Category: 2018

March 2, 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 ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
        On March 4, 2018, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of the
Steward, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena. 
        In the afternoon, the Prelate will attend and deliver his message at
the 100th anniversary celebration of the ARS Hollywood "Mayr" Chapter and
50th anniversary of the ARS Saturday School, which will be held at St.
Garabed Church "Karapetian" Hall.  
***
LECTURE ON "THE ARMENIAN CHURCH: PAST AND PRESENT" TO BE HELD AT THE PRELACY
        
        On Thursday, March 15, 2018 a lecture titled "The Armenian Church:
Past and Present" will be held at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall. The event, held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by the Western Prelacy
Cultural-Educational Committee, will feature Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan,
Vicar General, as the lecturer.
        The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a cultural program. A
reception will follow. 
***
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER MID-LENT SERVICE AND LUNCHEON AT HOLY CROSS
CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO
        Wednesday, March 7, marks the halfway point of Great Lent. As is
tradition, the Prelate will be at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello to
preside over Sunrise Service and deliver his message. Mesrobian School
students will attend the service.
        At noon, the annual Michink luncheon organized by the Cathedral
Ladies' Aid will take place at "Bagramian" Hall. The Prelate will preside
over the luncheon and convey his blessings. Mesrobian School students will
present a cultural program.
         
***
ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING
        The Armenian American Museum will be hosting a community meeting on
Thursday, March 8, to offer the public the opportunity to learn more about
the project. The meeting will take place at the Adult Recreation Center (201
E. Colorado St., Glendale) starting at 7:00 p.m.
        The Prelate, as Co-Chair of the Governing Board, will attend. 
***
48TH ANNUAL ARMENIAN WOMEN'S DAY OF PRAYER 
        On Friday, March 2, 2018, 500 hundred women from the Armenian
Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches gathered at the Armenian
Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena for the 48th annual Armenian Women's Day
of Prayer, coinciding with the Women's World Day of Prayer which was marked
on the same day by Christian women in over 170 countries. This year theme
was "All God's Creation is Very Good" from Genesis 1:1-31. Alongside
prayers, the program included hymns, Scripture and psalms readings,
spiritual songs, reflections, and remarks.
        On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev.
Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, and Rev. Fr. Movses
Shannakian attended. Fr. Ghevont read the Prelate's closing remarks and
delivered the benediction. In his message, the Prelate had stressed the
importance of prayer to draw near to God and be in communication with Him,
and a source of strength, peace, hope, and joy, and accordingly commended
the women for their enthusiastic participation year after year. Reflecting
on the day's theme, His Eminence reminded the participants to be good
stewards over all of God's creation, and in particular to treat God's
greatest creation, our fellow man, with utmost love, respect, and goodness. 
***
PRELATE ATTENDS PRESENTATION OF DR. RUBINA PEROOMIAN'S LATEST BOOK
        On Thursday, March 1, 2018, the presentation of Dr. Rubina
Peroomian's latest book, "My Father, A Man of Courage and Perseverance, A
Survivor of Stalin's Gulag," was held at the Karamanougian Youth Center
"Sahak and Janet Kazangian" Hall in Glendale. The event was organized by
Sardarabad Bookstore, under the auspices of Hamazkayin Regional Executive
and Asbarez newspaper. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
attended and conveyed his message. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Asbarez editor Mr. Apo
Boghikian. The book was presented by Dr. Shaken Kaftarian, and remarks were
delivered by Prof. Richard Hovannisian. Dr. Peroomian thanked the organizers
for their efforts and the guests for their support, and reflected on the
motivation behind the publishing of the book.
        The Prelate delivered the closing message, first congratulating the
author on her latest achievement. His Eminence regarded the book as a
beautiful expression of the author's gratitude toward her father and his
life, as well as a powerful testimony of Baghdig Minassian's spirited and
faithful service to our nation through the ARF, for which they endured
persecution yet always remained true to their convictions and hopes, leaving
behind an inspiring legacy for their children and subsequent generations.
His Eminence blessed Dr. Peroomian and her valuable life's work, in
particular her devotion to the Armenian Cause, and commended the organizers
for putting together the event. 
