Author: Vanyan Gary

ARTSAKH PRESIDENT SUGGESTS INCLUDING WATER SUPPLY ISSUE INTO FRAMEWORK OF "TELETHON-2010"

Panorama.am
14/05/2010

Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan delivered speech-suggestion
at the sitting of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund’s Board of Trustees.

Bako Sahakyan said during the years of the post-war period today there
are issues in Artsakh that are of national significance. These issues
can be solved only by joint efforts of all Armenians. In this row the
restoration of the republic’s water supply system, which was almost
completely destroyed in the result of the military operations is of
primary importance.

According to him, owing to the active participation of the "Hayastan"
All-Armenian Fund drinking and irrigation water needs of dozens of
settlements have fully been satisfied, some objects in the capital
Stepanakert and regional centers have been restored.

However, there are still numerous tasks to be fulfilled, Artsakh
President highlighted. Two hundred villages out of 323 existing
in Artsakh face sharp shortage of drinking water and need urgent
solutions. Serious problems exist in Stepanakert and in the regional
centers where more than half of the republic’s population lives. This
program is quite expensive. Only in the capital the construction
of new water supply objects and restoration of the operating ones
require 6,5 billion AMD.

"It is obvious that the problem of water supply in Artsakh can be
solved exclusively by means of our joint efforts.

Taking into consideration the significance of this strategic program,
I propose to discuss inclusion of water supply issue, which is of
vital importance for Artsakh, into the framework of "Telethon-2010".

This will provide opportunities to realize corresponding programs
improving water supply system of the republic," Bako Sahakyan said.

May 12, 2010

Turkey’s Pact With Russia Will Give It Nuclear Plant

By SEBNEM ARSU
NYTimes

ISTANBUL ‘ Turkey and Russia signed 17 agreements on Wednesday to enhance
cooperation in energy and other fields, including pacts to build Turkey’s
first nuclear power plant and furthering plans for an oil pipeline from the
Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

The pipeline would allow Russia to expand its oil exports from the Black
Sea, bypassing the Bosporus, whose shipping lines are already at capacity.
The deal follows several rounds of agreements between Russia and Turkey in
recent years that have helped Russia maintain its dominance of Eurasian
energy routes.

On his first official visit to Turkey, the Russian president, Dmitri A.
Medvedev, met with his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul; Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan; and other top officials.

Mr. Erdogan saluted the progress on the pipeline, which is to run from the
Black Sea port of Samsun to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, and said it
would ease pressures on the Bosporus and reduce the threat of devastating
spills.

`Our shores are under severe danger during the passage of the oil tankers
through the straits,’ he said. `Once we realize the Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline,
we would have the opportunity to reach out to the world from Ceyhan.’
For his part, Mr. Medvedev highlighted the expected increases in the $30
billion in trade between Turkey and Russia.
`Our trading capacity will not only improve but will exceed past records,’
Mr. Medvedev said. `We are aiming for more than $100 billion of trade in
future, which is very inspiring.’ His comments, in Russian, were translated
by Turkish television.

But most of that number comes from Turkish imports of Russian oil and gas,
and some Turkish energy experts cautioned that the increase would do more
good for Russia than for Turkey. The deal for the nuclear plant, scheduled
to be built over seven years in the Mediterranean city of Mersin, raised
further concerns among some Turks of relying too much on Russia.

`If we add dependency on nuclear energy on top of the current energy trading
from Russia, it’s inevitable that we get concerned,’ Necdet Pamir, an energy
expert, told the news channel NTV.

He said Turkey had energy options it could explore without Russian aid.
`Half of Turkey’s immense hydroelectric potential is on hold, so it’s
misleading to present Turkey as a helpless country,’ he said.

Moreover, Mr. Pamir added, the reactor suggested for the project in Turkey,
known as Model 1400, has not been given safety approvals by European
institutions.

A project by a Russian consortium to build a nuclear reactor in Akkuyu,
another Mediterranean town, was canceled by a Turkish court last year after
intense public complaints.

Other agreements signed after the first session of high-level meetings led
by Mr. Medvedev and Mr. Erdogan called for cooperation in combating drug
trafficking and in transportation and education, as well as a lifting of
visa requirements for visits shorter than a month.

Russian tourism to Turkey grows every year, with nearly five and a half
million tourists from the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2009,
according to Tourism Ministry figures, while Russia is a popular destination
for Turkish businessmen.

