Author: Zargarian Hambik

PROSECUTOR GENERAL OF RUSSIA STRONGLY DENIES INFORMATION ABOUT BAD PASSPORTS AVAILABLE WITH ARMENIAN CITIZENS IN RUSSIA

ArmInfo
2009-02-13 10:51:00

ArmInfo. Prosecutor General of Russia Yuri Chayka strongly denied
information about bad passports available with the Armenian citizens
living in Russia.

‘I hear about it for the first time. However, I would know if things
of this kind happened’, Russian Prosecutor General said at today’s
joint press-conference with his Armenian counterpart in Yerevan.

As some Yerevan newspapers report, the law enforcement agencies of
Russia have an information saying the Armenian authorities issued
about 600,000 bad passports to the citizens currently living in
Russia and having a local citizenship. "These are the passports
used for falsification of the parliamentary election 2007, as well
as the presidential election 2008. Investigation of this event has
already started in Russia. A number of questions were forwarded to
deputy Chief of Police Gevork Mheryan having been lately killed",
the newspapers say and claim that investigation of this case is
the prime target of Y. Chayka’s visit to Armenia. For his part,
Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan emphasized that this
is a disinformation and lie.

THIS TIME TRIAL ON "CASE OF SEVEN" POSTPONED BECAUSE OF DEFENDANTS’ NOT SITTING DOWN

Noyan Tapan
Feb 13, 2009

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, NOYAN TAPAN. The trial on the "case of the seven"
was again postponed on February 12, but this time not because of the
defendants’ not standing up, but not sitting down before the court:
they refused to sit down after the judge entered the court hall. Judge
Mnatsakan Martirosian presiding over at the sitting sent away all
defendants from the hall for two weeks, until February 26, with
the motivation of treating the court with disregard, not including
the trial prolongation term in their punishment term. It should be
mentioned that the sitting on the case is postponed for the 8th time.

A. Martirosian explained to all defendants by turns that they are
obliged to fulfill the orders of the judge presiding over at the
sitting, in this case, to sit down. He said that not fulfilling judge’s
orders, as well as making statements without getting a permission is
also a manifestation of treating the court with disregard.

According to lawyer Melania Arustamian, the court just does not know
its task, as in case of the expected amendment to Articles 225 and
300, RA Criminal Code, the trial can proceed in absolutely another
course. The lawyer said that he could use other measures instead of
sending away the defendants, but he preferred postponing the sitting
again. According to M. Arustamian, this time all seven defendants
were disposed to contribute to sitting’s taking place by all means,
but the judge would postpone it in any case until he receives proper
order "from above."

Nor Zhamanakner party Chairman Aram Karapetian was also present at
the court sitting. In his opinion, the judge just was not ready for
the change of defendants’ conduct. Touching upon the issue of amending
the articles, by which the defendants are accused, he mentioned that
the necessity of such amendments is evident, but they should not be
imitation, as it is done at present.

FOOTZAL NATIONAL TEAM LIST PUBLISHED

Panorama.am
17:34 13/02/2009

Rouben Nazaretyan, the trainer of the Armenian footzal national team
announced the list of the sportsmen to leave for Bulgaria to take part
in the electoral meetings of the Europe Footzal Competition. Remind
that Armenian team has been included into the B group with Bulgarians,
Estonians and Latvians.

According to the press service of the Armenian Football Federation,
the footballers are Artak Harutyunyan (Tal Grig), Hakob Lobasyan
(Tal Grig), Ernest Akopov (Iberia, Georgia), Harutyun Harutyunyan
(Erebuni), Khoren Zargaryan (Tal Grig), Edgar Torosyan (Tal Grig),
Arthur Karapetyan (Tal Grig), Armen Sanamyan (Tal Grig), Grigor
Kapukranyan (Tal Grig), Vladimir Mkhitaryan (Tal Grig), and Arman
Sahakyan (Tal Grig).

VAHAN DILANYAN: ARMENIA SAFEST ROUTE FOR TRANSIT OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Nvard Davtyan

"Radiolur"
13.02.2009 15:58

Armenia has an opportunity to occupy an important place in the projects
of transit of energy resources, President of Political Developments
Research Centre Vahan Dilanyan told a press conference today. He noted
that the Russian-Georgian war and the global economic crisis have
considerably changed the situation in the region and "Armenia can
play a great role." Nevertheless, until now attempts have been made
to isolate Armenia from transit projects because of political reasons.

According to Vahan Dilanyan, unlike other countries in the region,
making Armenia a transit zone would be preferable and secure for
several reasons.

First, using Georgia as transit zone is already risky, since
the problems between the country and Russia have not been solved
yet. Besides, the transit of energy resources through Georgia is
assessed as a long and expensive way. In this case, Armenia could be
an alternative and safe transit route.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan, which is famous for its militant
statements and aggressive disposition, cannot be viewed as a good
strategic partner.