***
PRELATE CONDUCTS DEDICATION AND CONSECRATION CEREMONIES AT HOLY CROSS
CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO
- REQUIEM FOR ARS MEMBERS, VICTIMS OF THE SUMGAIT POGROMS, AND ARTSAKH
MARTYRS
        On Sunday, February 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello,
delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing and rededication of the
renovated Cathedral, the consecration of mosaic murals, and the blessing and
inauguration of the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian Library and Museum. The
murals depict the Annunciation and our Lord Jesus calling all "who labor and
are heavy laden." Divine Liturgy was celebrated by parish pastor Rev. Fr.
Ashod Kambourian. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, parish dean, and Rev. Fr.
Papken Manuelian participated in the service. Among the faithful in
attendance were Executive Council member Mr. Antranik Kasbarian,
representatives of the "Tro" Gomideh and sister organizations, sponsors,
Sunday School teachers and students. 
        Also on this day, requiem prayers were offered in all Prelacy
Churches for the souls of departed ARS members, for the souls of the
innocent Armenians killed by the Azeris on the 30th anniversary of the
Sumgait pogroms, and for all the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in
defense of Artsakh.     
        Prior to the sermon, the Prelate greeted the dean, pastor,
delegates, board of trustees, and parish family, wished them a fruitful
Lenten journey thus far and hoped that they emerge renewed and strengthened
in their faith and ready to serve with greater vigor for the prosperity of
the parish community. His Eminence reflected on the day's special requiem
services, paying tribute to the members and benefactors of the Armenian
Relief Society for their lifetime of labor for the welfare of our nation and
brethren, to the innocent men, women, and children who were savagely killed
in Sumgait thirty years ago, and to the brave young martyrs who have given
their lives in defense of our lands, praying for their valor and sacrifice
to never be forgotten. 
        Next, the Prelate spoke about the blessing, dedication, and
consecration ceremonies. He blessed and commended all those who over the
years have contributed to the splendor of Holy Cross Cathedral, and in
particular the Tumanjan family who made the most recent renovation and
beautification possible in loving memory of George and Irene Tumanjan, as
well as the Arakelian, Iknadossian, and Manjikian families for sponsoring
the beautiful new murals, urging all to continue to work together, hand in
hand and heart to heart, to keep the Cathedral the lighthouse and stronghold
of the community. Speaking on the opening of the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian
Library and Museum, His Eminence stated, "Eight years on, our beloved Sumbat
Serpazan continues to live on in our hearts, and now through this fitting
and well-deserved tribute his legacy as a faithful servant of our Lord and
good and true shepherd will endure forevermore." 
        The Prelate thereafter delivered his sermon on the day's Gospel
reading from Luke 15:1-32, focusing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son which
was the theme of the third Sunday of Great Lent. His Eminence briefly
recounted the parable and then highlighted its powerful and inspiring
message, the utmost extent of God's love, forgiveness, and mercy for His
children. He noted that today too there are many prodigal sons in this
world, those who have distanced themselves from God, from our church, and
from our religious and national values and heritage, adding that without
faith and values we are lost, just as the son in the parable was lost when
he went out on his own. "Let all heed the call to return to God today, to
our church, and to our heritage, and invite others who are lost to come
home," stressed the Prelate, and called on parents especially to lead by
example, to bring their children to church, to Sunday School, and to the
multitude of community organizations, and to cultivate their sense of
national identity from an early age so that it remains with them forever.
Addressing the youth, he urged them to heed the advice, wisdom, and guidance
of their elders, participate in our church and national life, and nurture
their minds, hearts, and spirits with our faith and culture so that they are
equipped with the faith and the will to choose what is good and reject what
is wrong. 
        The Prelate concluded his sermon by emphasizing that our heavenly
Father is a loving and compassionate God Who came not to judge but to save,
and Who is patiently waiting for the lost to come home to Him, to embrace us
with His love and mercy and shower us with His grace and blessings like the
father in the parable did for his son. 
        Requiem service followed, after which the Prelate conducted the
blessing and dedication of the Cathedral and the consecration of the murals.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, His Eminence was led in a procession to
the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian Library and Museum, which he subsequently
blessed and inaugurated, conducting the unveiling of the plaque and ribbon
cutting alongside clergy, sponsor Mr. Michael Tumanjan, and Board of
Trustees Chair Mrs. Goharik Gabriel. The ceremony concluded with "Cilicia." 
