Category: 2018

US Deputy Deputy Secretary of State Bridget Brink visits Armenia US Deputy Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink arrived in Armenia on May 27-28 to hold meetings with the new government and civil society. During his first meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan, Mr. Brink congratulated him on his election to that position and the peaceful transfer of power. He welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to fighting corruption and offered continued US support in anti-corruption efforts. Deputy Secretary of State Brink held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan a variety of relationship issues. He stressed that the United States is committed to working with the new government to strengthen bilateral ties and attract additional American investment to Armenia. Mr. Brink noted that the Armenian-American intergovernmental working group can be a platform to ensure real changes in the mutual advancement of goals. Mr. Brink noted that the United States, as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, will continue to support the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and will actively work with the parties to find a peaceful solution within the framework of the Minsk Group process. direction. Deputy Secretary of State Brink also met with RA President Armen Sarkissian, praising his efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the recent protests. Mr. Brink emphasized that the United States will continue to cooperate with the Armenian government on programs that create economic opportunities for the people of Armenia, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve living standards. "Every time I come to Armenia with pleasure, and during this visit it stood out again with its most influential and important resource - its people. I am encouraged by the spirit of the Armenian people and Korov, and I am especially impressed by you, the young leaders of Armenia, who strive to build a bright future for their country with such great dedication and diligence," said Mr. Brink during the meeting with the young leaders. Deputy Secretary of State Brink sent his congratulations to the government and people of Armenia on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1st Republic. [usa 25 logo without text]

DAS Brink Visits Armenia_ARM_ENG_May 2018.doc
DAS Brink Visits Armenia_ARM_ENG_May 2018.doc

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June 1, 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
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO
        On Sunday, June 4, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy
Cross Cathedral in Montebello. 
        Armenian Mesrobian School seniors will attend Divine Liturgy,
receive Holy Communion, and hear the Prelate's message ahead of their high
school graduation.
        H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, will celebrate Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at the North Hollywood parish. 
***
CENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA CELEBRATED WITHIN THE WESTERN
PRELACY
        On Sunday, May 27, 2018, the centennial of the first Republic of
Armenia was ceremoniously celebrated in all Prelacy Churches with
Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic and blessing of the Armenian flag.
During requiem service, prayers were offered for the martyrs of Sardarabad,
Pash Abaran, Gharakilise, and for all the heroes who have given their lives
in defense of our nation. In addition, "Der Voghormya" prayers were offered
for patients of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine
Liturgy, conducted the special ceremonies, delivered his message, and
presided over requiem service at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. Archpriest
Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian and deacons assisted at the altar. Congressman
Brad Sherman, 45th State Assembly District candidate Jesse Gabriel, ARF
Western Region Central Committee Political Chair Mr. Avedik Izmirlian,
Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry President Dr. Frieda Jordan and members,
representatives of the ARF "Rostom" and "Arshavir Shiragian" Gomidehs, ANCA
West San Fernando Valley Chapter, ARS "Anahid" Chapter, Ferrahian School 9th
grade students, Church Delegates, Board of Trustees members, and a large
number of faithful were in attendance.
        The Thanksgiving Prayer ceremony began with Homenetmen "Massis"
Chapter scouts carrying the flags of the United States and Armenia to the
altar as the choir sang the hymn "Oorakh Ler." The ceremony featured prayers
of thanksgiving for the resurrection of our nation and beseeching the Lord
to guard and protect the Republic of Armenia, our Holy Church, leadership,
armed forces, and citizenry, and to remember all the martyrs who gave their
lives for the preservation of our nation. Afterward, the Prelate blessed the
tricolor flag and delivered his message.
        His Eminence first greeted the special guests and thanked them for
sharing in the celebration of the centennial. After briefly explaining the
ceremony that was just conducted, the Prelate Spoke of the Armenian people's
indomitable will and fighting spirit throughout our history, stating, "On
May 28, 1918, during the darkest days of our history a mere three years into
the Armenian Genocide, that fighting spirit brought about one of the
brightest days of our history, the creation of the first Republic of
Armenia. Inspired by that triumphant spirit and enduring legacy of the
founders of the first Republic, just over 25 years ago the Armenian people
fought for and secured the re-independence of Armenia and the liberation of
Artsakh. And in recent weeks, we witnessed that trademark perseverant spirit
once again as a new and bright chapter was opened in the form of a free,
independent, and just Armenia." Given that the following day was Memorial
Day, the Prelate paid tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who gave
their lives to defend the freedoms and liberties we enjoy every day and
prayed for the Lord to grant rest to the souls of all our heroes and
safeguard the armed forces of the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh.  
