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SERZH SARGSYAN AND VALDIS ZATLERS ARE SURE THAT ARMENIAN-LATVIAN BUSINESS FORUM TO POINT OUT NEW WAYS OF COOPERATION

ARMENPRESS
Dec 11, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS: Armenian-Latvian business forum
opened today in Yerevan with the participation of Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers, representatives
of the governments of the two countries, businessmen. More than 60
businessmen from Latvia representing different spheres – construction,
wood-processing, environment, pharmaceutics, energy, transport, IT,
machine-building – participated from Latvia.

Welcoming the participants of the forum, Serzh Sargsyan noted that
it is a good opportunity to deepen the cooperation between the two
countries. The president noted that it is notable that Latvia is
interested in the process of deepening of relations not only in
political but in economic direction as well.

"During the recent two days, together with V. Zatlers we discussed
a number of important issues on development of Armenian-Latvian
relations, including mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in
the economic sphere," S. Sargsyan said. In spite of the decrease of
the tempo of growth of the volume of trade turnover between the two
countries, agreed with the economic crisis, the president expressed
assurance that all the opportunities exist for ensuring further
increase.

S. Sargsyan expressed hope that during the conference the businessmen
will find edges of cooperation and make mutually beneficial
deals. According to him, all that will help the two countries to
acquire new markets for overcoming the consequences of the economic
crisis, implement joint programs in production, agricultural, service
spheres, banking system. "Another sphere of cooperation is tourism. Our
countries were traditionally tourism routes for each other, and I
am sure that this tradition may and must be restored. Taking into
consideration the air communication agreement signed yesterday, it is
quite possible that regular flights between our capitals be organized,
which, undoubtedly, will promote the increase of tourism flow,"
Serzh Sargsyan said. The president also highlighted the cooperation
in the investment sphere, noting that quite favorable conditions are
created for making investments in Armenia.

"The two countries have necessary potential. I have no doubt that
this forum will have its contribution to bringing to life new ideas,
implementation of programs. Our economic relations have good future,"
Serzh Sargsyan said.

V. Zatlers noted that members of the Latvian delegation arrived
to Armenia with great readiness, they are interested in the
Armenian market. According to the Latvian president, in spite of the
circumstance that the two countries are far from each other they have
many common edges for cooperation. He underscored the cooperation of
the two countries especially in the crisis conditions, noting that it
is necessary to help each other to get out of the difficult situation.

"In the crisis situation we must mobilize our opportunities and
overcome the created issues. Our potential is not used fully, this
conference will give an opportunity to point new ways of cooperation.

The two countries have much to learn from each other," Zatlers said.

The president expressed hope that soon the number of joint programs,
and joint ventures will increase and in near future notable results
will be registered.

Armenian Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan noted that Latvia can
help Armenia to enter European market, and Armenia may be a bridge
for Latvia in entering the Middle East market. Yeritsyan highlighted
the cooperation between the two countries in Information Technology
sphere, noting that Latvia has serious achievements in it.

Latvian Economy Minister Artis Kampars said that in conditions of
crisis special attention must be paid to export, realization of
banking system, creation of favorable conditions for businessmen.

According to him, Armenia and Latvia may help each other not only in
getting out of the crisis, but also develop economies.

Director of the Armenian Development Agency Robert Harutyunyan noted
that the volume of trade turnover between the two countries in 2008
reached 11 million 283,000 USD, of which the export made 1 million
170,000.

"In conditions of crisis every country searches new markets, in
this respect we present interest for Latvia, and Latvia presents
interest for us. Latvia may be a window to European market for us,"
R. Harutyunyan said.

FAREWELL CEREMONY OF LATVIAN PRESIDENT TOOK PLACE IN RESIDENCE OF THE ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

ARMENPRESS
Dec 11, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS: The farewell ceremony of the Latvian
President Valdis Zatlers and his spouse Lilita Zatlere took place
today in the residence of the Armenian President. Presidential Press
Office told Armenpress that during the meeting the presidents of the
two countries wrapped up the results of the visit.

