Category: 2017

Anadolu Agency (AA), Turkey
 Thursday
Ottoman envoy recorded 19th century Catalan nationalism
By Yildiz Nevin Gundogmus
ANKARA
Secessionist sentiments were documented in Catalonia more than 130
years ago by an Ottoman diplomat to Madrid, a leading historian said
Thuesday.
Diplomatic letters from Sultan Abdulhamit II's envoy in 1886 warned
that "violent resistance" in the region could lead to wider conflict.
An Oct. 1 referendum that was marred by violence saw 90 percent vote
in favor of splitting from Spain, although only 2.3 million of
Catalonia's 5.3 million registered voters took part.
On Tuesday, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, signed an
independence declaration, paving the way for secession from Madrid.
However, the region has a distinct history dating back to the 11th
century and in the late 19th century an Ottoman diplomat was on hand
to witness a resurgence in Catalan nationalism.
"The Catalan issue appears to turn to a fearful situation," the
unidentified acting ambassador wrote on Nov. 21, 1886.
"While as an industrial center of Spain, the Catalonia state only
shows violent resistance but is wary of rising against the government
on purpose to set up an autonomous government.
"This is feared to lead to conflict across the country."
Catalonia was part of the kingdom of Aragon before it was merged by
marriage with Castile in the 15th century to create Spain. The region
was brought closer to the Spanish state until a surge in a demand for
greater autonomy in the 19th century.
With the introduction of a republic in 1931, Catalonia received broad
autonomy. The region was a Republican stronghold during the civil war
and Gen. Francisco Franco's victory said autonomy revoked and the
Catalan identity repressed.
Commenting on the Ottoman manuscripts, Prof. Osman Kose said
Catalonia's separatist revival in the 1880s reflected rising
nationalism across Europe.
"The Ottoman Empire followed developments regarding Catalan's efforts
to gain an autonomous state day by day with interest," he told Anadolu
Agency.
"During that period, Ottomans, like the all the world, followed the
developments in Spain, paying utmost attention. The separatist
Armenian events during that time, which dominated the world agenda,
had drawn Abdulhamit II's attention to Spain, which had similar
events.
"The duty of acting ambassador in Madrid was to definitively inform
the sultan of everything."

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
PRELATE TO PAY PASTORAL VISIT TO SAN FRANCISCO PARISH COMMUNITY ON THE 51ST
ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CHURCH
        Over the weekend, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will travel to San Francisco to preside over 51st anniversary celebrations
of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.  
        On Sunday, October 15, 2017, the Prelate will celebrate Divine
Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and deliver the sermon on the
Feast of the Holy Translators. 
        On Saturday evening, the Prelate will preside over the church's 51st
annual banquet hosted by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies
Auxiliary, during which Mrs. Annig Zindarzian and Mr. Leo Donian will be
recognized for their lifetime of dedicated service to the church and
community. Special recognition will also be given to Mr. Carlos Mendoza for
his years of devotion and loyalty to the parish community. 
***
WESTERN PRELACY LADIES AUXILIARY TO HOST LECTURE-LUNCHEON ON THE
PRESERVATION OF ARMENIAN MUSIC
        On Thursday, October 19, 2017, a lecture-luncheon will be held at
the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall dedicated to
the preservation of Armenian music. Dr. Karenn Chutjian-Presti, a member of
the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music faculty, will lecture on the topic.
        The luncheon is being held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and is organized by the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by calling the Prelacy office
at 818-248-7737, Ladies Auxiliary members Vartoug at 626-372-5536 or Vania
at 818-216-9935. 
***
PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AND CONSECRATES PAINTING AT FORTY
MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY
- PRAYERS FOR LAS VEGAS SHOOTING VICTIMS IN PRELACY CHURCHES
        On Sunday, October 8, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Forty
Martyrs Church in Orange County. Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian celebrated
Divine Liturgy. Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian and Archpriest Fr. Khoren
Habeshian participated. By the ordinance of His Eminence, on this day, "Der
Voghormya" prayers were offered in all Prelacy Churches for the victims of
the Las Vegas shooting. 
