Category: 2018

Please find the attached press release of the Ministry of Diaspora.
Sincerely,
Media and PR Department:
( 374 10) 585601, internal 805
----------------------
Sincerely
Department of Press and Public Relations
( 374 10) 585601, extension 805

157. "Omank" alternative music group press conference.docx
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Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition Press
June 7, 2018 Thursday
From unjustified expectations to an unjustified crisis
by Analytical Service Turan
The period from the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, April 11, to
the republic's 100th anniversary, on May 28, and after was marked by a
new wave of pressure on the opposition and civil society, which is
commensurate with the events of 2014. Then a wave of repression
against prominent civil society activists and the breakdown of
relations with Western donor organizations led to the establishment of
classical authoritarianism in Azerbaijan.
The actions of President Aliyev's administration against his opponents
went against the expectations of the society and the international
community, who saw the 100th anniversary of the Republic as a chance
to establish constructive relations between the authorities and
society. For example, the issue of a "golden amnesty" with regard to
political prisoners was seen as a possible step of the goodwill of the
authorities in the way of establishing a dialogue. The theme of this
amnesty was voiced by the ardent apologists of the regime, such as
member of the political council of the New Azerbaijan Party Siyavush
Novruzov. But the steps that followed after the inauguration were
diametrically opposed, or rather provocatively confrontational. There
was no amnesty. Arrests began in the Popular Front and others, the
leader of the Popular Front Party Ali Kerimli was accused of money
laundering, a blackening campaign was launched with the Armenian
overtones of the former head of the National Council of Democratic
Forces, playwright Rustam Ibrahimbayov and others.
Context
In this sense, it is important to assess the situation from the
standpoint of events and dispositions of internal and external players
that covered the period under review. They should include:
-presidential elections,
-institutional and personnel reforms,
-100 anniversary of the Academy of Sciences,
- the signing of the next oil and gas contracts with British
Petroleum, Statoil (Equinor), the company Total started drilling at
the Absheron field,
- opening of the southern gas corridor TANAP,
-the beginning of the implementation of the project of a free economic
zone in the area of the international port of Alat,
the international revolution in Armenia,
- New US sanctions against Iran,
-deployment of the Syrian military campaign to divide the country into
zones of responsibility of Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran.
External factor
Let's start with the fact that the attitude of the West to the regime
in this period has changed diametrically. Although we did not observe
open support or condemnation of the idea of early presidential
elections, the nature and conditions of its holding, however, the tone
was too restrained and ensured the legitimacy of the elections, which
President Aliyev needed. The pre-election and post-election messages
of the leaders of the EU and the US were not recognition of victory,
but were appeals for invitations to cooperation in energy, reform,
security and fighting corruption. Democracy and human rights fell out
of the lexicon in contrast to similar messages of past years (for
example, in 2015-2016 the pressure on the regime was noticeable). In
principle, these invitations were more reminiscent of the obligations
that Aliyev apparently promised to fulfill after his election.
In fact, it is striking that the West is courting Aliyev and expects
some action from him. What are the possible expectations? We list:
- further implementation of oil and gas contracts,
- further development of a network of communication projects,
including pipelines, railways,
- the implementation of institutional reforms and the complete
elimination of the old team, based on clan and oligarchism,
- signing an agreement with the EU on strategic partnership,
- fight against corruption and legalization of the economy,
- creating conditions for the introduction of non-oil Western capital,
-participation in anti-Iranian sanctions.
Internal motivation
All these expectations should be considered as a weighty factor, which
allows Aliyev to take a tougher line in relation to society. Consider
options for motivating the actions of the administration. Among them
may be:
- the leader of the PFPA, Ali Kerimli, and his supporters for
pre-election actions. The front-line leader was an active organizer of
the pre-election rallies that spoiled the background, in fact, of the
technical elections that resulted from their boycott of the
opposition. The PFPA activists also actively conduct a virtual fight
with the regime in social networks, replaying the trolls recruited by
the regime.
-full neutralization of the opposition or its weakening against the
backdrop of intra-state struggle, which entered the culmination phase.
The president may be afraid of a link between the opposition and the
ceding position of the old team. Practically there is a replacement of
old cadres in all departments. The only exception is the Ministry of
Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Ministry
of Defense, the removal of personnel is inevitable and a matter of
time.
- pressure on the opposition in the conditions of the revolutionary
events in Armenia, which are an inspiring example of the possibility
of a change of power as a result of the will of the people,
- the spread of fear in society through demonstrative arrests of
activists against the background of growing social discontent among
the population. The latter represents a real threat, as was seen in
the example of the protest action of internally displaced persons in
front of the Cabinet of Ministers on June 5.
The authorities have always used demonstrative force against the
opposition in the face of growing social tension, indirectly letting
them know that it is ready to suppress any protests and expressions of
discontent. An example is the arrests of secular civil activists in
the second half of 2014 and religious activists in November 2015 on
the eve and during the development of the systemic crisis of 2015-.
Grains and tares
It is difficult in this case to separate the listed factors of
external and internal character from each other, they are most likely
interrelated. The only question is what is paramount. From the
external cuff of factors, the most important are the expectations
associated with reforming the political system and establishing
constructive relations. From the internal set of tools for motivating
the actions of the authorities, the main thing is the presence of a
crisis situation and social tension in society, which is not unknown
to the authorities, which are monitoring their public moods.
Thus, one can come to the conclusion that two lines - unjustified
expectations of the West and delaying the process of overcoming the
crisis, can provoke a new situation, when the unprecedented pressure
of the West, like the wave 2015-2016, will resume, and will have an
impact on public sentiment. It should also be recalled that the
authorities' pressure on the society of 2014 did not prevent the
system crisis of 2015, which they tried to prevent, and that was one
of the reasons for the then resonant arrests.