        A luncheon followed at "Bagramian" Hall. The Prelate delivered the
invocation, after which Board of Trustees Chair Mrs. Goharik Gabriel offered
welcoming remarks. Cathedral renovation sponsor Mr. Michael Tumanjan
delivered poignant remarks on serving and supporting the church. Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian delivered his remarks, greeting and commending the
sponsors and guests, and invited the Prelate to convey his message.
        His Eminence once again commended all the sponsors and supporters
who contribute to the advancement of the parish community, in particular Mr.
Michael Tumanjan. Quoting from Psalm 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the
house, they labor in vain who build it," the Prelate said to Michael, "you
are a builder by trade, but it is your faith and love for the Lord that
leads your works to success." 
        The program also featured songs by the Cathedral's choir. 
*** 
ANNUAL BANQUET OF FERRAHIAN, CABAYAN, AND PILAVJIAN SCHOOLS
        On Saturday, February 24, 2018, the annual banquet of Holy Martyrs
Ferrahian High School, Marie Cabayan Elementary School, and ARS Ashkhen
Pilavjian Pre-School was held at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale, under the
auspices of and with the presence of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. This year, the School Board honored Mrs. Aida Baghdayan and Mrs.
Hasmig Proudian, two retired faculty members with over 25 years of service.
        The program began with welcoming remarks by School Board member Mr.
Nigol Manoukian. Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian delivered the
invocation. Dr. Razmig Krumian spoke on behalf of the School Board,
highlighting the school's mission and achievements. School Board member Mr.
Vahe Benlian introduced the evening's two honorees and presented a plaque to
Mrs. Baghdayan and to Mrs. Hasmig Proudian in absentia. Ferrahian School
principal Mrs. Sossi Shanlian delivered her message, highlighting the
school's special projects for the year and in particular a competition for
the students to become more closely familiarized with ancient Armenian
kingdoms and our history. Congratulatory remarks were conveyed by Los
Angeles City Council member Mr. Paul Krekorian and GUSD Board of Education
member Mr. Greg Krikorian.
        The Prelate delivered his message, commending the school's
commitment to the proper education and instruction of our youth, and lauded
their initiative in organizing the afore-mentioned competition on the
centennial year of independence. His Eminence stressed the importance of
community-church-school-family collaboration for the wellbeing of our youth,
lauded the school's service to the community in the past 54 years, and
wished them continued successes in their worthy mission. 
*** 
FIFTH ANNUAL INTERSCHOOL RECITATION CONTEST 
        On Saturday, February 24, 2018 "Boolghoorjian" Hall of Merdinian
Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks was filled to capacity as
students, educators, and parents, had gathered for the fifth annual
Interschool Recitation Contest held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by the Board of Regents of
Prelacy Schools. Among those in attendance were Executive Council member Mr.
Alec Baghdasaryan, Board of Regents Chair Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian and members
Mrs. Sossi Hovsepian and Mrs. Lena Kortoshian. 
        Over sixty students from the following eight Armenian schools
participated; Merdinian, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian
Christian, Ferrahian-Cabayan, Rose and Alex Pilibos, Vahan and Anoush
Chamian, and Ari Guiragos Minassian. This year's contest was dedicated to
the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia, thus, the recitations
represented this theme.
        Mrs. Gaboudian welcomed the participants and guests, and invited
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian to read the Prelate's message. His
Eminence commended the Board of Regents for continuing this important
initiative, and the students, teachers, and parents for their enthusiastic
participation and encouragement. Addressing the students, the Prelate had
written, "Through these recitations you are bringing to life the literary
treasures of our revered writers, and it is your responsibility to keep
these treasures alive. There will be winners announced, but in my eyes you
are all winners; your participation today is a collective triumph for the
spirit of our forefathers is honored through your expressed love for our
language and culture, sspecially in this centennial year of independence.
May you continue to uphold and promote our heritage and our national cause."
        Mrs. Kortoshian introduced the members of the jury; Grigor Ogaryan,
Takouhi Arzoumanian,    Sayat Baboumian, Kevork Bedikian, and Maral
Varjabedian. 