        During the service, the Prelate consecrated a painting of St. Sarkis
sponsored by the Ohanessian family in memory of their parents, Mardiros and
Gassia Ohanessian.
        The Prelate then delivered his sermon, the theme of which was
discipleship, given that the day before was the commemoration of our Lord
Jesus Christ's 72 disciples, and also touched on the Feast of the Holy
Translators, which was to be celebrated the following week. His Eminence
started by noting that besides the 12 apostles, Jesus had 72 disciples to
whom He instructed and commanded to "Go into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), what is known as the Great
Commission. The Prelate noted that discipleship was not limited to the early
followers of Christ, and that God still desires disciples today to fulfill
the Great Commission. "As children of God, we must be committed to serving
Him faithfully and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities entrusted to
us as Christians," he stressed. The Prelate further explained the meaning of
discipleship, adding that being a disciple requires making Christ the focus
of our lives, studying and obeying His teachings and commandments by reading
the Bible, being in constant communication with Him through prayer, serving
Him through active involvement in the church, sharing our faith with others,
and becoming an example to others through the life we lead. 
        The Prelate stressed that as a dispersed nation we must work even
harder to maintain our distinct faith and heritage among a slew of external
influences, adding that we are fortunate to have great examples before us,
the legacy of our saints and forefathers, including that of the Holy
Translators, to inspire and lead us in our service today. Citing verse 5 of
the day's Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians 13:5-13, "Examine yourselves
as to whether you are in the faith," His Eminence called for introspection
to see if we are as steadfast in our faith as our forefathers were, and to
strive for their level of faith so that we can be effective disciples for
our church and nation. "The survival and advancement of our faith and
heritage rests on our shoulders, and on those of future generations,"
stressed the Prelate, encouraging the faithful to take inspiration from the
72 disciples and our Holy Translators and do their part to preserve and
promote our faith and our culture, starting with our children and youth. 
        Next, His Eminence spoke of the horrific shooting in Las Vegas the
week before which claimed the lives of nearly 60 and injured nearly 500, and
asked the faithful to join in praying for the souls of the deceased to rest
in peace in the kingdom of heaven, for the speedy and full recovery of the
injured, and for our loving and merciful Lord to bring peace and comfort to
the families of the victims. Finally, the Prelate noted that the day also
marked the 40th day since the passing of a beloved member of the community,
Movses Shrikian. He conveyed his condolences to the Shrikian and Keledjian
families on the untimely loss of their husband, father, brother, uncle, and
son-in-law, and on the loss of their patriarch Archpriest Fr. Nareg
Shrikian, soon after. 
        At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy and requiem service, a special
reception by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies Guild was
hosted at "Gugasian" Hall in celebration of the Prelate's anniversary of
ordination to the priesthood, 20th anniversary of Episcopal ordination, and
60th birthday. In attendance were Delegates, Board of Trustees members,
Armen Karo Gomideh representatives, and faithful. Congratulatory remarks
were delivered by Fr. Karekin and Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Herair
Jermakian. The Prelate thanked all for the surprise celebration and wished
the parish community continued successes in their mission. 
***
EXHIBITION OF ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ARTIST ARTHUR PINAJIAN'S WORKS HELD AT THE
WESTERN PRELACY
        On Thursday, , a special exhibition of
Armenian-American artist Arthur Pinajian's works opened at the Western
Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall. The exhibit, which was
held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and organized by Stephanie's Art Gallery, featured thirty rarely seen works,
in particular the artist's mid-century abstractions and late lyrical
landscapes. Members of clergy, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian,
and art appreciators were in attendance.
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Ladies Auxiliary member
Mrs. Vania Babikian, who then invited Stephanie's Art Gallery Director, Ms.
Linda Stepanian, to give an overview of the artist and the exhibit. Ms.
Stepanian first thanked the Prelate, and then spoke on Arthur Pinajian's
life, approach, and the value and distinctiveness of his creations, noting
that he is regarded as one of the greatest artists of his time.