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition Press
June 7, 2018 Thursday
Azerbaijan is included in the category of less peace-loving countries
of the world
by Turan IA
On June 6, the Institute of Economics and Peace published the "Global
Index of the World-2018" (GPI). This year, a large-scale study covered
163 states of the world. The report provides a comprehensive analysis
of trends based on available data on security and law and order,
armaments, economic parameters.
At ranking of the countries 23 indicators in three various categories
- "safety in a society", "ongoing conflicts" and "militarization" were
taken into account. In the first category, in particular, attention
was paid to the level of murders, the number of prisoners, the number
of policemen and the perception of crime, in the category of
"militarization", the number of servicemen, armament expenditures in
relation to GDP and arms exports were considered.
The report GPI 2018 indicated that over the past year the level of
peace in the world has worsened by 0.27% and the negative process
continues for the fourth year in a row. The reason for this is tension
and aggression in society, conflicts and crises that remain
unresolved. At the same time, in 92 countries the situation worsened,
in 71 - it improved.
The list of the most peaceful states ("very high" rating) includes
Iceland, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Denmark, Canada, Czech
Republic, Singapore, Japan, Ireland. They are followed by Slovenia,
Switzerland, Australia. Germany, as in 2017, was in the 17th position,
losing also to Sweden, Finland and Norway 
(
/app/uploads/2018/06/Global-Peace-Index-2018-2.pdf ).
In the current ranking, Azerbaijan ranked 132nd, neighboring with Iran
(131st place) and Bahrain (130th place), having entered the category
of less peaceful countries ("low" rating). This suggests that the
criminal situation in the country is not prosperous, the number of
prisoners is growing, stability is not ensured at the proper level.
The negative role is played by the economic crisis, social tension,
and the expenses for the army are increasing.
According to the given parameters, the situation in neighboring
Armenia is far from normal, but in the GPI 2018 rating it ranked the
120th place with the USA (121st), having entered the category of
countries more peaceful compared to Azerbaijan ("average" rating). By
the way, Belarus (101st position), Georgia (102nd) and almost all
Central Asian republics received such an assessment. But Moldova
(64th) and Kazakhstan (70th place) received a "high" rating.
Worse things are in Russia, which entered the top ten least-favored
countries, ranking 154th in this ranking. Slightly ahead are Pakistan
(151st place), Ukraine (152nd) and Sudan (153rd). At the same time
over the past year, Russia has been included the list on one line,
Ukraine has risen to two positions; but an even less favorable
situation has developed in nine countries - the Central African
Republic, the Congo, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Southern Sudan,
Afghanistan and Syria.
The authors of the study note that Germany, the United States, China,
France and Russia are the largest arms exporters. These states account
for 75% of all exported weapons in the world. But at the same time,
there is a tendency to reduce the amount of weapons. "Over the past
ten years, 104 countries have reduced armament costs in relation to
GDP, 115 countries have reduced the number of their armies," reads the
GPI report.