ARMENIA – ONE OF FEW COUNTRIES SIGNED ALL DOCUMENTS REGULATING HUMAN RIGHTS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
10.12.2009 14:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The driving force of the modern society is
knowledge that help people competently defend their rights. Our
goal is to create an environment where everyone can freely exercise
their rights and freedoms without prejudice and discrimination,"
the Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan told a round table on
December 10 timed to the International Human Rights Day. Roundtable
participants stressed that Armenia is one of few countries which
signed all documents regulating the human rights.

"We cannot say that we have achieved great results in human rights
protection, though we try, but positive developments are also
observed. In respect of human rights protection, Armenia is ahead of
Azerbaijan, Georgia and many CIS countries. Certainly, we still have
much to do," Armenia’s Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan told reporters.

50 SECTS WITH 10 TO 250 THOUSAND MEMBERS OPERATING IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.12.2009 21:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ False friends of Armenian Apostolic Church are the
ones who present most danger, Ter Shmavon Ghevondyan, St. Hovhannes
Church priest stated.

As he told the news conference today, over 50 sects with 10 to 250
thousand members are operating in Armenia, all of them Protestant.

"Armenia’s legislation does not forbid activities of organizations
presenting no threat to families or the state. Yet there’s no sect
that wouldn’t destroy a family, and their true purpose has yet to be
guessed," he noted.

"Armenian constitution forbids mass agitations, yet we often witness
how sect members try to almost compulsively involve people, which
is punishable by law. "People are free to choose their religion,
yet they have to be provided objective information."

"Only Armenian Apostolic Church is called national, so let us not
betray our national faith," Shmavon Hovhannes Ghevondyan concluded.

TURKS ARE INTERESTED IN REALTY
By Siranuysh Papyan

AZG DAILY
10-12-2009

Armenia – Turkey

Real estate workers say Turks are interested in the Armenian realty.

Have the Armenian real estate agencies already sold an apartment or
land to any Turk? According to the head of the Kentron real estate
agency Vahe Danielyan though they did not make such a deal but they got
a number of mails which are apparently sent by Turks. Vahe Danielyan
says that there was great number of mails on the eve of the signing
of the Armenian and Turkish protocols. Though the authors present
as Tom or use any other non-Turkish name, nevertheless the mails are
sent by Turks. "Turks are interested not in apartments but in factory
lands near Yerevan", says Vahe Danielyan noting that the authors of
the letters said they wanted to come to Armenia after October 11,
signing of the Armenian and Turkish protocols, to find an appropriate
version for them.

In answer to the question whether they will have the same feeling when
showing lands to Turks as they would have when showing to French or
English people, Danielyan said that from the point of business there
should be no difference.

The head though is afraid that the real estate market will activate
a little, but we have to think that if Turks open the border today
they may close it after six months and we will not have opportunities
to take our values back.

The head of the Cascade Realty agency Vardan Avagyan says by
legislation a foreigner does not have the right to buy land in
Armenia. "In other words, they have the right to buy realty but the
land on which it is, is not their property". Nevertheless, Vardan
Avagyan notes that by the opening of the Armenian and Turkish border,
the realty market will activate and adds that mainly shops, factories
will be sold which will cause much change.

Cascade Realty has not yet stipulated any deal with any Turk. And
the realtor Armen thinks the nationality does not matter as he is
already tired of the lack of deals.

U.S. President Promised Help To Resolve Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Turkish MP

Today.Az
10 December 2009 [11:55]

Day.Az interview with member of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly
(parliament), former foreign Minister Yasar Yakis.

Day.Az: How do you assess Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
recent visit to the U.S.?

Yasar Yakis: This visit took place at the best level, and the parties
have done everything possible to address their concerns and bring
the relations between the countries to a higher level. Erdogan
has got answers to questions that the Turkish people are concerned
over. Obama also had a chance to get a clear picture of what he can
expect from Turkey.

During his U.S. visit, Erdogan did his best for Azerbaijan at the talks
with the U.S. president. Azerbaijan can be sure that Erdogan spoke
of Azerbaijan as his own country and asked Barack Obama’s support in
addressing Azerbaijan’s problems. The U.S. is one of the two countries
that can resolve the Karabakh conflict. Erdogan asked for U.S. help
to accelerate the solution to this problem taking advantage of its
position in the world and in the Minsk Group. It should be noted
that the Minsk Group has recently intensified efforts, but there are
no results yet. Obama promised to help resole the Karabakh problem
within his capabilities. The visit proved very useful for our region
and nation as a whole.

