges critics who say that Rwanda was
capitalizing on the genocide. He says if any political capital is being
made out of the Genocide, they (those who think so) can go and have it.

The people of Rwanda were tortured, raped and infected with HIV and
are living in abject poverty. The president observed on the 10th
year commemoration that survivors have endeavoured to live with
their tormentors.

He requested the international community to cooperate in the fight
against Genocide through international solidarity even when they are
guilty of sin of omission.

President Kagame says that when Genocide takes place, the international
community should not shy away from military intervention when
necessary.

More than 930,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were estimated to have
died in Kigali alone during the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.

Although the evil minded people cannot totally change, France’s silence
about what they used to say is a relief to Rwandans, what is running
in their mind is not our business.

Genocide Memorial sites were constructed around Rwanda to remind
Rwandans and the world of the massacres that took place in the
country and other parts of the world such as the Armenian and
Cambodian genocides. Memorial sites were also meant to show the way
to reconciliation.

The former President of the United States Clinton visited Rwanda in
1998 and expressed sorrow and regret for the victims of the Genocide
and mourned the lives lost.

Clinton was not in Rwanda by the time the Genocide took place but he
regretted what happened, why can’t France, which was active on ground
to the end of the Habyarimana’s regime, and also extended financial
and a training hand to the Interahamwe, apologise and regret what
happened. If they cannot, then they should remain silent as we treat
our wounds.

Since the 13th commemoration has coincided with Christ’s day of
resurrection (Easter) and in the absence of the French’s arrogance,
let us relate Jesus’ resurrection to that of our broken hearts,
gather as Rwandans and continue praying for the innocent Rwandans
who died like Him.

We mourn, we pray, grieve for our sisters, brothers, parents, who
were victims of the merciless hearts. One says tomorrow, we will
remember, speak out, and act for humanity. Rwanda’s children, like
those everywhere, must be assured of a future full of hope, dignity,
and peace.

On March 31, a man of God preached in church about numbers and said
some numbers were traditionally not liked.

He said that the numbers were also biblical. Among the good numbers
he mentioned was 7.

He said the number is controlled by God himself. He said the 2007 is
a special year in which God will make wonders for his beloved ones.

Even though the preacher did not talk about this number in relation
to the 13th commemoration, I came to think about it and realized that
there is something with Rwanda’s real living at least.

TOURISM PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT SPHERE IN ARMENIA

Arka News Agency, Armenia
April 11 2007

YEREVAN, April 11. /ARKA/. Tourism sphere is a priority of development
in Armenia, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic Development
Ara Petrosian said at the "Competitiveness of tourism in Armenia"
conference.

According to Petrosian, together with the private involved agencies
the government takes all required measures for the development of
the sphere.

Petrossian also pointed out the particular importance the tourism
sector has on the international level. Particularly, tourism promotes
reduction of poverty and job creation.

"The development of the tourism sphere in Armenia is on a correct
path. A lot of works have already been done, from restoring the
infrastructures to positioning Armenia on the international market,
which promotes inflow of new tourists," Deputy Minister said.

The "Competitiveness of tourism in Armenia" conference is held in
Armenian on April 11-12 by Armenia’s Ministry of Trade and Economic
Development, Armenian Development Agency and CAPS. Among participants
are heads and representatives of the involved agencies, tour operators,
public organizations and representatives of hotel and restaurant
businesses.

AGBU VISITED ARTSAKH TO MARK CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Laura Grigorian

Azat Artsakh Daily, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
10 April 07

The delegation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union visited Artsakh
on April 3 to mark the centennial anniversary of the AGBU. The members
of the AGBU visited the village of Norashen, Hadrut, founded by the
union, as well as the neighboring Jrakn and Bareshen to watch the
work. In Stepanakert, the members of the organization visited Alex
Manoogian Street repaired by Louise Mannogian Simone and laid flowers
to the monument to the great benefactor. Later on the 75 members of
the delegation met with Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian and Ashot
Ghulian. The prime minister congratulated and thanked the union for
its assistance to Artsakh. "We have a long way to go together. With
such a powerful organization backing us we can solve greater problems,"
said Speaker Ghulian. Levon Kebabjian, AGBU, stated that the Union will
always support the homeland. He shared his impression from the visit
to Norashen, where 22 houses, a school and a medical station have
been built. On this day the school got four computers and a TV set
to the school. "We are happy to see that young people, children live
in the village, especially that they are new settlers. We visited the
school, which opened in September. We saw the new programs implemented
in this and other villages. The impression was high," said Levon
Kebabjian. The NKR prime minister presented the programs underway in
Hadrut and Martakert, involving construction of hospitals and schools,
gasifying, water supply, roads, etc. Answering the question of Karnig
Yacoubian, Syria, about investments in Artsakh, Prime Minister
Danielian said the government focuses on this sphere, and since NKR
cannot expect cooperation with international organization unless it
is recognized, the government decided to create favorable conditions
for business by softening taxes. Ashkhen Muradian asked who will
build the road of Norashen. The prime minister said the government
will fund the construction of the road, and if presently it is 2.5
hours of driving, after the construction it will take 40-45 minutes
to drive to the village.