        During "Der Voghormya," prayers of healing were offered for all
those seeking treatment from the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and for
the Lord to guide the members in their life-saving mission. Later on,
requiem prayers were offered for the souls of all our martyrs. 
        At the conclusion of the service, Congressman Brad Sherman and Dr.
Frieda Jordan addressed the congregation. Congressman Sherman thanked the
Prelate for the special day and stated that it was an honor to be with the
community on this occasion. He noted that as a member of the Foreign Affairs
Committee for the past twenty-two years he has fought for recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and increased aid to Armenia, and thanked Holy Martyrs
Church for all that it does for the community. Dr. Jordan thanked the
Prelate for the special prayer each year and for the opportunity for the
organization to let the people know about its mission, which she stated is a
global mission spanning 28 countries and helping Armenians as well as
non-Armenians. 
        The service concluded with "Cilicia." 
        On the same day, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General,
celebrated Divine Liturgy, conducted Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic
and the blessing of the Armenian flag, and delivered the sermon at St.
Garabed Church in Hollywood. 
        A reception followed at "Yeghia Sarafian" Hall. Welcoming remarks
were delivered by ANCA West San Fernando Valley Chairman Mr. Garo Kamarian.
The Prelate once again welcomed Congressman Brad Sherman and Assembly
candidate Jesse Gabriel, wishing them both success in their current and
future endeavors. Mr. Kamarian introduced the special guests. Congressman
Sherman discussed his efforts in support of Armenia and presented a flag to
the Church. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, District 5 Chief Deputy of
Public Safety Mr. Greg Martayan presented certificates to Fr. Razmig and the
Board of Trustees.
        In the afternoon, the Sunday School's year-end reception was held at
"Dikranian" Hall under the auspices and with the presence of the Prelate.
The program began with the Armenian national anthem and Sunday School anthem
presented by the students. Fr. Razmig delivered the invocation. Welcoming
remarks were delivered by the MC, Gassig Kejejian, who also gave a brief
overview of the church's role in the battle for independence in 1918 and
stated that the day's program was dedicated to the centennial to honor the
memory of our forefathers and celebrate our faith, culture, and homeland.
The students presented a play dedicated to the centennial. On behalf of the
Sunday School faculty and parent-support committee, Director Mrs. Seta
Kejejian thanked the Prelate for his presence and wished him continued
success in his mission. Noting that the children are the future of our
church and nation, she thanked the teachers for their dedicated service, the
Parish Pastor and Board of Trustees for their moral and financial support,
the parent-support committee for their service, and the parents for trusting
the instruction of their children to the Sunday School. She commended all
the students for their efforts and congratulated the graduating students.
        The Prelate, joined by Fr. Razmig, Mrs. Kejejian, and Board of
Trustees member Mr. Khatchig Hairabedian, presented diplomas to the four
graduates, after which he delivered his message. His Eminence fondly
recalled his own time as a Sunday School student from the age of four and
the influence it had on his life leading him to where he is today. He
commended the Director, faculty, parents, and the church family for serving
together with faith, love, sacrifice, and devotion. Addressing the students,
he stated, "whatever you receive from your parents and teachers, know the
value and appreciate it. Inspired by our forefathers' spirit of courage,
zeal, and determination, become our capable leaders of tomorrow." The
Prelate concluded by congratulating the graduates and expressing his pride
toward all. 
        An intimate luncheon followed in a family atmosphere.
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT THE SWEARING-IN OF GLENDALE POLICE CHIEF CARL
POVILAITIS
        On Thursday, May 31, 2018, Carl Povilaitis was formally sworn in as
the Chief of the Glendale Police Department. By the invitation of the City
of Glendale Police Department, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, attended and delivered the invocation. He was accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian.
