Author: Andres-Papazian

MOSCOW AND ATHENS FORGE NEW ALLIANCE – GREEK MEDIA

(c) AFP 2015/ POOL / IVAN SEKRETAREV
POLITICS
12:42 08.04.2015(updated 13:30 08.04.2015) Get short URL
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The Greek prime minister’s visit to Moscow aimed at improving relations
with Russia angers many in Europe – this is what reports in Greek
media, covering the visit, boil down to.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is on a two-day visit to Moscow,
making headlines in Greek media.

“Alexis Tsipras’ upcoming visit to Moscow and meeting with Putin has
generated much talk, analysis and warnings,” iefimerida.gr wrote in
a piece titled Tsipras-Putin: Smiles in Moscow, Annoyance in Brussels.

“Both sides underline that Moscow and Athens will discuss many issues
and there is no shortage of speculations on what Tsipras will ask
and what Putin will offer.”

(c) REUTERS/ MICHAEL DALDER European Parliament Calls on Tsipras
‘Not to Jeopardize’ EU Unity in Moscow Visit The visit could help
return Greek produce to the Russian market, according to the media
outlet. “Exports are worth 125 million Euros and are of primary
importance to the agriculture in northern Greece,” iefimerida.gr said.

EU sanctions and the Russian food ban, investments, privatization,
energy cooperation and the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, tourism, the
Ukrainian crisis and Greece-Turkey relations are the main topics on
the agenda.

“Putin is preparing a ‘gift’ for Tsipras,” newsit.gr said, adding
that it is the first visit of a Greek prime minister to Moscow in
five years. According to the media outlet, Tsipras’ visit “caused
outrage in Brussels” that “thinks the Russian president is trying to
undermine the European stance on sanctions against Moscow.”

“Europe is threatened by ‘the Russian bear,'” said cretalive.gr,
adding that the visit sent partners and creditors, especially in
Berlin, into turmoil. Some “on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean
also worry that Greece would throw itself into Russia’s arms to come
up with ‘alternative plans’ to solve the Greek problem,” the Crete
media outlet pointed out.

“Tsipras and Putin are forging a new alliance,” according to
protothema.gr. “All eyes in Europe are on Tsipras and Putin. ‘The
spring’ in Greek-Russian relations gets on Europe’s nerves. The visit
has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm in Moscow. … It is seen
as a breakthrough in the bilateral relations that would revive and
strengthen cooperation in a number of areas,” the media outlet said.

Athens Looks to Moscow for Help as Berlin Burns With Anger “The visit
also sends important political signals: both countries are discontent
with the West. In this context Tsipras wants to develop a diverse
foreign policy and alliances, while Putin wants to show that he has
power and influence to attract the attention of European leaders and
countries,” protothema.gr said.

“If Europe and Washington wanted to turn Tsipras visit into a landmark
political event, then they achieved this,” tvxs.gr said, adding that
the Greek prime minister is fully aware of the political and economic
risks and is comfortable with them.

According to the Etnos newspaper, Russia and Greece are opening a new
chapter in bilateral relations, which are likely to improve following
the visit.

Read more:

From: A. Papazian

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ARMENIA TO COME CLOSE TO ZERO IN 2015 – IMF

YEREVAN, April 8. /ARKA/. Economic growth in Armenia will come close
to zero in 2015, but slight fluctuations are probable, Mark Horton,
chief of IMF Mission in Armenia, said on Wednesday.

He told journalists that the International Monetary Fund’s outlook
was by far higher just six months ago, but it was downed because of
the expected two-to-three-percent decline in Russia’s economy in 2015.

Horton pointed out that the inflow of money transfers from abroad has
dwindled by 35-40%, Armenian exports have also shrunk, especially
to Russia, and copper prices have dropped giving grounds for lower
outlook as well.

He also said that interest rates on foreign financing are relatively
high because of geopolitical risks, and today it became more difficult
to attract financial resources than, for example, one year ago,
and this is another factor impacting the forecast.

Among other factors, he singled out devaluation of the Armenian
national currency, which sank by the end of 2014 to 480 drams per one
dollar from 410 drams in the middle of that year damaging borrowers,
driving interest rates up and cutting the lending.

There were no such pessimistic economic growth outlooks in Armenia
in the past few years, he said adding at the same time that things
will stabilize a little, since some smoothing of adverse factors that
affected the economy is still seen.