In addition to the agreements, the leaders pledged greater diplomatic
efforts toward a resolution of the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program and
called for stability in the Caucasus, acknowledging the delicate nature of
the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh
region, which both Turkey and Russia are closely monitoring.

Turkey has been a supporter of Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy but
strongly opposes nuclear weapons in the region and has been critical of
Israel on the matter.

LOWELL OBSERVES ANC GENOCIDE RECOGNITION
By Tom Vartabedian

Lowell Sun
May 11, 2010 Tuesday
Massachusetts

Special to The Sun

LOWELL — "Let our united voices be heard!"

Such was the theme of Armenian genocide observances conducted by the
Armenian National Committee of the Merrimack Valley.

The pan-Armenian event on April 24 honored the memory of 1.5 million
victims who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during the
first genocide of the 20th century.

Speaker Dro Kanayan called upon genocidal education in our public
schools as being pivotal in securing proper recognition.

"A crime ignored is a crime encouraged," said the grandson of a famed
revolutionary general by the same name. "International recognition
of the genocide allows people to have closure on events that shaped
their lives and begin the healing process."

Kanayan outlined visits made to six area high schools in addressing
students on the Armenian genocide, many of whom have received only
a smattering of knowledge.

The Armenian Genocide Education Committee of the Merrimack Valley
has made vast inroads toward adopting a curriculum under the banner
of Facing History and Ourselves. In most every case, schools have
requested a follow-up panel discussion with an Armenian speaker
joined by a Holocaust survivor, as well as guests from Cambodia and
Rwanda. Those plans are in the works.

"By educating our students today, hopefully they will be able to
set policies and structure to deal with countries like Turkey that
have committed genocide," he added. "Perhaps someday, Turkey will be
transformed and restore the many churches, heritage and patrimony of
Armenians who lived on their historic lands."

The Lowell commemoration featured young speakers, politicians, a
downtown march led by the color guard from the Lowell Armenian-American
Veterans, a proclamation and a flag-raising ceremony.

Members of the Sam Manoian Post led an entourage of 100 participants,
including children holding banners.

Mayor James Milinazzo presented a proclamation, reflecting upon
the immigrants of his city who fled persecution and settled in
the district, enriching the American heritage with their culture,
education, arts and sciences.

"The Armenian community became an asset to the growth of the Lowell
economic and social fabric through hard work and strong family values,"
he told the crowd. "Their devotion to a free society, healthy religious
values and strong civic pride makes them a people to be admired."

City messages were also rendered by former mayors Eileen Donoghue,
Rita Mercier and Bud Caulfield, each of whom showered considerable
praise upon the burgeoning Armenian community.

Sevan Dulgarian, a member of the Boston AYF, presented a school essay
she had written on her family’s Armenian history. The freshman’s
essay gained considerable merit among students and faculty at Bedford
High School.

Katie Berberian, a member of the Sts. Vartanantz Church ACYOA, also
represented her youth organization with diligence.

"It makes me a stronger, more caring person knowing that my
great-grandparents had to endure such conditions," she said. "I am
living proof that the Ottoman Turks were not successful with their
evil plan. We need to keep our homeland close to our hearts by being
involved with the Armenian community in the hope that the Armenian
genocide will be acknowledged by the United States and other countries
who are in denial."

Prayers were offered by the Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan, pastor,
Sts. Vartanantz Church; Rev. Karekin Bedourian, a newly-ordained
priest from Watertown; and Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian, pastor, Ararat
Congregational Church, Salem, N.H.

Other groups taking part were the North Andover AYF, ARS chapters
of Lowell and Merrimack Valley, Lowell ARF, Church at Hye Point,
St. Gregory Church of North Andover, and Arakadz Lodge, Knights
of Vartan.

A reception followed inside City Hall where Ara Jeknavorian and Harry
Alexanian of the Ani Ensemble performed music.

ANC members were responsible for getting sizable advertisements
published in The Sun, Lawrence Eagle-Tribune and Nashua Telegraph
calling for an end to Turkey’s gag rule on the United States and a
push toward passage of House Resolution 252.

Funding for the $3,500 project was provided through community
solicitations.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIZES 2009 GO TO 21 WINNERS

Aysor
May 13 2010
Armenia

The Presidential Award 2009, sponsored by the Poghosian Foundation,
took place Thursday at the residence of the President of Armenia. 21
nominees out of 137 were awarded in 13 categories.