PPA ATTACKS FROM TWO FRONTS

A1+
[03:22 pm] 11 April, 2007

April 11 – The People’s Party of Armenia is holding a meeting with
the voters of Lori marz today. The main meeting is fixed in Alaverdi
at 5:00 p.m.

It is noteworthy that the party has divided into two groups to visit
various villages of the marz at a time.

The first wing is headed by Grigor Harutounyan, secretary of the
PPA and the third candidate of the PPA proportional ticket, and the
second wing- by Stepan Demirchyan, leader of the PPA, and Albert
Bazeyan, leader of the National Revival Party, the second in the PPA
proportional list

Stepan Demirchyan and Albert Bazeyan have already met the residents
of Dsegh Village, which is the birthplace of the Armenian renowned
writer Hovhannes Tumanyan.

The village is rather big; it has got 800 houses but only 2000
dwellers. Armik Ghazumyan, a former librarian, noted that none of
the villagers will be able to saw the land as they have problems
with seeds.

Most of the dwellers have left abroad to try their lucks overseas.

It is due to mention that the residents spoke cautiously with the
candidates of the PPA; some thought they shouldn’t be seduced by
recurrent promises, others welcomed the PPA members open-heatedly
and expressed their wish to see Stepan Demirchyan RA President.

To note, the PPA will support Larisa Paremuzyan among the candidates
under the majority ticket in constituency 31 of Lori.

INVESTMENTS OF ELECTRIC NETWORKS OF ARMENIA COMPANY TO MAKE ABOUT 73 MILLION DOLLARS IN NEXT THREE YEARS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 10 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 10, NOYAN TAPAN. At the April 10 sitting, the RA Public
Services Regulatory Commission approved the 2007-2009 investment
program of Electric Networks of Armenia company. By the program, 26
billion 961.9 million drams (about 73 mln USD) will be invested in the
next three years, including investments of 12 bln 207 mln drams this
year. Deputy head of the company’s economic and planning department
Yuri Gavrilenko said that the purpose of the investment program is
to reduce the average annual frequency and duration of consumers’
power cuts, to reduce frequency and duration of cases when electricity
tension is beyond permissible limits, to extend distribution networks,
ensure safety measures, etc.

According to Y. Gavrilenko, more than 9 bln drams will be invested
with the aim of reducing the average annual frequency and duration
of power cuts, 3 bln drams – for extension of networks, and 7.4 bln
drams – for improvement of the commercial registration system.

The speaker noted that as a result of investments, the company’s margin
will increase by 0.5 drams for one kilowatt-hour. This year the profit
and amortization of the company will amount to 5.8 bln drams.

"PARLIAMENT ELECTED THROUGH FALSIFICATIONS IS IMMORAL," PP CHAIRMAN TIGRAN KARAPETIAN CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 10 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 10, NOYAN TAPAN. "We expect honest and fair
parliamentary elections, for which our party will do its best," Tigran
Karapetian, Chairman of People’s Party, stated at the April 10 press
conference adding that "stormy struggle will go on, especially in
the majoritarian system." As Chairman of People’s Party estimated,
"holding falsified elections is immorality and the parliament elected
in this way is immoral."

Saying that the motto of People’s Party is "The people is our partner,"
T. Karapetian said that in difference to some parties, People’s Party
has worked with the people for five years and has its co-thinkers. "I
do not know with whom they have worked and on whose ideology they
rely," T. Karapetian said. In his opinion, many people were laughing
at his centripetal position formerly, while today all forces have
become centripetal. Besides, in his words, the People’s Party has
been engaged in charity in all past five years and not only in the
preelection period. T. Karapetian called the people "for demanding
fair elections and not yielding to pressures and electoral bribes."

Touching upon the preelection program of the party headed by him, T.
Karapetian said that it has three pivotal points: "moderate
privatization, development of industry, which in its turn, will
contribute to creation of new jobs, and all-round mechanization
of agriculture."

In response to the question, how many votes the People’s Party will
receive at the forthcoming parliamentary elections, T. Karapetian
answered smiling: "Only God and Serge Sargsian know this."

