NATO YOUTH SEMINAR UNDERWAY IN ARMENIA
armradio.am
19.09.2007 15:30
The fifth International Youth Seminar on "Security, Democracy and
Peace: Three Main Problems of the Euro-Atlantic Community" dedicated to
NATO continues in Yerevan. The event features more 50 young people from
Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Macedonia, Slovenia and Germany.
Sittings are expected in Kapan and Vanadzor, as well. The seminar
started on September 16 and will continue through September 21.
VAHAN HOVANNISYAN’S OPINION UNCLEAR FOR LARISA ALAVERDYAN
Panorama.am
15:35 18/09/2007
Larisa Alaverdyan, member of Zharagutiun block at the National
Assembly, was amazed "how a leader of a party who is going to run for
a president may express ungrounded opinion about another political
party."
Alaverdyan was speaking about a statement made by Vahan Hovannisyan
who had said that Zharagutiun is used by external forces as a "layer
for pressures."
In this relation, Alaverdyan said: "I believe that this opinion
not only is ungrounded but brings harm to Dashnaksutiun and Vahan
Hovannisyan, in person."
THE LIGHT DARK ECONOMY OF SUNNY ARMENIA
Lragir.am
18-09-2007 15:25:04
The budget is calculated by the rate of exchange of currency. The
budget of 2008 must be calculated by the present exchange rate of
the dram because a major fluctuation of the exchange rate of the dram
is unlikely in the upcoming few days, said Gagik Minasyan, chair of
the Standing Committee of Finance and Budget on September 18 at the
Hayeli Club. He thinks the 2.5 billion budget is realistic. He says it
is possible to provide this index through economic growth and battle
against black economy.
It is obvious that we have considerable reserves. I would like to
mention two. The first is the black economy, and I have said that in
the past few years the rate of growth of return on tax has exceeded
the growth of the GDP, and it means that we gradually increased budget
receipts. It should be noted, however, that the rates observed so far
are not sufficient, and we have considerable reserves. The first is
battle against black economy. The other is the enhancement of the
role of economic competition. Obviously, we have problems, Gagik
Minasyan says.
What he says is strange because the same monopolists and black
businesses ran in the parliamentary election and supported the
Republican Party and other pro-government parties. It is not clear how
the government is going to battle the businessmen who helped it come
to power. "I don’t want to evaluate. I want to mention the fat that
over the past 5-6 years black economy has been cut, so the answer of
the question is obvious," Gagik Minasyan says. On the other hand, he
says the government does not know where the black economy is. In that
case, how does it battle black economy and expect to have such a big
budget. Gagik Minasyan says they do not know where black economy is
but the ratio of return on tax to the GDP shows that tax collections
do not overlap with the growth of the GDP, in other words, there is
shadow economy.
As to the worries that with an economy based on building, dropping
amount of export and volume of industry we are on the verge of an
economic crisis, Gagik Minasyan is not worried. He says when a branch
of economy declines, the other branch develops because the Armenian
economy is not built on one sphere, and is diversified. "Like the
river which is nourished by a lot of obituaries. The amounts of
water in different obituaries are different. The amount of water is
different in different years as well. The obituaries keep the water
flowing in the river. Such is our economy, and not only ours but also
the economies of other countries of the world," Gagik Minasyan says,
reassuring that the budget of 2008 will be performed.
The opposition member of parliament Larissa Alaverdyan, Heritage
faction, who was hosted at the Hayeli Club for a debate with Gagik
Minasyan on the budget does not doubt. Nevertheless, Larissa Alaverdyan
says without changing the methodological approach to the budget we
will have a budget of survival, "a budget of justification of the
government." "The huge cash circulation shows there is no political
will to cut black economy," Larissa Alaverdyan says.
According to him, the Armenian black economy is lightest of all
because Armenia is not the country which can have major black economy.
THEY WILL SOON PAY ATTENTION TO YEREVAN UNDERGROUND
By Nana Petrosian, Translated by K.A.