These factors are the falling oil prices and economic activity in
Russia that recently stabilized a little.

Horton finds it still premature to speak about recovery, but he thinks
the situation will remain unchanged for some period of time.

In the government budget for 2015, GDP is projected at 4.1% and
inflation at 4% (±1.5%).

Many international financial organizations lowered their outlooks
for economic growth in Armenia in 2015.

According to the latest reports, the World Bank predicts 0.8% economic
growth, the Eurasian Development Bank forecasts 3.8%, the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development expects stagnation and Asian
Development Bank a 1.6% growth.

Fitch agency expects a mild recession triggered by deterioration in
things in Russia and Moody’s forecasts a 2.3% growth.

The Central Bank of Armenia says economic growth in Armenia will
stand between 0.4% and 2% in 2015.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, economic
growth in the country was recorded at 3.4% in 2014 instead of the
projected 5.2%. –0—–

From: A. Papazian

LAVROV: RUSSIA WILL CONTINUE EFFORTS TOWARDS KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

13:42, 08 Apr 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

Russia will continue efforts to see conditions created for the
settlement in the mostly Armenian populated Azerbaijan’s breakaway
enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh on the basis that would be acceptable
both for Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov said on Wednesday, TASS reports.

“We exchanged assessments of the situation in Transcaucasia, including
the Karabakh settlement,” he said after talks with the Armenian
counterpart, Edvard Nalbandyan.

“Russia will continue to contribute to creation of conditions for
the settlement of that problem on an acceptable for all sides basis,”
Lavrov added.

No one wants the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh to enter the hot phase,
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday after talks
with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandyan.

“We do not even allow ourselves to think that the conflict may
enter its hot phase,” Lavrov said. “I am convinced that, despite the
rhetoric, no one from the interested parties wants this,” he added.

“All actions are directed at finding a mutually acceptable solution
as soon as possible,” the foreign minister stressed.

Consultations on this issue are held regularly, Lavrov added.

“Representative of co-chairing countries [in the OSCE Minsk
Group] often visit the region, including the capitals of Armenia
and Azerbaijan, including the line of contact. The presidents of
co-chairing countries pay personal attention to searching for ways
of settlement [of the conflict],” he noted. “Our president took
special measures last year, after which consultations continued on
possible practical steps. They would allow the implementation of
process of ending the conflict that benefits no one, which would
make Transcaucasia the region of cooperation without any blockades,
sanctions, restrictions,” Lavrov said. “Everyone will benefit from
this, including our Armenian friends,” he noted.

There is no alternative to negotiations in settling the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan
said on Wednesday. “Up to this day, Azerbaijan has been refusing the
proposals of co-chairs of the Minsk group both on settling the conflict
in Nagorno-Karabakh and on strengthening trust-building measures,”
Nalbandyan noted. “However, there is no alternative to talks,” the
foreign minister stressed.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJANIS WERE HUMILIATED IN FRONT OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF 145 COUNTRIES ONCE AGAIN

18:53, 8 April, 2015

YEREVAN, 8 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani side violated the
rules and regulations and manifested inadequate behavior once
again during the 132nd plenary session of the Inter-Parliamentary
Union. Member of the Armenian delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary
Union Karine Atchemyan provided the details of the session during a
press conference.”From March 26 to April 1, I represented the Armenian
delegation at the 132nd plenary session of the Inter-Parliamentary
Union held in Vietnam. The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a
structure that represents the parliaments of 166 countries. The
Inter-Parliamentary Union serves as a good platform for Armenia to
raise its issues and reach mutual agreements through official and
private meetings,” Karine Atchemyan mentioned, as “Armenpress” reports.

According to the MP, after a long break, the Azerbaijani side
participated in this year’s plenary session of the Inter-Parliamentary
Union. During the session, it didn’t miss the opportunity and raised
its so-called “occupied territories” issue once again. “They had
boycotted the previous two sessions after the Union had decided
to not hold its plenary session in Azerbaijan due to the country’s
“black list”. Much to our surprise, the Azerbaijani side had shown
up to the session and was represented by two deputies, Azerbaijan’s
Ambassador to Vietnam and an employee of the Turkish Embassy. During
the session of the human rights committee, they asked to speak and, as
always, talked about the so-called 20 percent “occupied territories,”
Karine Atchemyan informed.