The Turkey-Armenia protocols were one of the major issues debated at
the meeting…

At a press conference held after the bilateral meeting, the Armenian
journalist asked Erdogan: "While signing the protocols, you said
that the issue is not related to Karabakh. But later at a speech in
the Azerbaijani parliament you said that the protocols will not be
fulfilled until the Karabakh problem is resolved. Don’t you think
these are contradictory statements?"

Erdogan answered that by signing the protocols, the Turkish government
demonstrated its will. These protocols should be ratified by the
parliament. Turkish prime minister clearly stated that the parliament
will not approve the protocols until the Karabakh problem is resolved
just as the act of the March 2003 which enabled the U.S. to attack
Iraq from Turkish territory. But the parliament did not approve
it. If a similar case happens with the Turkish-Armenian protocols,
Armenia will win nothing from this.

Did Obama voice his wish for Turkey’s opening borders and establishing
relations with Armenia again?

Obama noted a need to accelerate steps to normalize relations with
Armenia and ratify the protocols. Erdogan also stressed that the
government has fulfilled its task and signed the protocols. Now it is
up to the parliament to decide future of the protocols. The parliament
is very sensitive about this issue. These protocols are unlikely to
be discussed even by the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs
until there is progress in resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The executive branch can not put pressure on the legislature. Erdogan
made it clear to Obama, and noted that Turkey is a democratic country
where all issues are solved by voting. You can not force the Congress
to adopt a decision. Similarly, the Turkish government can not dictate
anything to the parliament. Everything depends on the parliament’s
will. It is not only legal procedures, but also political will. Today
the Turkish society and the parliament are not ready for this process.

Was the so-called "Armenian genocide" discussed at the meeting?

The so-called "Armenian genocide" was not a key issue discussed at
the Obama-Erdogan meeting. Obama said that prior to Erdogan’s visit
to the United States, the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) appealed to the White House to exert pressure on Turkish
prime minister to recognize the "genocide". In response, Obama said
ANCA that he places great importance on Turkey, and, if they wish
to normalize relations with Turkey, they themselves should also take
necessary steps.

It is wrong to accuse Turkey unilaterally. If you want something
from Turkey, you must also make some concessions. The process of
normalization of relations should be mutual. Obama also sees solution
to the so-called "genocide" in the normalization of Turkish-Armenian
relations. He knows that this issue will be resolved by a joint
commission to study the history of Turkish-Armenian relations. The
historians will say the final word.

What progress has been made on regional energy projects, especially
on Nabucco?

I do not have sufficient information about details of the discussions.

But, I am aware of Erdogan’s position on the matter. Erdogan has a
normal attitude to Russia-backed "South Stream" project. This project
could meet great part of the European demand while Nabucco will meet
only 10 percent. However, there always will be a need for Nabucco.

Azerbaijan’s Gunashli field and Iraqi fields are main sources to fill
up Nabucco.

Nabucco needs Iranian gas as well to increase its profitability.

Turkey support transport of the Iranian gas via the pipeline while
the U.S. does not. For fear of sanctions by the United States, no one
dares to support Iran’s accession to Nabucco. This situation increases
concerns about the fate of Nabucco. But the U.S. is one of the main
supporters of Nabucco. The White House is interested in this project.

Obama Administration has undertook lobbying Nabucco. Obama asked
Erdogan to support regional projects which are great importance for
the United States.

Society for suppression of unlawful claims about so-called "Armenian
genocide" has filed a suit with the European Court of Justice against
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on charges of Khojali genocide ..

In order to appeal to the European Court on Human Rights with such
charges, first they must have relevant decisions of the Armenia
courts. If these decisions do not satisfy the plaintiff, he may appeal
to the European Court. Only in this case financial compensation may
be imposed. In other words, Sargsyan can be forced to pay compensation
to the victims of the tragedy or his property may be seized.