AZG Armenian Daily #167
14/09/2007
The resumption of the construction works of the Yerevan City’s
Underground will eliminate the transporatation problems and settle
certain ecology issues. RA MP Vladimir Badalian Believes. Hovik
Abrahamian, RA Territorial Management Minister, said that the Yerevan
underground construction plans will be elaborated and studied soon
after the adoption of the new law "On Yerevan."
Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
September 11, 2007
Contact: Sevag Arzoumanian
Tel: 617-233-3174
NEWTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION VOTES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE
PARTICIPATION IN "NO PLACE FOR HATE"
— Cites ADL Opposition to Armenian Genocide Legislation
Newton, MA: The Newton Human Rights Commission, last night,
unanimously voted to "immediately cease participation in the ADL’s
NPFH [No Place for Hate] program, until the national ADL fully and
unequivocally recognizes the Armenian Genocide and actively
supports Congressional resolution HR106," reported the Armenian
National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts (ANC-EM). The
recommendation will be presented to Newton Mayor David Cohen, who,
according to the Boston Globe, has stated that he will make a final
decision in the next few days.
"We commend the Newton Human Rights Commission for their principled
position in opposing any connection with the ADL until they
forthrightly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and support Armenian
Genocide legislation," stated ANC EM representative Sonya Merian.
"We must send a clear message to the national ADL that half-
measures are not acceptable when discussing the Armenian Genocide."
Over 100 community members and activists from diverse backgrounds
voiced strident concern about any association with the ADL, given
their opposition to Armenian Genocide legislation. New England ADL
representatives urged the Commission to continue with the project,
noting that the national ADL will review Congressional Resolution
support in November. In addressing the Commission, Mayor Cohen
referred to the national ADL’s position "an ongoing injustice" and
went on to state that "The resolution that we have in the U.S.
Congress is one of the best pieces of legislation that deserves
passage . . . it is incumbent on the ADL to support it."
Two weeks prior to this meeting, on August 21st, the Newton Human
Rights Commission held a special meeting to discuss the ADL
controversy. The Commission sent a letter to the New England ADL
Board stipulating that program participation would require the
national ADL to "fully and unequivocally recognize the Armenian
Genocide" and "actively support Congressional resolution HR106."
Towns throughout Massachusetts are reconsidering their affiliation
with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its "No Place for Hate"
programs, citing concerns about the ADL’s opposition to Armenian
Genocide recognition.
A listing of towns and actions taken to date is provided below.
For complete coverage surrounding this ongoing controversy
visit:
#####
Bedford: On Tuesday, September 4th, the Bedford ViolencePrevention
Coalition voted to call on the national ADL to provide
clarification on their position on the Armenian Genocide and
ongoing opposition to Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation
(H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The committee agreed that it would then
proceed accordingly, yet maintained that severing its ties with the
ADL was still very much on the table.
Arlington: On Monday, August 20th, during an emergency meeting of
the Arlington "No Place for Hate" Commission, Chairwoman Cindy
Friedman and the 12 member Executive Board members voted to suspend
the ongoing ADL NPFH certification process, citing the ADL’s
Armenian Genocide denial. In a written statement issued following
the meeting, the commission noted that "while we agree with the
program’s goals, we feel that recent statements and actions of the
national leadership have undermined its integrity and ability to be
effective."
Belmont: On Thursday, September 6th, the Belmont Human Rights
Commission unanimously voted to urge the local Board of Selectmen
to sever ties with the ADL, citing their ongoing opposition to
Armenian Genocide recognition. The Board of Selectmen is set to
discuss the issue at their meeting on Monday, September 17th at
7:00pm.
Needham, MA: On Wednesday, September 5th, the Needham Human Rights
Committee voted to recommend ending the town’s association with the
ADL if the national organization does not directly recognize the
Armenian Genocide and change its stance on Congressional
legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The Committee has sent a
letter to the national ADL asking for clarification of their
position.