        City Manager Yasmin Beers welcomed the guests, after which His
Eminence delivered the invocation. 
        The Prelate prayed for the Lord to guide Chief Povilaitis as he now
carries the weight of the community's safety and welfare on his shoulders,
to grant him strength of will and prudence to fulfill the demands of his
mighty duties and responsibilities, and grace him with divine wisdom as he
leads the Glendale Police Department with honor and dignity, justice and
fairness. His Eminence prayed for the Lord to watch over all police officers
who bravely and selflessly put their lives on the line day in and day out to
keep us safe, to grant them strength and courage to face the dangers of
today's world, and to protect their families as well. Finally, the Prelate
beseeched the Lord's blessings upon the honorable Mayor and City Council,
all government officials, civil servants, members of service organizations,
and residents, who work in accord as members of one family for the wellbeing
and prosperity of the vibrant and beautiful Jewel City. He concluded by
conveying his congratulations and best wishes to Chief Povilaitis. 
        The swearing-in ceremony followed, administered by the City Manager.
Members of the Glendale City Council and L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell
conveyed their congratulatory remarks. 
        Chief Povilaitis thanked all for their well wishes and outlined his
priorities for the City.
***

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                                        Friday, 
Armenia's Former Ruling Party ‘Ready’ To Discuss Snap Polls
        • Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia -- Parliament deputies from the Republican Party meet with Nikol 
Pashinian, Yerevan, 30Apr2018
Former President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK) has expressed 
readiness to negotiate with Armenia’s new government on fresh parliamentary 
elections sought by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his political allies.
“At the moment we see no hurdle to pre-term elections,” Davit Harutiunian, a 
senior HHK member, said late on Thursday after a meeting of the governing board 
of the party which still controls the majority of seats in the Armenian 
parliament. “There are no taboo issues for us.”
Harutiunian stressed that an agreement on the date and other practical 
modalities of such a vote must result from negotiations involving all political 
forces represented in the National Assembly. “As of now we have received no 
proposals to participate in such discussions,” he told journalists. “But we are 
expressing our readiness [to take part in them.]”
Pashinian demanded the holding of general elections before the end of this year 
immediately after he swept to power on May 8 in a wave of mass protests that 
forced Sarkisian to resign as prime minister. He is backed on the issue by his 
Yelk alliance and the two other parliamentary minority factions representing 
businessman Gagik Tsarukian’s bloc and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation 
(Dashnaktsutyun).
Senior HHK figures have until now spoken out against the idea of snap polls. 
Harutiunian’s remarks suggest that the former ruling party has softened its 
stance. Some observers attribute this apparent change to fears that more 
deputies will defect from its parliament faction and cause the HHK to lose its 
slim majority in the legislature.
The HHK spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, denied that, however, saying that he and 
other party representatives had not “categorically” ruled out fresh 
elections.“We remain of the opinion that the issue of urgent pre-term elections 
is not on our agenda right now,” he said. “It is not on Pashinian’s political 
agenda either.”
Sharmazanov added that while elections are extremely unlikely in the next three 
months “nobody can say what will happen six or seven months later.”
Harutiunian made clear on Thursday that the HHK is also ready to discuss major 
amendments to the Armenian Electoral Code demanded by Pashinian’s political 
team. He said the party specifically supports the idea of enacting more legal 
safeguards against fraudulent multiple voting.
Still, Harutiunian said the HHK remains opposed to changing a complicated and 
controversial system of electing the National Assembly. It is believed to have 
contributed to the HHK’s victory in the last legislative polls held in April 
2017.
Yelk, Tsarukian and Dashnaktsutyun want to change that system so that Armenians 
vote only for political parties or blocs, rather than their individual 
candidates, in the next elections.
Pashinian Explains Scrapping Of Major Energy Deal
        • Sisak Gabrielian
Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian speaks at a cabinet meeting in 
Yerevan, 1 June 2018.
A company belonging to Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetian will not 
manage Armenia’s electricity transmission network because it already owns the 
national electric utility, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said on Friday.
“We believe that the two main energy networks must not be controlled by the 
same owner,” he told a cabinet meeting in Yerevan.