Besides, Vahan Dilanyan considers that the interest of the
international community in these countries is gradually decreasing,
since, according to preliminary calculations, oil resources in
Azerbaijan will start reducing from 2012-2013, and it "even threatens
the implementation of the Nabucco project." Thus, Armenia could be
a more reliable partner.

A for Turkey, Vahan Dilanyan considers that Armenia could be viewed
as a proper transit route in light of the recent improvement of the
Armenian-Turkish relations.

TODAY THE GOVERNMENT FINISHED DISCUSSING THE 2008 MINISTRY AND GOVERNMENT AGENCY PERFORMANCE REPORTS. REPORTS WERE SUBMITTED BY FINANCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRES AND DEFENSE MINISTERS

Tu esday, 10 February 2009

Today the Government finished discussing the 2008 ministry and
government agency performance reports. Reports were submitted by
finance, foreign affaires and defense ministers. As with the preceding
reports, bearing in mind that detailed accounts of completed activities
are posted on the websites of respective agencies, the speakers chiefly
focused on the problems and shortfalls had in the period under review.

In connection with the report of the Minister of Finance, the Prime
Minister highlighted the following priorities: introducing simplified
licensing and authorization procedures, ensuring that business
running-related commitments are fulfilled in a timely and accurate
manner, reducing the number of those documents needed for customs
clearance purposes, as well as the need for launching a process
of online payments under the new concept of procurements. Tigran
Sargsyan indicated that still much has to be done in the reporting
and accounting areas, especially as regards the problems available
in the public sector which call for prompt action.

As the Minister of Foreign Affaires presented his report, the head of
government asked Minister Nalbandyan about the steps taken to ensure
that any foreign mission-bound Armeni an dignitary is provided with
an advance brief concerning the government’s official position on
key foreign policy issues in order those public officials with no
direct foreign agenda affiliation come in command of the Republic of
Armenia’s official viewpoints.

The point is that during various events held abroad, the
representatives of foreign governments often take the opportunity
for making political statements about the Karabakh conflict or other
issues of current interest making it necessary for their Armenian
counterparts to oppose them accordingly. Mr. Nalbandyan advised that
a corresponding note is already out for approval.

The Minister of Defense presented the activities carried out in the
field of national defense and foreign security in the period under
review. Then the discussion continued in a private session.

U.S. MAY RECONSIDER PLANS FOR MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM IN EUROPE IF IRAN STOPS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.02.2009 16:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the
Obama administration might reconsider plans for a missile defense
system in Europe, if Iran stopped what U.S. officials believe is a
drive for nuclear weapons. Clinton met with Czech Republic Foreign
Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, whose government – along with Poland –
has agreed to host the system.

The Obama administration has stopped short of fully embracing the
missile defense program that was avidly pursued by the Bush White
House, with the Obama team citing concerns about its technical
viability.

In her joint press appearance with her Czech Republic counterpart,
Secretary Clinton reiterated those concerns, while also suggesting the
program could be shelved if Iran halts its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Clinton expressed gratitude to both the Czech Republic and Poland
for working with the United States in what she framed as an effort to
dissuade and deter Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons and a related
long-range missile project.

She said the decisions on timing and deployment of the system are
"largely technical matters" and said Iranian behavior would be a key
factor in whether the program ultimately goes forward.

"If we’re able to see a change of behavior on the part of the Iranians
with respect to what we believe to be their pursuit of nuclear weapons,
then you know, we will reconsider where we stand. But we are a long,
long way from seeing such evidence of any behavior change," she said.

Clinton noted an assertion by Vice President Joe Biden in a policy
speech in Munich Saturday that the United States will continue efforts
on missile defense provided the technology is proven to work and it
is cost effective.

Mr. Biden also said the United States will continue consulting on
the matter with NATO and with Russia, which has opposed the program
as a threat to its strategic deterrence.

Under questioning Tuesday, Clinton reiterated the Obama
administration’s interest in dialogue with Iran, following an assertion
Tuesday by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that his government
welcomes talks with Washington based on "mutual respect."

The Secretary said there is an opportunity for Iran’s hard-line
government to "unclench its fist" and begin a serious and responsible
dialogue but also linked that prospect to the Iranian nuclear program.

"We still persist in our view that Iran should not obtain nuclear
weapons, that it would be a very unfortunate course for them to
pursue," Clinton said. "And we hope that there will be opportunities
in the future for us to develop a better understanding of one another,
and to work out a way of talking that would produce positive results
for the people of Iran."

President Obama said at his news conference late Monday he is looking
for opportunities to engage with Iran while acknowledging that years
of mistrust between the two countries will be hard to overcome,
Voice of America reports.

CEASEFIRE VIOLATED: KARABAKH ARMED FORCES DID NOT SUFFER LOSSES

Panorama.am
17:45 10/02/2009

During 9-10 February the armed forces of Azerbaijan have violated the
regime of ceasefire, reports the press service of the NKR Defense
Ministry. According to the press release, the Azeri armed forces
fired from Nouzger, Ashagh, Seidahmedli, Yusufdjanlu, Levonarch,
Namirli and Karmiravan military points.