Newburyport: On Tuesday, August 28th, the Newburyport Commission
for Diversity and Tolerance voted to send a letter to the national
ADL stating that it is "seriously considering" withdrawing from the
ADL-sponsored No Place For Hate program unless the league
unambiguously acknowledges the Armenian Genocide and lobbies in
support of Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 /
S.Res.106). The Commission is set to revisit the issue on Tuesday,
September 11th at 3:00pm at the Newburyport Police Station.
Watertown: On Tuesday, August 14th, the Watertown Town Council
unanimously voted to rescind its affiliation with the "No Place for
Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion program, citing
statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham Foxman,
National Director of the program’s sponsor, the Anti-Defamation
League. Watertown Town Council Member Marilyn Petitto-Devaney has
been speaking at local town meetings throughout Massachusetts
urging them to sever ties with the ADL as well.
THE DEVIL IS NOT AS TERRIBLE AS HE IS PAINTED
By A. Haroutiunian, Translated by A. M.
AZG Armenian Daily #165
12/09/2007
UN Agenda Articles Have Not Been Formulated as Resolutions
The Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as other international
structures many times noticed that initiatives on the settlement
of the Karabakh conflict, sticking out of the Minsk Group format,
can hardly benefit the peace negotiation process.
The Minsk Group members pointed out the GUAM initiative on local
conflicts and noted that discussion of the peace process on Karabakh
in instances other than the Minsk Group may hamper the negotiations.
The Azerbaijani press announced with triumph that the question of the
"Occupated territories of Azerbaijan" has been included in the agenda
of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly. In connection with
that the cabinet of the President of Azerbaijan announced about the
"success of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan". In fact the UN has
not officially formulated its attitude to the GUAM initiative in
any draft or resolution, while Azerbaijani cynically represents the
situation as a result of "great efforts" of Baku.
Already during the 61st session of the General Assembly two articles,
referring immediately to the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, were to be
discussed. One of them was submitted by Azerbaijan, and the other by
GUAM. As the Spokesman of the Armenian Foreign Ministry informs, both
the articles were not considered and were left for the next session.
The articles of a session agenda can be left for the next session
only in case a relevant resolution is adopted or in case the General
Assembly makes corresponding decision, which can be argued by each
of the member states.
The efforts of the Azerbaijani side to shatter the present format of
international peace process on Nagorno-Karabakh have negative effect
and prove unwillingness of Azerbaijan to find solution to the conflict.
Whatever, the Foreign Minister of Armenia is to take part in the 62nd
session of the UN General Assembly.
Azerbaijan is also to be represented by its Foreign Minister, while
president Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili decided to undertake that
errand himself.
Referring to the issue of the "Occupied territories of Azerbaijan,"
we should remind than another article with similar phrasing, dedicated
to wood fires on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, has been already
discussed on the 60th session. In any case that article contains no
accusations against the Armenian side.
The issue of the GUAM initiative on local conflicts, which displays
complex approach to conflicts in Karabakh, Dniester, South Osetia
and Abkhazia has not been formulated in any resolution or bill, either.
Being submitted to discussion during the previous session, this issue
was omitted, for most part due to Russia’s interests. The stance
of Armenia in this case still remains unchangeable; if the Kosovo
conflict can’t be considered a precedent for other local conflicts,
the same must be also said about South Osetia, Abkhazia, Dniester and
Nagorno-Karabakh, as each of them is unique and can’t be identified
with the rest.
Somehow or other, Azerbaijan failed to submit a resolution during a
whole year, and as a resolt both the articles were left for discussion
on the 62nd session. Therefore, statements by Azerbaijani authorities
about the success of their diplomacy are at least groundless.
ARTIFICIAL DISSATISFACTIONS
Hayots Ashkhar
11 Sept 2007
Four employees of the arrested cousin of Major of Vanadsor Samvel
Darbinyan, Arman Darbinyan, (who is the director of "Bellissimo club")
announced during the interview given to "Lory TV" on September 9,
that an investigator from Yerevan, a certain Nikoghosyan, has beaten
and abused four men and two women in order to take evidence from them.