        Subsequently the recitations began, in grade order starting from
elementary to high school. Last year's winner, Varant Chalekian, who placed
second at the pan-Armenian poetry festival in Shushi last summer, shared his
thoughts and experiences. Following each of the presentations, the students
received two certificates of commendation, one from the Minister of
Diaspora, which Mrs. Gaboudian announced were secured by the efforts of Mr.
Alec Baghdasaryan, and the other from the Board of Regents. All participants
also received gift bags which included a bag with embossed with Armenia's
coat of arms and Armenian CD's and DVD's.
        The jury will deliberate and the winners will be invited to the
Prelacy for the awards presentation in due time.  
*** 

                                        Friday, March 2, 2018
New Armenian President Elected
 . Ruzanna Stepanian
Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian (R) meets with former Prime
Minister Armen Sarkissian in Yerevan, 16 February 2017.
The Armenian parliament voted on Friday to elect Armen Sarkissian, a
former prime minister who has long resided in Britain, Armenia's new
and largely ceremonial president.
Sarkissian was nominated for the post by the outgoing President Serzh
Sarkisian (no relation) and the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
(HHK) in January. He was also endorsed by the HHK's junior coalition
partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), and
businessman Gagik Tsarukian's alliance, which is officially in
opposition to the government.
The opposition Yelk alliance, the fourth political group represented
in the National Assembly, has rejected Sarkissian's candidacy. Yelk,
which holds 9 seats in the 105-member parliament, has also questioned
his eligibility to serve as head of state.
Sarkissian was elected in secret ballot by 90 votes to 10. He gave a
short speech in the parliament moments after the announcement of the
vote results.
"I want to thank those who voted for me and those who voted against
me," he said. "I will invest my long experience and knowledge and my
entire energy in properly performing the duties of Armenia's president
and properly serving the Republic of Armenia, its citizens and our
people."
"And I certainly expect your and our citizens' support for and
participation in our future important victories," added the
president-elect.
Only seven Yelk deputies cast ballots on Friday, suggesting that three
other lawmakers affiliated with the HHK, Dashnaktsutyun or the
Tsarukian Bloc secretly broke ranks to vote against Serzh Sarkisian's
preferred successor. It was not clear who they are.
Yelk's parliamentary leader, Nikol Pashinian was quick to pounce on
that fact. He declared with sarcasm that there are "hidden Yelk
members" in the ruling party's ranks.
Armen Sarkissian will be sworn in on April 9 immediately after Serzh
Sarkisian completes his second and final term in office.
The outgoing president is widely expected to become prime minister
later in April. With Armenia switching to a parliamentary system of
government, he would remain the country's most powerful man in that
case.
Under sweeping constitutional changes controversially enacted by Serzh
Sarkisian, the new president of the republic will have largely
ceremonial powers. In particular, he will appoint members of the
government, Armenian ambassadors abroad and the Armenian army's top
brass. But all of those officials will have to be nominated by the
prime minister first.
Britain - Prince Charles and former Armenian Prime Minister Armen
Sarkissian at a fundraising gala in London.
Sarkissian, 64, has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that despite the
lack of executive powers he intends to play a major role in Armenia's
political and economic life. He has pledged, among other things, to
strive to heal what he sees as serious divisions existing within the
Armenian society.
A physicist and mathematician by education, Sarkissian worked at the
Cambridge University when he was appointed as newly independent
Armenia's first ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1991. He served as
prime minister for four months in 1996-1997 before being again named
ambassador in London.
His second ambassadorial stint was cut short in 1999 by then President
Robert Kocharian. Sarkissian stayed in Britain and made a fortune
there in the following decade, working as an advisor and middleman for
Western corporations doing business in the former Soviet Union. He was
appointed as Armenian ambassador to Britain for a third time in 2013.
Georgian PM Visits Armenia
 . Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia - Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetian (R) and his
Georgian counterpart Giorgi Kvirikashvili are pictured after holding
talks in Yerevan, 2 March 2018.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili met with Armenia's
leaders on Friday during an official visit to Yerevan which focused on
economic issues, including energy and transport.