VARTAN OSKANIAN RECEIVES DELEGATION OF US MILITARY COLLEGE

Noyan Tapan
Apr 09 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, NOYAN TAPAN. The acting minister of foreign affairs
of the RA Vartan Oskanian on April 9 received the delegation of the
US Military College which is on a two-day familiarization visit to
Armenia. The delegation is headed by Tamara Fitzgerald, emloyee of
the college’s foreign relations department.

According to a press release of the RA MFA Press and Information
Department, at the request of T. Fitzgerald, Vartan Oskanian presented
the peculiarities of the Nagorno Karabakh problem and the latest
developments around it.

Then the minister provided detailed explanations to the guests’
questions, which were mainly related to priorities of Armenia’s
foreign policy, the issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border,
the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia-Diaspora
relations, energy sector, demographic issues, anticorruption measures,
and problems preventing the regional cooperation.

The election campaign started yesterday

ArmRadio.am
09.04.2007 10:50

The election campaign of the May 12 parliamentary elections started on
April 8. All 24 parties and 1 alliance have equal right to use free
and paid air time on Public TV and Public Radio. I compliance with RA
Electoral Code, the Central Electoral Commission publicized the
procedure and schedule of provision of free and paid air time on April
8.

The political parties can use also the paid air time of private TV
Companies. The elections propaganda can be carried out through public
arrangements, distribution of print or video materials.

Burbank Leader, CA
April 7 2007

Words anger community

Group alleges intolerant comments were made at city committee
meetings about name and goals of Armenian Relief Society.

By Chris Wiebe

CITY HALL – A dozen Armenian community members voiced their outrage
Tuesday at a City Council meeting over anti-Armenian remarks
allegedly made during two Community Development Goals Committee
meetings.

The speakers urged the council to take action related to accusations
that members of the goals committee – which makes recommendations
regarding public funding from nonprofit organizations – joked during
Feb. 28 and March 7 meetings that the Armenian Relief Society would
be more likely to receive public money if the organization dropped
"Armenian" from its name. The society provides assistance to recent
immigrants and refugees from foreign countries, including Armenia,
Iraq, Iran and Russia.

Speakers said that the offensive comments were followed by some
laughter in the room.

"It saddens me that myself, as well as everybody here, has to bring
to your attention that there were … a couple members who made several
intolerant statements," said Arbi Ohanian, chairman of the Armenian
National Committee Burbank Chapter. "The part that I find
particularly disturbing is that this bigoted approach is coming from
people who are appointed and people who are representatives of our
city government."

Though there is no written transcript or audio recording of the
meeting in question, grants coordinator Mas Toshinaga – who oversees
goals committee meetings – confirmed that comments were made
regarding the benefits of a name change for the nonprofit
organization.

But the comments were not voiced with the underlying negative meaning
that was represented at Tuesday’s council meeting on, he added.

"It’s not that the comments didn’t occur," he said. "It’s that they
didn’t occur to the extent that they were mentioned at the council
meeting."

After hearing the allegations, council members directed city staffers
to gather information about the incident, and apologized to the
Armenian community members in attendance, proposing the possibility
of sensitivity training for committee members.

"Although I was not there, if these things were said, we owe you an
apology – the community owes you an apology," Mayor Todd Campbell
said. "And I would beg you not to change your name. I think you
should be proud of your name."

The majority of the members of the goals committee reacted to the
allegations with disbelief at a meeting on Wednesday.

Committee Chairman Kirk Bowren said that while it was true that a
question was asked about whether the Armenian Relief Society serves
other populations in addition to Armenians, there was no insinuation
that the organization should change their name if they wanted
funding.

The council’s behavior on Tuesday was the "equivalent of throwing the
committee under the bus" to provide a "quick solution," he said.

But that sentiment was not unanimously shared.

"I don’t believe that the comments made by certain committee members
were appropriate comments," committee member Annie Hovanessian said.

Grant funding for the Armenian Relief Society is often scaled back
during community grant disbursements, due, in part, to concerns that
public money should not be used to support organizations that are
identified with a specific ethnicity, said Mourad Topalian, a former
Armenian National Committee chairman.

"It’s not because I don’t believe the Armenian Relief Society isn’t
doing great work…. Personally I believe that using public funds we
need to make sure that the focus of the agency we help is really
broad-based and inviting to everybody," Councilman Dave Golonski said
on Tuesday.

"And when we have an organization that’s primarily formed around a
religious … or an ethnic group, I’m going to have a really hard time
to support them."

Topalian told the council that the relief society has always served
clients who are not Armenian. In fact, more than 50% of its clients
are non-Armenians, he said.