        The Prelate greeted the guests and commended the organizers, noting
that the exhibit is a fitting tribute to Armenian Cultural Month. His
Eminence commended the efforts of Stephanie's Art Gallery in promoting and
celebrating Armenian art and artists, and conclude by affirming the
Prelacy's endless continual support of the arts.
        Throughout the exhibit, guests enjoyed a Wine and Cheese Reception
hosted by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
        The exhibit continued the following day. 
***
STATE SENATOR ANTHONY PORTANTINO VISITS THE PRELACY
        On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed the visit of State Senator Anthony Portantino. His
Eminence was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, while
Senator Portantino was accompanied by District Representative Ms. Arda
Tchakian.
        The discussion centered on the Senator's service and endeavors in
Sacramento thus far and his future plans. There was also conversation on the
Armenian-American Museum and the Senator's trip to Armenia.
         The Prelate commended Senator Portantino's dedicated service and in
particular his unwavering support of the Armenian-American community, and
wished him continued successes in his mission.
***
SUPERVISOR KATHRYN BARGER'S DEPUTIES VISITS THE PRELACY
        On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, Supervisor Kathryn Barger's Chief
Deputy, Ms. Anna Mouradian, and Senior Field Deputy, Mr. Jarrod Degonia,
paid a visit to the Western Prelacy for an introductory meeting with H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
        The guests noted that the Armenian community forms a very important
part of Supervisor Barger's district, and expressed their readiness to offer
any assistance to the community as needed. They also touched on the
Supervisor's initiatives with regards to the Armenian community, such as
proclaiming the month of April as Armenian Heritage Month. 
        The Prelate in turn gave an overview of the scope of the Prelacy's
endeavors within the community, and expressed confidence that the
long-standing spirit of friendship and collaboration between the Prelacy and
the Supervisor's office will continue during Supervisor Barger's tenure. The
visit concluded with the presentation of mementos. 
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL GALA
        On Sunday, October 8, 2017, the annual gala of the Armenian National
Committee of America Western Region was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
with the attendance of public officials, dignitaries, leaders and members of
community organizations, sponsors, and friends. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered the invocation.
        This year, the organization honored the following individuals for
their contributions to the advancement of the Armenian Cause: Garo Paylan,
Armenian member of Turkish Parliament - Freedom Award, Terry George,
Filmmaker and Director - Arts & Letters, State Senator Anthony Portantino -
Legislator of the Year, Bared Maronian, Documentary Filmmaker - Arts &
Letters, Congressman David Valadao - Advocate for Justice, and a special
tribute to the late musician Chris Cornell.     
        The Prelate commended the incredible level of devotion and
enthusiasm with which the leadership and membership of the ANCA-Western
Region serve day in and day out to fulfill the organization's vast and
far-reaching mission, praying for God to continue to bless them with
strength, courage, and wisdom so that through them, the voice of the
Armenian-American community may continue to resonate through the halls of
our government. He blessed the honorees, "bold and principled individuals
from different walks of life but with shared purpose, advocating tirelessly
for truth and justice through their respective capacities," and the
sponsors, "whose generosity makes it possible for this and all community
organizations to grow and expand their scope." The Prelate concluded by
beseeching the Lord to continue to guide our collective path as we serve for
the progress and prosperity of our people and our nation
***
PRELATE ATTENDS 16TH ANNUAL GERALD AND MARK GOLF CLASSIC
        On Monday, October 9, 2017, the 16th annual Gerald and Mark Golf
Classic hosted by national benefactor Mr. Hank Khachaturian was held at the
Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo. The event was founded by Mr.
Khachaturian and his late wife, Rita, as a tribute to their sons and also
the benefit a number of charities. 
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended the awards
dinner and delivered his message. Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian and St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church representatives were among the guests in
attendance.
        His Eminence began his message by expressing thanks to God for
granting the opportunity to gather once again to honor the memory of Hank's
beloved sons while contributing to vital charitable causes, adding, "This
year, we feel the physical absence of Hank's dear wife Rita, but at the same
time we sense her joyful spirit and presence." 