In response to the Azerbaijani delegates, the Deputy of the National
Assembly of the Republic of Armenia mentioned that the Republic of
Armenia hadn’t occupied any territory, reaffirmed Armenia’s position on
the regulation of the conflict in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group
and reminded that the Inter-Parliamentary Union was not a platform
to raise such issues.

From: A. Papazian

PARUYR HAYRIKYAN. “THE GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES ARE TRYING TO PREVENT THE MASS DEMONSTRATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH APRIL 24”

April 8 2015

“What happened is a political persecution”, said NSDU leader Paruyr
Hayrikyan, in conversation with Aravot.am, referring to the arrest
of a number of Founding Parliament members and the search of their
apartments. In his words, the government authorities are trying to
prevent the mass demonstrations associated with April 24. “The task
of the law-enforcers must be to protect the rights of the citizens
and not vice versa. They are living by the means of the citizens and
should serve to the citizens. As for the day of the fight, the people
have declared April 24 a day of the fight. When people came out to
the street, they said that the consequences of the genocide should be
eliminated.” A member of Founding Parliament Vardan Hakobyan did not
rule out the possibility that the actions performed may contribute to
the start of civil disobedience to bring down the events dedicated to
the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Paruyr Hayrikyan said that
he does not think that the political fight is worth associating with
such phenomenon. “I do not think that the Founding Parliament has set
such a task to bring down the events associated with the centennial of
the tragedy. All Armenians mark this day as a 100th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, including them. What else should be brought down?”

Ami CHICHAKYAN

Read more at:

From: A. Papazian

THE REGIME IS CLEANING UP IN PREPARATION FOR PUTIN’S VISIT: ON THE ARRESTS OF OPPOSITIONISTS

04.08.2015 18:33 epress.am

Today, April 8, about a hundred members and supporters of the
“Founding Parliament” civil initiative held a protest in front of
the Erebuni Detention Facility in Yerevan demanding the release of
the six leaders of the initiative arrested on Tuesday, April 7.

“Heritage” faction MP Zaruhi Postanjyan, who attended the protest
action, entered the detention facility and met with the arrested
oppositionists. “Founding Parliament” coordinator Jirayr Sefilian
and the other five men, as Postanjyan later told the people gathered
in front of the building, had some health complaints, but said that
they had not been subjected to violence. The MP also stated that the
initiative’s plans on April 24 remained unchanged.

“The regime is afraid. Obviously, only a fearful person resorts to
extreme steps. I demand that all of the arrested men are set free
immediately,” Postanjyan said.

According to the MP, there were no basis for the arrest, apart from the
fact that the “Founding Parliament” members and the ruling authorities
have different political views.

“Where were the officers of the National Security Service or the
Special Investigative Committee when Valery Permyakov fled the 102nd
[Russian] military base armed? Why did they allow the massacre to
happen? A number of legal norms have been violated in the investigation
of the Avetisyan family murder. They should go and arrest Valery
Permyakov right this moment if they are so mighty,” the MP said.

War veteran Jirayr Sefilian’s brother, Toros Sefilian, who was also
among those detained on Tuesday morning to be released hours later,
told reporters that they were mainly asked by the investigative body
about the citizen army organized by “Founding Parliament.”

“I explained what the citizen army and its purpose was. There are
young girls and women in that army. Don’t assume, like the Police did,
they are armed only because it’s called an army,” Toros Sefilian said.

According to him, the Police have confiscated all the computers
from their home, as well as the water flask and the dagger used by
Jirayr Sefilian during the Artsakh Liberation War. “Those items were
confiscated in 2008, too, so we are used to it,” Toros Sefilian said.

In an interview with Epress.am, film director Tigran Khzmalyan compared
the arrest of the “Founding Parliament” leaders with that of opposition
activist, political prisoner Shant Harutyunyan and his friends.

“Once again the authorities are preparing for Putin’s visit (Russian
President Vladimir Putin’s possible visit to Armenia on the Armenian
Genocide Remembrance Day, April 24 – Epress.am). Just like the metal
covers of sewer manholes that are welded by the authorities on the
streets where Putin is set to pass, [the oppositionists] pose yet
another problem that needs to be dealt with,” Khzmalyan said.

Video in Armenian only.