Karapetian’s Tashir Kapital acquired the Armenian power distribution network 
from a Russian energy giant in 2015. The previous Armenian government moved 
last year to allow Tashir Kapital to also manage the High-Voltage Electric 
Networks (HVEN) for the next 25 years. Government officials said at the time 
that the private operator will cut costs and attract badly needed investments 
in HVEN.
Energy Minister Artur Grigorian said earlier this week that the new government 
has decided to terminate the management contract with Tashir Kapital because 
some of its provisions are “not beneficial for the state.” Grigorian also said 
on Thursday that HVEN must remain state-owned in view of its strategic 
importance to the country.
Pashinian made clear, however, the latter statement does not reflect his and 
his cabinet’s position. “Whether [HVEN] must be private or public is a subject 
for separate discussion because there is need for some investments there and 
our state now has some borrowing constraints in terms of the maximum size of 
the public debt,” he said.
“So I think that government representatives … must not make statements that 
leave the impression of a final [government] decision, especially given that 
there is no such decision,” he added.
Tashir Kapital claimed on Thursday that it itself decided to pull out of the 
deal. It also said that HVEN has been badly mismanaged and that Karapetian’s 
company had a clear plan to modernize the network and make it much more 
efficient.
Grigorian is one of the five members of Pashinian’s cabinet representing 
businessman Gagik Tsarukian’s alliance. His statements therefore fueled media 
speculation that Tsarukian, who is one of Armenia’s richest, has set his sights 
on HVEN. Grigorian dismissed that speculation on Wednesday.
Pashinian, for his part, pointedly ruled out the possibility of Tsarukian 
gaining control over the energy asset. He said that “no individual or company 
connected to the government” will be allowed to buy or manage HVEN. 
Offshore-registered firms also cannot run the transmission network, added the 
premier.
New Provincial Governors Named
        • Sisak Gabrielian
        • Tatevik Lazarian
Armenia - A government building in Yerevan, 29 March 2018.
The government appointed on Friday the new governors of eight of the ten 
provinces of Armenia who mainly represent the three minority factions in the 
parliament.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian pledged to replace all ten governors after 
coming to power and forming a de facto coalition government last month.
Four provinces -- Ararat, Kotayk, Shirak and Tavush -- will now be run by 
members of Pashinian’s Civil Contract party. The new Ararat governor, Garik 
Sargsian, is 30 years old. He has until now been the mayor of a village located 
in the region south of Yerevan.
The new governors of the Aragatsotn and Gegharkunik provinces represent the 
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun). The party, which is 
particularly influential in the Armenian Diaspora, also has two ministerial 
posts in Pashinian’s cabinet.
A member of businessman Gagik Tsarukian’s bloc, the second largest 
parliamentary force, was named to run the northern Lori province. Incidentally, 
Tsarukian’s son-in-law, Karapet Guloyan, was one of the eight governors 
dismissed by the new government on Friday.
Two other provinces, Syunik and Armavir, still have governors appointed by the 
previous government. Pashinian has made clear that they too will be replaced. 
Those posts could be given to the Tsarukian Bloc.
Minister for Local Government Suren Papikian said on Thursday that the new 
governors must “correspond to new Armenian realities.” “Everything must be done 
to ensure that local government bodies operate in a more clear and transparent 
way with the active help of the governors,” he said.
Papikian also stressed that unlike their predecessors the governors will not be 
required to help the ruling political forces garner votes in their respective 
regions during elections. “Such things will be ruled out in Armenia,” he said.
EBRD Sees Continued Economic Growth In Armenia
        • Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia - Francis Malige, the EBRD director for Eastern Europe and the 
Caucasus, speaks to RFE/RL in Yerevan, 1 June 2018.
Armenia’s economy should continue to grow this year despite the recent dramatic 
events that led to a change of the country’s government, a senior executive of 
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Friday.
Francis Malige, the EBRD’s managing director for Eastern Europe and the 
Caucasus, also expressed hope that the new Armenian government will implement 
far-reaching reforms promised by it.
“The Armenian economy is growing,” Malige told RFE/RL’s Armenian service 
(Azatutyun.am) in an interview. “We expect it to continue growing in the coming 
year.”