"We discussed both our bilateral relations and regional issues,"
Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetian said after talks with
Kvirikashvili.
"We spoke about possible areas of our cooperation," Karapetian told a
joint news briefing. "That includes the Meghri free economic zone [on
the Armenian-Iranian border.] We spoke in detail and will continue to
talk later today and agreed how we will be moving forward in the
energy and transport sectors."
"We can conclude we have emerged from the negotiations in a fairly
good mood," he added.
Kvirikashvili also mentioned the two areas of Georgian-Armenian
economic cooperation but, like Karapetian, did not give any
details. "We should utilize our economic potential and I think that
our meeting today will contribute to that," he said in his opening
remarks at the talks.
The Georgian premier met with President Serzh Sarkisian later in the
day.
An Armenian government statement on Karapetian's talks with
Kvirikashvili said the two men stressed the importance of "developing
energy cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats." Armenia is
currently building new electricity transmission lines that will
connect it to Georgia and Iran. They are due to be completed next
year.
Kvirikashvili most probably also discussed in Yerevan the possible
opening of new transport corridors between Georgia and Russia that
would facilitate cargo shipments to and from Armenia. Most of
Russian-Armenian trade is currently carried out through the sole
Russian-Georgian border crossing at Upper Lars. Traffic along that
mountainous road is frequently blocked by blizzards in winter months.
The two other roads connecting Georgia and Russia pass through the
breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They were
closed even before the 2008 Russian-Georgian war. In 2011, Moscow and
Tbilisi agreed to hire a Swiss company to operate special customs
checkpoints to be set up on the administrative boundaries of South
Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Despite their lingering political disagreements, the two sides seem to
have slowly but steadily made progress towards the implementation of
that agreement. The Georgian government signed a relevant contract
with a Swiss company on December 19. A senior Russian diplomat said in
January that Moscow will likely follow suit "in the coming months."
Armenian leaders have repeatedly expressed hope that the 2011
Russian-Georgian deal will be implemented.
Russia's Putin Congratulates Armenian President-Elect
Russia - President Vladimir Putin greets his Armenian counterpart
Serzh Sarkisian in Moscow, 15 November 2017.
Russian President Vladimir Putin promptly congratulated Armen
Sarkissian on being elected Armenia's new president on Friday.
In a congratulatory message reported by the Kremlin, Putin expressed
confidence that Sarkissian will contribute to a "further development"
of Russian-Armenian relations and "deepening of Eurasian integration
to the benefit of the brotherly peoples of the two countries."
Sarkissian has avoided detailed public statements on foreign policy
issues since being nominated for president by the outgoing President
Serzh Sarkisian in January. But he did stress the economic importance
of Armenia's membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union
(EEU) when he addressed the parliament on Thursday.
"Armenia joined the EEU, which is an important and significant fact
for the simple reason that a republic of three million people cannot
be of much interest to a large investor," said the 64-year-old former
scholar. Tariff-free access to the markets in Russia and other EEU
member states makes Armenia far more attractive to investors, he
added.
Sarkissian, who has lived in Britain for nearly three decades, at the
same time praised Armenia's Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union signed in November.
Since the early 2000s the Armenian president-elect has advised major
Western corporations on doing business in Russia, Kazakhstan and other
ex-Soviet states.
Under Armenia's recently amended constitution, Sarkissian will have
largely ceremonial powers. He will be able, among other things, to
sign international treaties recommended by the Armenian government.
Government Criticized For Not Funding More IT Labs In Armenian Schools
 . Marine Khachatrian
Armenia - Schoolchildren in Yerevan participate in the annual Hour of
Code event designed to introduce them to computer programming, 10
December 2017.
An Armenian information technology (IT) association criticized the
government on Friday for not financing more engineering labs in public
schools, saying that they are essential for continued rapid growth
Armenia's IT sector.
The Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) began
organizing extracurricular robotics and computer programming courses
for schoolchildren in 2008. More than 5,000 students currently study
at the UITE's Armath labs functioning in 225 schools across the
country. They are equipped with computers, robot parts and 3D printers
provided by IT firms and other private donors.
Most labs have been opened since 2014. IT instructors running 160 of
them are paid by the government. The UITE pays the wages of their
colleagues working in the other schools.