From: A. Papazian

KAKHA KALADZE: SOUTHERN TRANSIT ROUTE IS VERY INTERESTING

Photo: REUTERS

Interviews | April 8, 2015 13:51
exclusive

Mediamax’s exclusive interview with Georgian Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze

– Mr. Minister, the issue of privatization of the North-South pipeline
owned by the Georgian government has been raised time and again
over the past few years. In particular, the State Oil Company of
Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has expressed its readiness to purchase
the gas pipeline, and it spurs certain concern in Armenia taking
into account the strained relations with Azerbaijan. What is the
stance of the Georgian government today regarding the future of the
North-South pipeline?

– As far as I know, there has not been any talk on the privatization
of this asset. A few years ago the Oil and Gas Corporation, which
is the owner of this pipeline, was going to conduct Initial Public
Offering (IPO) for a certain number of the company’s shares. In the
long run, a decision was passed on the issue of Eurobonds and the
company attracted EUR 250 million at the London Stock Exchange.

I would like to reaffirm that as of now, the Georgian government does
not consider the privatization of this infrastructure. Presently
a transit from Russia to Armenia is carried out, we perform the
operation of gas pipelines and Georgia receives relevant payment for
this service.

– KfW German development bank has agreed to finance the construction of
the new electric main between Armenia and Georgia. Which is the current
status of the project and what significance does it bear for Georgia?

– Our Armenian colleagues have informed us that an agreement has been
reached with KfW German development bank and the necessary credit has
been allocated. In addition, a feasibility study of the project was
conducted by international experts and various technical options of
its implementation were considered.

On the other hand, we have an agreement on the construction of
Armenia-Georgia new electric-power transmission. It was signed
by leading power suppliers in Armenia and Georgia. This agreement
was formulated in its final form in conformity with Supplementary
Agreement N2 of April 16, 2014. The agreement specifies all phases
of construction of power transmission line 500 kW between substation
“Marneuli” and substation “Ayrum” and allocates the construction
obligations between all participating state companies. The first phase
of the project should complete by late 2018, and the second – by 2022.

The participating states are currently jointly thrashing out the
technical details of the new power line and the construction process.

Within the project, substation “Marneuli” will be expanded and enlarged
in the territory of Georgia and will acquire a status of that of a 500
kW, thus becoming one of the major electric power nodes in Georgia. In
the meantime, a state-of-the-art high-voltage direct current (HVDC)
will be constructed in Ayrum, the second in the Caucasus region after
the HVDC in Akhaltsikhe. Along with the new powerful transmission
line from substation “Ksani” to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) region,
this project will broaden the possibilities of the Georgian power
supply system on energy transit between the Northern and Southern
sub-regions, which will in the end shape our power supply system as
evenly developing and open for transits in all directions.

It will beyond doubt serve as an extra incentive for supporting power
industry commerce and will help us seek after the establishment of
a powerful, modern and attractive electric power market in Georgia.

– Every now and then it is stated that owing to the new line with
Georgia and the three overhead transmission lines with Iran, Georgia
and Iran will carry on power trade through Armenia. Representatives of
Armenia and Iran have issued statements on it, however, the Georgian
government has yet not commented. What do you think about the prospect
of Iran-Georgia power trade through Armenia?

– At this point, we have no particular technical agreements with Iran
on electric power interchange, even more so agreements on deliveries –
export, import and transit.

Kakha Kaladze

Photo: Cbw.ge

On the whole, the southern route of the transit corridor is very
interesting and prospective provided the establishment of relevant
legal environment. The Iranian power supply system is one of the
largest in the region with possibilities for further development and
it is fairly interested in seeking external import sources.

Southern route of the transit corridor is very interesting and
prospective provided the establishment of relevant legal environment

In case of positive development of relations in this sector, the
Iranian power system, along with our other neighbors, might morph
into an active participant of regional electric power market.

– Owing to hydropower projects, Georgia is transforming from
electricity importer into an exporter. What role does the renewable
energy have in the energy strategy of Georgia?

– You are totally right. Georgia is rich in water resources and it
dictates us the main line of development – emphasis on hydro-power
engineering. At the same time, unlike many countries using water
resources, the degree of use of these resources for electric power
purposes does not exceed 20% in Georgia. So there is still room for
improvement and for attracting investments.

By the way, Armenia also has good practice in support for the
development of small HPPs. Over the recent years, Armenia successfully
implemented a number of small hydropower projects. We also have
practical results; new HPPs were put into operation – Paravani, Larsi,
Aragvi, Bakhvi and Kazbegi (total installed capacity up to 130 MW).