The NKR defense army took appropriate measures and the rival stopped
shooting. Nagorno Karabakh armed forces did not suffer losses.

Remind: yesterday, according to the press release of the NKR Defense
Army, Azeri armed forces violated the regime of ceasefire.

PRESIDENTS OF ARMENIA, KARABAKH DISCUSS WAYS OF JOINTLY RESISTING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS

armradio.am
09.02.2009 17:48

President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the President of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakyan, President’s Press Office
reported.

Serzh Sargsyan and Bako Sahakyan discussed issues related to the
current stage of negotiations on the settlement of the Karabakh
conflict. President Sargsyan informed Bako Sahakyan about the results
of his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The interlocutors discussed the joint steps targeted at resisting
the global financial-economic crisis.

Sudbury Star, Canada
Feb 7 2009

Students learn about genocide, social activism

Posted By LEANNE DAVIS, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Posted 7 hours ago

A group of Toronto high school students making a presentation on their
first day of a groundbreaking course on genocide are suddenly and
without warning bombarded with paper airplanes and catcalls by their
peers.

There’s shock and confusion on the faces of classmates watching the
chaotic scene unfold, but no one does anything.

Finally, one student at the back of the class says: "Enough is
enough."

This is CHG 381 — Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity — and the
student brave enough to call for an end to the assault is
"up-standing" in the truest sense of the term.

Silverthorn Collegiate teacher Mitch Bubulj lets his class know the
students behind the abuse were instructed to prevent the group from
presenting. He then asks if they understood the point of the exercise.

"To see if anyone would tell them to stop?" one girl says.

"Exactly," Bubulj replies.

In addition to discussing the often gruesome history of genocide, the
course — being taught at nine Toronto high schools — revolves around
discussing ways the students can act to "achieve effective change."

It’s called "up-standing," a term coined by author Samantha Powell
meant to describe the opposite of a bystander.

The stereotype of the teenager who is wrapped up in their own world is
met head-on, says Bubulj.

"The true story is they’re caring, they’re concerned, and they might
not show it right away — on the surface they seem disengaged and
apathetic, but that’s not the case," said Bubulj.

"You just have to offer a course like this to see the best in these
teenagers and I’ve seen it. Students want to do the right thing and
they get angry at the injustice."

It took five years for the course to make it into the classroom since
it was first conceived at the Toronto District School Board. It’s now
being taught for just the second time.

The first crop of kids graduated from the class last month.

"This course can be brutal. It is brutal," Bubulj tells the new
students.

"People figure you won’t be able to handle it — hearing about
killing, torture and rape, but the last class proved that you can
handle it, and some of them are now on the road to becoming activists
for social change."

The course received media attention last year when some members of the
Turkish community lobbied the board to remove any teaching of the
Armenian genocide of 1915 — a core aspect of the course and one that
many Turks deny ever took place.

The material remains, and halfway into the school year a new group of
students are preparing to learn about it, the Holocaust and the
Rwandan genocide.

Seventeen-year-old Damir Cvetkovic doesn’t look like a child of war,
but the boy with the shy smile came to Canada in 1998 — three years
after the war in Bosnia ended.

Individuals have been convicted of committing acts of genocide in the
Bosnian war, including former Serbian political leader Radovan
Karadzic. In 2007, the UN’s top court ruled that while Serbia broke
international law by failing to stop the killings, the state was
itself not guilty of genocide.

Cvetkovic was too young to remember all of it, but his mother has told
him what it was like.

"It was like being in a cage the way my mom explains it. She trembles
when she talks about it."

Cvetkovic is a graduate of the first semester class and says it has
given him a greater awareness and understanding, and has even helped
him mature.

"We had to watch these videos, things like concentration camps, and
kids turned their heads," he said.

"I don’t want them to be disgusted but I thought, good — now they
understand what actually went on. They get that it’s not a joke."

Bubulj says while the course makes students more empathetic, the dark
side of human nature must be explored to bring about that awareness.

"It also leaves them with a disgust at times when people have been so
evil that they’ve eliminated whole groups of people," he said.

"It just reaffirms what it means to be human."

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KOCHARYAN HANDS LETTERS OF CREDENTIAL

A1+
[05:59 pm] 06 February, 2009

On February 5 the resident ambassador of Armenia to India Ashot
Kocharyan presented his letters of credential to the King of Malaysia
Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara, the National Palace in Kuala
Lumpur.

During the talk after the ceremony Ambassador Kocharyan presented the
brief history of Armenia, recent political and economic developments,
foreign political priorities, underscored the Asian direction,
particularly the necessity to promote bilateral relations with
Malaysia. The Armenian ambassador noted the presence of the great
potential in the spheres of IT, tourism, education and trade, the
foreign ministry reports.