President Serzh Sargsyan handed the awards to winners and spoke to the
ceremony: "For the 10th time we are awarding the presidential prices
to persons of science and culture. 10 years ago the Presidential Award
was established, initiated and sponsored by the Poghosians family,
since then encouraging our winners and catching public’s eye to the
last science and cultural achievements," said President.

Appreciating all the categories and nominees, President Sargsyan
paid a special attention to the two nominees, who accepted prizes for
science justification of the Genocide of Armenians and for a mission
for counteracting the denial of Genocide. These two winners are the
Suisse Armenie Association and the International Association of the
Genocide Scholars.

"I think that the importance of success in this spheres are clear to
everyone," said President.

Serzh Sargsyan also congratulated the young prizewinners, pointing
that their steps into the culture were marked by prices.

"We will have success if our faith, heartiness and holding in respect
the work never grow down. Your achievements make a way for our
nation’s future. I believe that the future will be great and bright,"
said Sargsyan wishing good luck to all nominees and winners.

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION OPENS OFFICE IN GEORGIA

Asbarez
May 13th, 2010
TBILISI

The European Armenian Federation for Democracy and Justice hosted
a reception Wednesday at the Marriot Courtyard hotel to officially
mark the opening of a chapter in Georgia.

Present at the reception were representatives of Georgian government,
the US Embassy in Tbilisi, the Diocese of Georgia, Armenian and as well
as other non-governmental organizations. The guests were introduced
to the EAFDJ Georgia chapter Executive Director Gevork Harutunian.

EAFDJ chairwoman Hilda Tchoboian stressed the importance of pursuing
issues related to human rights, minority concerns and other matters
of interest to the Georgian-Armenian communities.

"Georgia is part of the ‘European Neighborhood Policy’ and ‘Eastern
Partnerships’ programs. As such, it provides organizations such as
ours the opportunity to assist the government in addressing various
issues, and to conform to European standards," explained Tchoboian.

The newly-appointed executive director said that one of the main
focal points for the EAFDJ chapter will be to assess the needs of
the Georgian-Armenian communities, adding that work has already
begun to address some of the immediate concerns. Within this realm,
the chapter will focus on Javakhk.

"We are going to study the situation of Javakhk Armenians, as well
as official Georgian policies and what they are going to do in Javakhk.

But we are not going to limit ourselves to Javakhk. We will assess
the situation, after which we will take concrete steps and positions,"
explained Harutunian.

Welcoming remarks were made by representatives of other national
minorities in Georgia.

ISMET ABBASOV: COOPERATION BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN IMPOSSIBLE IN NEAR FUTURE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 13, 2010 – 12:31 AMT 07:31 GMT

Cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan is impossible unless
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is resolved, Azerbaijani Minister of
Agriculture Ismet Abbasov told reporters on the sidelines of UN (FAO)
Regional Conference for Europe and Central Asia, which kicked off in
Marriott hotel, Yerevan, Armenia, on May 13.

The Minister said that despite the popular discontent in Azerbaijan,
his presence at the current event is importance, since the next
conference will be held in Baku in 2012.

Mr. Abbasov said that the "poverty in his country has reduced by 4
times and now makes 10-11% of the population."

At the journalists’ request, the Azerbaijani Minister told that he was
born in Yerevan and went to school here. "I last visited Armenia in
December 1987. I missed Armenia during these years. With permission of
President Ilham Aliyev, I visited Vardenis where my relatives used to
live for many years. I think the photographs I took will be a great
surprise for them," Abbasov said in Armenian.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOLDS MEETINGS IN STRASBURG

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 12, 2010 – 12:47 AMT 07:47 GMT

During his visit to Strasburg, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian held a number of meetings with CoE Council of Ministers
120th session participants.

At his meeting with CE Secretary General Torbjorn Jagland, perspectives
of EU reform and regional issues were discussed. Parties exchanged
views on normalization of Armenia-Turkey ties and efforts towards
Karabakh conflict settlement.

Edward Nalbandian also met with Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel
Zbogar to discuss strengthening of bilateral relations, trade and
economic collaboration, as well as activation of cultural exchange.

Ministers also referred the oncoming visit of Slovenian President
Danilo Turk to Armenia and bilateral business forum timed to
presidential visit.

Edward Nalbandian left Strasburg for Brussels to attend a North
Atlantic Council meeting, RA MFA press office reported.