Press Secretary of the Persecutor General, Sona Truzyan said neither
the Prosecutor’s nor the inquest authority has received any written
application-complaint regarding oppression or violence towards any
of the witnesses. She said it is strange that those complaints are
heard by TV interview.
This gives ground to think that these complaints are artificial
and those who are not interested in the disclosure of the case have
invented them.
BORDER TROOPS COMMANDERS COUNCIL OF CIS COUNTRIES TO DISCUSS STRENGTHENING OF INTERACTIONS
Trend
11.09.2007 13:59:24
The issue concerning strengthening of cooperation will be discussed at
the meeting of the Border Troops Commanders Council of the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS), which is planned to be held in Astana
on 12 September, Interfax reported.
Is has been stated by the Public Relations Centre of the Federal
Security Service that a range of issues are planned to be discussed,
including exchange of experiences to considering the problems of
cooperation amongst border structures of CIS countries.
The heads of the Border Troops Commanders Council of CIS countries
will review special joint border operations and operative-preventive
measures in 2007.
They will consider the draft of agreements on cooperation to prevent
false documents and will also discuss the functioning plan of the
Border Troops Commanders Council of CIS countries for 2008 and a
range of other issues during the meeting, Press-Uz reported.
Attending the meeting will be Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan and Ukraine and will be held under the chairmanship of
Vladimir Pronichev, the First Deputy Director of the Federal Security
Service.
IT Month kicked off in Armenia
armradio.am
08.09.2007 13:47
`I would not get involved in politics, if the `IEEE EWDTS 2007 `
East-West Project and Test Symposium’ was held in Armenia 10 years ago,
Speaker of RA National Assembly Tigran Torosyan said yesterday,
speaking at opening of the 5th IEEE EWDTS 2007 ` East-West Project and
Test Symposium,’ which marked the kick off of the IT Month in the
republic.
He expressed confidence that the symposium will have a productive
outcome and will result in fruitful cooperation. At the same time
Tigran Torosyan mentioned that declaration of the IT sphere as a
priority direction was a correct decision, since it is one of the most
important fields for the country’s further development.
For his turn, the President of the Symposium, Deputy Director of the
`Virage Logic,’ Dr. Yervand Zoryan reminded that ever since Soviet
times Armenia has been a regional centre of microelectronics. `The
conduct of the above-mentioned symposium in Armenia proves that today
Armenia remains one of the leading centers,’ he underlined.
The symposium has a five-year history. In the past it was held in Yalta
twice, Odessa and Sochi.
ELDAR MAHMUDOV MEETS WITH CE COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 7 2007
Azerbaijan’s National Security Minister, Lieutenant General Eldar
Mahmudov today met with delegation led by Council of Europe (CE)
Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammerberg, National Security
Ministry’s public affairs center told the APA.
The Minister underlined that protection of human rights in Azerbaijan
is always a priority in national legislative base, in corresponding
reforms. He said that the Ministry took concrete measures on national
action plan to ensure protection of human rights.
Mr.Mahmudov touching on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations said that the
occupied territories of our country, as well as 132 km part of southern
borders of our country are beyond the control which is a serious
threat for the security of not only Azerbaijan, but the whole Europe.
The Minister underlining that the head of the state always focuses
on the clarification the fates of captured and missing people as a
result of Armenian aggressive policy stated that 4,471 Azerbaijanis
have been registered in State Commission as missing persons.
Mr.Mahmudov underlined that eyewitnesses’ testimonies proved that our
783 compatriots have been captured or taken as hostage by Armenians,
but Armenian related commission is demonstrating an unconstructive
position regarding clarification of their fates, their release.
The visitor stressed the necessity of the issue on clarifying the
fates of captured, missing persons.