As to legal assessment of Khojaly events and holding Sargsyan
criminally accountable, this trial can be held in the UN. UN has
already organized courts on Rwanda and Yugoslav events. The forces
that wish to achieve justice in this matter could bring Sargsyan to
the court-martial on charges of committing war crimes.

But the process of filing suit with the European Court on Human Rights
will fail. They must first apply to the courts of Armenia.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <;

December 9, 2009
__________________________________________

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL TO TAKE PLACE ON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010

The Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed at New York’s St.
Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 5 and 6, 2010. A
special liturgical schedule will be in effect for these "Armenian Christmas"
services; please make a note of the times.

On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS EVE – Tuesday, January 5 – there will be an Evening
Service with Scripture Readings (by students from the Diocese’s Khrimian
Lyceum) at 6:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will immediately follow, beginning
at 7:00 p.m., celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian.

The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir – with the participation of students from the
Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, and from area Diocesan Armenian Saturday schools
– will sing the Divine Liturgy, under the direction of the Maestro Khoren
Mekanejian. A reception will take place following the services.

On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS MORNING – Wednesday, January 6 – His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The Morning
Service begins at 9:30 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at 10:30 a.m.

The sacred music will be sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, under the
direction of Maestro Mekanejian.

In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of
Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered
through the "BLESSING OF WATER" ceremony, which will follow the Divine
Liturgy. Mr. Randy Sapah-Gulian, who chairs the board of directors of the
Fund for Armenian Relief, will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing of Water
service.

After the cathedral’s January 6 church services, a home blessing service and
Christmas luncheon will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.

In a departure from the recent past, a full Armenian Christmas luncheon will
be held this year. The Antranig Dance Ensemble, which is observing its 40th
anniversary, will perform. Admission to the tribute luncheon will be $30 per
person, $15 for children and students. Luncheon tickets can be purchased at
the door, but reservations are strongly encouraged, and can be made by
calling the Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710.

Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes across the
Eastern Diocese. While many parishes celebrate the feast on the January 6
date, others will observe it on the following Sunday: January 10. Please
contact your local parish to ascertain the date and time of its celebration.

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630 Second Avenue (corner of
34th Street and Second Avenue), in New York City. Armenian Christmas Eve
services begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5. The Armenian Christmas
Morning Service on Wednesday, January 6 will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by the
traditional Blessing of Water ceremony.

###

NKR PRESIDENT MEETS WITH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE ON DECEMBER 8

Noyan Tapan
Dec 8, 2009

STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. NKR President Bako Sahakian met
with Personal Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador
Andrzej Kasprzyk on December 8.

According to NKR President’s Press Office, issues regarding the
situation on the contact-line of NKR and Azeri armed forces were
discussed at the meeting.

ARMENIA-BOSNIA RELATIONS HAVE MUCH POSSIBILITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

Noyan Tapan
Dec 8, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Newly appointed Ambassador of
Bosnia and Herzegovina to RA Zelko Janjetovic (residence Moscow)
handed his credentials to RA President Serzh Sargsyan on December 8.

S. Sargsyan said that though the relations between the two countries
are still at the stage of formation they have much possibilities
for development. He expressed the hope that with Ambassador’s direct
assistance the current potential will be realized, and the cooperation
between the two countries by bilateral and many-sided formats will
become more dynamic and efficient.

According to RA President’s Press Office, during the talk the sides
attached importance to formation of a legal-contractual field necessary
for the interrelations which will enable to carry out multi-layer
cooperation. The interlocutors also exchanged thoughts over problems
and developments in the Balkan and South Caucasian regions.

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN BUSINESS FORUM KICKED OFF IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.12.2009 12:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ An Armenian-Russian business forum kicked off in
Yerevan on December 8 on the initiative of the RA Chamber of Commerce
and the Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrials of Armenia.

"This forum is another opportunity to intensify economic relations
between the two countries, boost bilateral trade and find new
partners," said Arsen Ghazaryan, Chairman of the Union of Entrepreneurs
and Industrials of Armenia. "Taking place at the end of the year,
the forum will help outline plans for 2010."