2010-05-12ARMENIA PARTICIPATES IN THE KYIV INITIATIVE

ARMENPRESS
MAY 12, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 12, ARMENPRESS: Armenia will participate in The Kyiv
Initiative program of the Council of Europe. RA Culture deputy
Minister Arev Samuelyan said at a press conference today that the
Armenian delegation had taken part in the session of the Steering
Committee for Culture (CDCULT) of the Council of Europe and expressed
its willingness to join The Kyiv Initiative.

During the implementation process of The Kyiv Initiative pilot
program, corresponding specialists of the Council of Europe will
provide consultation to the participating countries for restoring
their historic-cultural towns.

Arev Samuelyan informed that the member-states may represent up
to 10 towns; the Council of Europe will select those 2 ones, which
meet the demands to be involved in the program. The towns of Goris,
Gyumri and Ashtarak will be represented from Armenia. The specialists
of the Council of Europe will arrive in Armenia to conduct monitoring
in the represented towns and historic-cultural reserves.

A conference, the format of which will be decided later, will be held
October in Kiev for regulation of the program and ensuring of the
process. The project is intended to be implemented till 2014. Arev
Samuelyan also informed that Armenia took part in the plenary session
of the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape and was
among those countries, which confirmed their participation in the
international conference, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the
Days of European Heritage, which will be held October 1-3 in Istanbul.

It is already several years since Armenia has participated in the
events of the programs of the Days of European Heritage. Last year
the events were organized in Zorats Karer (Powerful Stones) reserve.

RUSSIA HOPES ARMENIA AND TURKEY WILL RESTORE RELATIONS

news.az
May 12 2010
Azerbaijan

Dmitriy Medvedev Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev hopes for the
restoration of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

‘I hope the sides will be able to achieve all necessary solutions and
completely restore relations’, Medvedev said following a meeting with
Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara.

He said this will undoubtedly ‘promote stabilization of the situation
in the region, active development of economic relations and increase
in the level of living conditions in all states in our region’.

The Russian president said Russian welcomes this process and intends
to watch it closely using ‘the opportunities that Russia has’. ‘But
the solution, ultimately, depends on the two countries’, Medvedev said.

He voiced hope that the positive impulse given to the process of
restoration if relations when the documents in Zurich were signed
will continue.

‘Naturally, these processes are not easy, they find different
responses in the states-both Turkey and Armenia, because for some
clear reasons, this problem has not found its solution for long’,
the Russian president said.

DES MILITANTS APPELLENT LA RUSSIE A SE MOBILISER POUR LE JOURNALISTE ARMENIEN EMPRISONNE EN MOLDAVIE
par Marion

armenews
jeudi13 mai 2010
Armenie

Un petit groupe de blogueurs et de militants des droits de l’homme
ont manifeste devant l’ambassade russe a Erevan mardi 11 mai pour
exhorter le president Dmitri Medvedev a soutenir la liberation d’un
journaliste d’origine armenienne arrete dans la region moldave de
Transnistrie le 7 avril.

Ernest Vardanean, un correspondant de 33 ans pour l’agence de presse
Novy Region 2, est accuse d’espionnage pour le compte de la Moldavie
et pourrait etre condamne a entre 12 et 20 ans de prison s’il est
reconnu coupable.

La region de la Transnistrie – principalement peuplee de Russes
et d’Ukrainiens – s’est detachee de la Moldavie en 1990 et est
independante depuis la fin d’une courte guerre contre les forces
moldaves en 1992, meme si elle n’est reconnue par aucun pays.

Le gouvernement moldave, l’ambassade americaine a Chisinau, l’Union
europeenne et l’Organisation pour la securite et la cooperation en
Europe ont exhorte les autorites de Tiraspol a liberer Vardanean et
a veiller a ce qu’il beneficie d’un procès equitable.

De nombreuses associations de defense des droits de l’homme et de la
liberte d’expression, dont Reporters sans frontières, ont egalement
condamne son arrestation.

" Toutes les accusations sont fabriquees ", accuse l’un des blogueurs
armeniens manifestant devant l’ambassade russe a Erevan.

Les manifestants ont ensuite remis aux fonctionnaires de l’ambassade
une lettre destinee a Medvedev qui lui demande instamment d’intervenir
auprès des autorites de Transnistrie.

L’epouse du journaliste, Irina, a egalement lance un appel au president
russe au debut du mois. S’adressant au service moldave de RFE / RL,
le 3 mai, elle a declare que l’intervention des autorites russes est
le meilleur espoir pour son mari.