        His Eminence commended Mr. Khachaturian's unbound generosity and
goodwill, stating, "I, and almost certainly everyone here, can attest that
you are not only a cheerful giver, but a humble and gracious giver as well.
The level of support this event garners each year is indeed a beautiful
testament to you." The Prelate conveyed his blessings to Mr. Khachaturian as
well as to the sponsors, participants, and guests for their enduring support
and encouragement. He concluded by praying for the repose of Gerald, Mark,
and Rita's souls and wishing all many healthy, joyful, and prosperous years
to come. 
***
IN DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANS SUMMIT 2017
        In Defense of Christians, a non-profit and nonpartisan organization
advocating for the human rights of Christians in the Middle East and for the
preservation of Christianity in the Middle East, has organized a summit in
Washington DC from October 24-26 with the title, "American Leadership and
Securing the Future of Christians in the Middle East."
        Christian leaders and lay activists, including leaders of the
Armenian Church and of community organizations, will gather to advocate for
vital issues, including international recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
security and stability in Lebanon, emergency relief for victims of Genocide
in Iraq and Syria, and more. 
        His Holiness Catholicos Aram I participated in the inaugural
conference in 2014 and delivered powerful remarks on the imperative of
Christian unity in the Middle East.
        The Armenian National Committee of America is once again a sponsor
of the convention, and will participate in a number of related events. 
***

                                        Thursday, 
Armenia To Get Another Russian Loan For Arms Imports
 . Hovannes Movsisian
Russia -- A Russian TOS-1A multiple rocket launcher fires during the
opening of the Army-2015 international military forum in Kubinka,
outside Moscow, June 16, 2015
Russia will provide Armenia with a fresh $100 million loan that will
be spent on the purchase of more Russian weapons for the Armenian
military, it was announced on Thursday.
The Armenian government formally approved a relevant draft loan
agreement with Moscow at a weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister
Karen Karapetian.
The upcoming agreement posted on the government's website says the
funding is aimed at "further developing and reinforcing friendly
relations" between the two states. It stipulates that the Russian loan
will carry an annual interest rate of 3 percent and be repayable in 20
years, with a 5-year grace period.
The government did not publicize an annex to the deal that lists the
types of Russian-made military hardware which the Armenian side will
be able to buy with the loan.
Two years ago, the Russian government already lent Yerevan $200
million for arms acquisitions from Russian manufacturers. It
subsequently publicized a long list of weapons covered by the
deal. Those included, among other things, Smerch multiple-launch
rocket system, TOS-1A thermobaric rockets, anti-tank weapons and
shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles.
Armenia - The Armenian army demonstrates Buk air-defense systems
recently acquired from Russia as well as S-300 surface-to-air missiles
during a parade in Yerevan, 21Sep2016.
The Armenian military demonstrated Smerch systems as well as several
other new weapons at a September 2016 parade in Yerevan.
Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian announced on October 2 that the arms
supplies financed from the $200 million loan will be completed by the
end of this year. Other officials in Yerevan said earlier that 18
supply contracts were signed with the Russians as part of the 2015
deal.
Armenia buys Russian weapons at internal Russian prices that are set
well below international market-based levels. The South Caucasus
country is entitled to such discounts because of its bilateral
military alliance with Russia and membership in the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led security bloc
comprising six ex-Soviet republics.
Yerevan announced the impending release of the $100 million loan one
week after the Armenian parliament ratified a Russia-Armenian
agreement on a joint military force based in Armenia. Under that
accord signed late last year, "the united group of troops" is tasked
with "ensuring military security in the region."
The close military ties with Yerevan have not stopped Moscow from
selling billions of dollars worth of heavy weapons to Azerbaijan in
the past several years. Russian arms sales to Baku continued even
after unusually strong criticism voiced by Armenian leaders following
the April 2016 fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. In July this year,
President Serzh Sarkisian reiterated Yerevan's discontent with the
Russian-Azerbaijani arms dealings while seemingly downplaying their
impact on the military balance in the Karabakh conflict.