"These 65 labs are a major financial burden: around 60 million drams
($125,000) a year," the UITE chairman, Karen Vartanian, told RFE/RL's
Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "If we keep doing that on our own we
will go bankrupt." He said in that in an effort to earn some revenue
and keep the funding them, UITE has teamed up with an Indian tech
company to open Armath labs in schools in India.
Armenia - Schoolchildren take part in a robotics contest in Yerevan,
16 April 2016.
Vartanian lambasted the Armenian government for not increasing its
funding for the Armath program which he said currently totals 120
million drams ($250,000) annually. He insisted that the labs are
helping to alleviate a shortage of skilled personnel widely seen as
the main challenge facing the Armenian tech industry.
IT is the fastest growing sector of Armenia's economy, having expanded
by over 20 percent annually in the past decade. Local subsidiaries of
several U.S. tech giants are a key component of the sector employing
about 15,000 mostly young engineers.
Industry executives and analysts say the sector would have grown even
faster had the quality of education at IT departments of Armenian
universities been adequate.
Armenia - Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili (C) visits the
Tumo Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan, 2 March 2018.
According to the UITE, many of the students taking IT courses in the
Armath labs will be skilled enough to work for tech firms right after
finishing school. The union had originally hoped to open such labs in
all 1,400 or so Armenian schools by 2018.
Thousands of other Armenian schoolchildren are enrolled in Yerevan's
Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, mainly studying computer
programming, robotics and animation. The state-of-the-art center was
founded by U.S.-Armenian philanthropist Sam Simonian in 2011 and has
since opened several branches in other parts of the country.
Press Review
"Haykakan Zhamanak" sees a "very serious legal problem" with Armen
Sarkissian's eligibility to serve as Armenia's president. The paper
says he has failed to prove that he has not been a citizen of Britain
or any other foreign state for the past six years. It says he could
have easily dispelled all doubts by producing an official British
document confirming his claims that he gave up British citizenship in
2011.
"Ever since the coup d' tat of 1998 Armenia's presidents have been
elected with blatant violations of the constitution," writes
"Zhoghovurd." "Robert Kocharian lacked 10-year citizenship required by
the constitution as he had not permanently lived in Armenia [that
long.] The same happened in the case of Serzh Sarkisian. Under Article
78 of the constitution state all officials except the president of the
republic must be relieved of their duties when they are registered as
presidential election candidates. But contrary to this requirement,
then Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian continued his tenure at that time
[in 2007-2008.] And now there is a problem with Armen Sarkissian."
"Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" mocks statements by senior members of the
ruling Republican Party (HHK) that Serzh Sarkisian will have to become
prime minister even against his will if the HHK leadership wants him
to. "It looks like a national front will be formed to liberate Serzh
Sarkisian from his own party's tight grp," the paper says with
sarcasm. "The party elite is forcing the poor guy to do various bad
things against his will. If we regard the party as something like a
family, we must conclude that Serzh Sarkisian is subjected to domestic
violence."
"Hraparak" says that nothing will change in Armenian politics in the
near future. "In the coming years we will be seeing the same figures
whose positions will have slightly different names but will retain the
same functions," the paper predicts grimly. "Our influence on the
formation of the country's governments has been reduced to a minimum,"
it claims.
(Hovannes Movsisian)
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

The Associated Press
March 1, 2018 Thursday 5:01 PM GMT
Armenia annuls normalization protocols with Turkey
YEREVAN, Armenia
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) - Armenia's president has annulled long-dormant
protocols aimed at normalizing ties with Turkey.
According to his spokesman, Vladimir Akopyan, President Serzh Sargsyan
made the announcement Thursday at a meeting of the country's security
council.
The so-called Zurich Protocols signed by Yerevan and Ankara in 2009
were designed to open the Turkey-Armenia border and normalize
diplomatic ties. The agreement required ratification by both
countries' parliaments.
Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in protest of the war in
Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly ethnic-Armenian region of
Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh now is under the control of forces that
claim to be local ethnic Armenians but that Azerbaijan alleges include
Armenian troops.
The countries are also embroiled in a dispute over the massacre of 1.5
million Armenians a century ago by Ottoman Turks.