June 8, 2018 
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
ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS TO CELEBRATE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSECRATION
        This year marks the 5th anniversary of the consecration of St.
Garabed Church of Las Vegas. This milestone anniversary will be
ceremoniously celebrated on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, 2018.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over the
festivities. Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo Eshgian will participate.
        The celebration will begin with the 5th anniversary banquet on
Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, the Prelate will celebrate Divine
Liturgy and deliver his message at St. Garabed Church.
        The visit will also be an opportunity for the Prelate and Executive
Council Chair to meet with Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian and Parish
Council members to discuss the church's progress over the past five years
and future plans.
***
PRELATE ATTENDS ARARAT HOME'S MONTHLY LUNCHEON
        On the first Tuesday of each month, the Ladies Auxiliary of Ararat
Home organizes a luncheon at "Deukmejian Grand Ballroom" bringing together
community members for an afternoon social in support of the establishment's
mission. Traditionally, the Armenian Relief Society Western Regional
Executive and chapters participate in the sponsorship of the June luncheon,
which this year was held on June 5, 2018. 
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and
conveyed his blessings to the members, sponsors, and friends of Ararat Home
and the Armenian Relief Society. He was joined by Archpriest Fr. Razmig
Khatchadourian. 
        The program began with greetings by Ladies Auxiliary Chair Ms. Alice
Kavaldjian, who announced that on the occasion of the forthcoming Father's
Day holiday, Mr. Krekor Tchakian was being honored as "Father of the Year."
Remarks were delivered by Dr. Garo Tchakian on behalf of the Tchakian
family, and ARS Western Region Chair Mrs. Silva Poladian, both of whom
thanked and commended Ararat Home for the valuable service provides. Ararat
Home Board Chair Mr. Mike Surmeian conveyed his message, in which he
joyfully announced the establishment's purchase of a new 12-acre property. 
        The Prelate delivered the invocation, in which he beseeched the
Lord's blessings upon the devoted members of Ararat Home and the ARS for
their loving care and service to our elders and compatriots. In his
greetings, His Eminence commended Ararat Home as a home full of love and
compassion founded on faith and dedication, and congratulated the purchase
of their new property. He commended the ARS family and congratulated Mr.
Tchakian and all the fathers, wishing them healthy and joyful years. 
***
PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL AND
CONGRATULATES MESROBIAN SCHOOL GRADUATES
        At the end of each academic year, Armenian Mesrobian School seniors
attend Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello to receive Holy
Communion and the blessings of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, ahead of their graduation. This year's service was held on Sunday,
June 3, 2018. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian.
Mesrobian School elementary students participated in the singing of the
Liturgy, led by Holy Cross Cathedral Dean Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, the
choir master, and their teacher. Mesrobian School Principal Mr. David
Ghoogasian, who served on the altar, teachers, and parents were among the
faithful in attendance. 
        The Prelate greeted the Holy Cross Cathedral and Mesrobian School
family on what has become a beloved tradition within the community, and
conveyed his congratulations and well wishes to the graduates as they
prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. As the day marked the
Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the day prior the Feast of St. Gregory the
Illuminator's deliverance from the pit, His Eminence spoke on the
establishment of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin by the luminous vision of
St. Gregory the Illuminator in which the Lord descended from heaven and with
the strike of a golden hammer designated the site where the Mother Cathedral
of the Armenian nation was to be built. Tying in the message of the day's
Gospel reading from John 10:22-30, the Prelate stated that St. Gregory the
Illuminator exhibited absolute faith and trust in God, he heard and listened
to the voice of our Lord, submitted to His will and authority, and by the
grace of God transformed our nation into the first Christian nation. "St.
Gregory the Illuminator became the shepherd which led our nation to the one
true shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. Subsequent generations also heard and
followed the voice of our Lord, and kept our faith and national identity
unshaken throughout the centuries," he said. The Prelate stressed that Jesus
alone is our true and good shepherd, and that we, as His sheep, must tune
out all other distracting and conflicting voices and listen to His voice
alone. "In the example of St. Gregory the Illuminator and all of our saints
and forefathers, let us hear and heed His voice with utmost conviction, for
His is the voice of love, hope, compassion, justice, salvation, and
triumph," he said. 
        Next, His Eminence delivered his message to the graduating students.
Referencing the parable which tells of the man who built his house on the
strong foundation of a rock which nothing could make fall, he urged them to
build their lives on the sturdy and unshakeable foundation of our faith and
national identity which have been embedded in them through the education and
instruction they have received from Mesrobian School, from Holy Cross
Cathedral, and from their parents. "You have the necessary tools for
success; build upon the foundation that has been set for you and push
yourselves to be the best that you can be. Never cease praying and dreaming,
don't be afraid of failure, keep pushing and trying with faith and hope.
Most importantly, choose the right path, not the easy path, and in all that
you do, bring honor to God and pride to your church, families, and
community," concluded the Prelate. 
***
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION FOR HOMENETMEN SCOUTS
        On Saturday, June 2, 2018, 35 scouts participating in a special
curriculum gathered at "Andonian" Hall of Homenetmen Western Region's center
for a day of instruction which featured a religious course as well.
        By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian presented a lecture encompassing the history
of the Armenian Church and Holy Sees, denominations, the importance of
religious instruction, and the dangers of sects.
***
L.A. MAYOR'S OFFICE INTERFAITH DINNER
        On Monday, June 4, 2018, the annual interfaith iftar organized by
the office of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Human Relations Commission
was held at L.A. City Hall forecourt. The event brings together government
and faith community leaders and members for a celebration of diverse
traditions and shared values. 
        On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Deacon
Manuk Chulyan attended.
***

Press Release, Young Fellows.docx
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