Armenian Official Downbeat On Karabakh Peace
 . Sargis Harutyunyan
Russia - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (R) looks on as his
Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian speaks at a Commonwealth of
Independent States summit in Sochi, 11Oct2017.
A senior Armenian diplomat sounded pessimistic on Thursday about
prospects for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict ahead of
a planned meeting of Armenia's and Azerbaijan's presidents.
The U.S., Russian and French mediators said after their latest visits
to Yerevan and Baku over the weekend that Presidents Serzh Sarkisian
and Ilham Aliyev agreed to resume their face-to-face peace talks
soon. The three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group said they discussed
with them "possible topics" that will be on the agenda of the
"forthcoming summit."
Aliyev and Sarkisian did not meet on the sidelines of a summit of
ex-Soviet states held in the Russian city of Sochi on Wednesday. It
remains unclear when and where their encounter will take place. The
mediators hope that it will help to revive the Karabakh peace process.
"We must always differentiate between two planes," said Deputy Foreign
Minister Shavarsh Kocharian. "One of them is about forming an
atmosphere of trust, without which progress in the negotiation process
is impossible, and the other about making progress in the negotiation
process itself."
"It is evident that right now there are no grounds, no positive trends
that would allow us to speak of progress in the negotiation progress,"
he told reporters.
Kocharian pointed to Baku's reluctance to comply with
confidence-building agreements that were reached by Aliyev and
Sarkisian at their last meetings held more than a year ago. Those
called for the deployment of more OSCE observers in the conflict zone
and international investigations of truce violations occurring
there. Armenian leaders have repeatedly said that the peace process
cannot move forward without these confidence-building measures.
Speaking in Baku on Monday, Aliyev claimed that Yerevan has been
forced to give up its "preconditions" for resuming substantive
negotiations on a Karabakh settlement. Sarkisian angrily denied that
claim through a spokesman the following day. His press secretary,
Vladimir Hakobian, accused Aliyev of "trying to deceive the
international community and his own people."
Government Bill To Limit Power Of Armenia's Next Commander-In-Chief
 . Ruzanna Stepanian
Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian and Prime Minister Karen
Karapetian arrive for a cabinet meeting in Yerevan, 29Jun2017.
Armenia's prime minister will likely have less authority over the
armed forces than the president of the republic currently has after
the country becomes a parliamentary republic next April.
The existing Armenian constitution gives the president sweeping
powers, including the right to introduce martial law, call a general
mobilization and ask the parliament to declare war.
A government bill circulated last month would transfer these powers to
the cabinet, rather than the prime minister personally, even though
the latter will become the Armenian army's commander-in-chief after
the parliamentary system of government takes effect in April 2018.
The draft Law on Defense would also introduce a more complex chain of
command. The Armenian military would be controlled by the government
and the defense minister in particular. At the same time its top brass
would be directly subordinate to the chief of the army's General
Staff. The latter will in turn report to the defense minister in times
of peace and to the prime minister during a war.
Tevan Poghosian, the director of the Yerevan-based International
Center for Human Development (ICHD), agreed that the proposed law
calls for a more collective leadership of the army. He welcomed this
change.
"There is going to be more teamwork in decision making, this is what
the parliamentary model is all about," Poghosian told RFE/RL's
Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "We have always fought for ensuring
that all the levers [of power] are not in the president's hands,"
added the former opposition parliamentarian.
But Poghosian also cautioned: "The answer to the question of whether
or not a lot will change in our reality after April also depends on
who will # hold that post [of prime minister.]"
President Serzh Sarkisian has still not publicly clarified what he
plans to do after completing his second and final presidential term in
April. He said vaguely in March that he would like to "play a role, in
some capacity, in ensuring the security of our people." For his part,
Prime Minister Karen Karapetian has repeatedly indicated his desire to
retain his post.