“I expect this to be a good year,” he said. “I see that there is enthusiasm, a 
good spirit among the people and that there is no disruption. Very often when 
you have a change of government, as, for example, was the case in Ukraine four 
years ago, you have a lot of disruptions in the economy as a consequence … I 
see no unrest, I see people continuing to have a willingness to invest.”
According to official statistics, the Armenian economy grew by 7.5 percent last 
year after stagnating in 2016. This robust growth continued practically 
unabated in the first quarter of this year.
Armenia was thrust into political turmoil in April when its longtime leader 
Serzh Sarkisian’s attempt to hold on to power triggered mass protests that 
lasted for weeks and resulted in his resignation. The protest leader, Nikol 
Pashinian, was elected prime minister on May 8, pledging to democratize the 
country, strengthen the rule of law and liberalize its economy.
Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian (R) meets with Francis Malige, a 
senior EBRD executive, in Yerevan, 1 June 2018.
Malige met with Pashinian earlier on Friday.He said he heard from the Armenian 
premier a “clear commitment to the right sort of economic policies.”
“We see a group of people who have spoken very clearly on their willingness to 
engage in a fight against corruption, de-monopolization of the economy,” Malige 
said of the new Armenian government. “These are good things.”
“As with any new government, actions speak louder than words. So let’s see what 
the actions are,” he added.
The EBRD director specifically stressed the importance of creating a level 
playing field for all businesses. “It’s no secret that there are a lot of 
monopolies in the Armenian economy,” he said. “We see de-monopolization as a 
strong lever for further economic growth.”
“We have discussed this problem with the previous government,” he went on. “We 
have generally received an answer that was along the lines of ‘yes, it’s 
important, we need to do something about it but it’s difficult.’”
Lucrative sectors of the Armenian economy such as commodity imports have long 
been monopolized by wealthy businesspeople close to Armenia’s previous 
governments. One of those tycoons was accused by a law-enforcement agency of 
large-scale evasion this week.
The EBRD has invested over $1.3 billion in about 165 projects in Armenia ever 
since it began operating in the country in 1992. More than 80 percent of those 
investments have gone into the private sector, largely taking the form of 
minority stake purchases in local and foreign companies.
Malige said the London-based multilateral institution is ready to finance more 
investment projects in Armenia. He noted in this regard that ethnic Armenian 
foreign entrepreneurs seem to be showing a greater interest in their ancestral 
homeland because of the recent revolution there.
“I’ve heard that there is a clear, renewed interest on the part of Armenian 
Diaspora investors who are keen to come and look back at Armenia as an 
investment destination,” said Malige. “I’m sure that they would be most 
welcome. We would like to work with them.”
Press Review
“Hraparak” comments on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s enthusiastic reception 
by ethnic Armenian citizens of Georgia during his official visit to the 
country. The paper says this is further proof that the democratic revolution in 
Armenia has galvanized not only its population but also many Diaspora 
Armenians. “And for us Georgia is a very important area in all senses,” it says.
“Zhamanak” also notes the jubilant scenes that marked Pashinian’s trip to 
Georgia. “Of course, such meetings were also part of Serzh Sarkisian’s visits 
abroad,” the paper says. “But there cannot be any comparisons between Nikol 
Pashinian’s meetings [with ethnic Armenians] in Georgia and Sochi and Serzh 
Sarkisian’s and Karen Karapetian’s meetings.” It notes the “immense energy” of 
Pashinian’s meetings.
“Zhoghovurd” looks at ongoing audits of large Armenian companies conducted by 
the National Security Service (NSS). “For many years businesspeople operated 
not in a legal taxation regime but under totally different rules of the game,” 
writes the paper. “As a result, Armenia’s state budget has lost serious amounts 
of tax revenue.” It says that this large-scale tax evasion was made possible 
and even dictated by the country’s former governments. “These rules of the game 
were in force for the last 20 years,” it says.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” reports on the arrest of Davit Hambardzumian, the mayor of 
the town of Masis who was allegedly among masked thugs that attacked protesters 
in Yerevan on April 22. The paper calls the fallout from the arrest a 
“classical manifestation of diarchy,” which it says plays into the hands of the 
former ruling HHK. It suggests that the HHK was behind Thursday’s demonstration 
staged by some Masis residents in support of Hambardzumian.
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org