Some observers have suggested that Sarkisian is planning to stay in
power in a different, more unofficial capacity. The president is also
the top leader of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, which enjoys
a solid majority in the parliament.
Armenian Top Brass Lectured On Russian Operations In Syria
 . Emil Danielyan
Armenia - Colonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov (R), the commander of
Russia's Southern Military District, speaks at the Armenian Defense
Ministry in Yerevan, 12Oct2017.
The former commander of Russian troops in Syria on Thursday briefed
Armenia's Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian and top army generals on
Russian military operations conducted in the war-torn nation.
The Armenian Defense Ministry said Colonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov
gave the "lecture" at its headquarters in Yerevan. Photographs
released by the ministry showed that the chief of the Armenian army's
General Staff, Colonel-General Movses Hakobian, and at least two of
his deputies were among several dozen military officials attending the
event.
A ministry statement said Dvornikov, who now heads Russia's Southern
Military District, spoke about Russian tactics of fighting against the
so-called Islamic State militant group in Syria and "specificities of
modern warfare."
The statement added that the lecture was organized "within the
framework" of joint military exercises taking place at a training
center about 50 kilometers west of Yerevan. More than 2,500 soldiers
of the Armenian army, the Russian military base in Armenia and a
rapid-reaction force set up by the Russian-led Collective Security
Treaty Organization (CSTO) are taking part in the five-day drills that
began on Monday. The Russian base is part of the Southern Military
District.
It was not clear whether Dvornikov discussed the possibility of
Armenian involvement in Russian operations in Syria.
Another top Russian military official said in August that Armenia and
Serbia have expressed readiness to join a multinational "coalition"
which Russia hopes would help its troops clear landmines there. Moscow
formally proposed its creation at the United Nations in April.
The Armenian Defense Ministry said on September 11 that it is ready in
principle to send sappers to "those parts of Syria where there are no
ongoing hostilities." But it stressed that their deployment must
follow "all international legal procedures." Speaking at the UN
General Assembly in New York on September 20, President Serzh
Sarkisian clarified that such a mission would have to have a UN
mandate.
Press Review
"Zhamanak" reports that President Serzh Sarkisian raised "a number of
concrete issues important to Armenia" at Wednesday's summit in Sochi
of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The paper finds "interesting"
the fact that this happened shortly after the Armenian parliament
debated opposition calls for the country's exit from the Russian-led
trade bloc. It wonders whether Sarkisian used the opposition Yelk's
initiative to "get more aggressive vis-á-vis other EEU members" or on
the contrary to "demonstrate that he is in full control of the
situation and able to manage developments."
An Iranian analyst, Kayhan Barzegar, tells "168 Zham" that Prime
Minister Karen Karapetian did not discuss new issues with Iranian
leaders during his official visit to Tehran this week. He says that
"the most serious" Armenian-Iranian projects remain the planned
expansion of an electricity-for-gas swap arrangement, the creation of
a free economic zone on Armenia's border with Iran and the increase in
cargo traffic between the two countries. "After the lifting of
sanctions [against Iran] the political and economic agenda of
Armenian-Iranian relations has expanded," he says. "But even this does
not correspond to the full potential of those relations because Iran
has not gotten rid of the sanctions for good. What is more, the new
U.S. president is threatening Iran with new sanctions."
"Zhoghovurd" condemns the "thuggish" behavior of members of the ruling
Republican Party (HHK) who continued to insult their opposition
colleagues during Wednesday's session of Yerevan's municipal
council. "Civilized debate is not something that suits the
Republicans," writes the paper. "They are more familiar with insults
and swear words simply because the Republicans do not understand a
different language."
"Offensive statements made during the debate are unacceptable to me,"
Vahram Baghdasarian, the leader of the HHK faction in the Armenian
parliament, is quoted by "Haykakan Zhamanak" as saying. The paper is
unimpressed by this reaction to what happened in the Yerevan
assembly. It says Baghdasarian also complained on Wednesday that media
outlets ignore controversial statements made by opposition politicians
and activists.
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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