Darial HPP and Acharistsqali HPP (total installed capacity up to 300
MW) are the next forthcoming projects.

The construction of the new 400 kW electric power transmission
between Georgia and Turkey (Borcka-Akhaltsikhe) gave additional
impetus to the increase of electric power export volumes. Owing to
the implementation of modern projects, the intersystem deliveries
are carried out not only during the spring-summer season but also
continue during the fall-winter months previously not typical to the
Georgian hydro-power engineering. It is noteworthy that along with
the increase in generating capacities, sustainable growth of power
consumption (on average 4-5% per annum) has been observed in Georgia
over the past years. All these factors make the Georgian energy
market more interesting and attractive and provide an incentive for
its dynamic growth.

– Last summer, you expressed gratitude to the “sister nation of
Armenia” for the support they rendered to Georgia after the power
outage in most of the country. How efficiently do the ministries
of the two countries cooperate? How often do the representatives of
these two ministries meet, and what new projects do they discuss?

– Emergency mutual aid is one of the most important and indispensable
segments of cooperation between the power systems of our neighboring
countries. Despite the level of development, breakdowns occur in all
power systems and a vivid example of it is what happened last year
when our system managed to restore within possible tight deadlines
owing to precisely the support of our Armenian colleagues. Our power
supply systems have a longstanding history of relations and mutual
assistance in various emergency situations. This foundation should be
consolidated and developed under modern conditions, and a cutting-edge
legal-contractual base on the earlier regulated regime of emergency
deliveries (if necessary) should be formed.

We are happy that our Armenian colleagues pay proper attention to
energy security. As far as I know, Armenia has already started the
process of the elaboration and affirmation of the new regulation
on the allocation of functional responsibilities between the market
participants on providing intersystem emergency assistance.

Kakha Kaladze

Photo: REUTERS

As to cooperation and the formats of communication between the
energy sectors of the two countries, we should firstly note the
intergovernmental ties. In only late December 2014, the representatives
of government establishments and experts of Armenia and Georgia
held a working meeting in Yerevan in which representatives of the
ministries of energy and leaders of power supplying companies also took
part. Regular meetings of the leaders of state infrastructure companies
operating in the power industry sector became the norm. These meetings
are held 2-3 times a year, new agreements, contracts and protocols
are formed, new tasks are set and joint prospects are discussed.

Just recently, Georgia passed Amendments to the Law on “Electricity and
Natural Gas” regulating the standards and procedures of the elaboration
and regular update of the 10-year plan aimed at the development of
Georgia’s electricity transmission grid. The first such 10-year
plan has already been worked out considering the modern European
requirements and will be approved in the near future. If Armenia
also works out such a long-term plan aimed at the development of the
high-voltage electrical grid, we can then consider the elaboration of
a joint, intersystem Armenian-Georgian 10-year plan covering issues
related to the prospective construction of the interdependent parts
of national power grids.

– Mr. Kaladze, in the past few years the Armenia national team has
significantly improved its positions in FIFA rating and player for
the Armenia national and Borussia Dortmund Henrikh Mkhitaryan has
become one of the most famous persons in Armenia. What contacts do
you maintain with Armenian players and what do you think about the
Armenian football today? Do you think Armenia and Georgia can closely
cooperate in the sphere of football and train the young players?

– During my football career, we have not played against Armenian
football clubs. We once had a friendly match with the Armenia national
in which Georgia scored a victory.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is indeed a strong, successful and talented
football player

Unfortunately, my work schedule does not let me regularly keep up with
Armenian football, however, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is indeed a strong,
successful and talented football player. I would like to wish luck
to him, the rest of Armenian footballers and the Armenia national.

Ara Tadevosyan talked to Kakha Kaladze

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA CONTINUES AS SOURCE COUNTRY OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

18:04 * 08.04.15

Armenia continues as a source country of human trafficking, while
Turkey and the United Arab Emirates continue as destinations for sex
trafficking, with Russia being a destination for labor trafficking.

Cases of human trafficking within the country have been reported as
well, Head of the Anti-Trafficking Department, Police of Armenia,
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Grigoryan said at a discussion on human
trafficking control with international organizations.

“Individual cases of considering Armenia as a destination have lately
been reported,” he said.

Mr Grigoryan also mentioned such types of trafficking as forced
marriage, trafficking for organ trade and illicit international
adoption.

UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Bradley
Busetto said that human trafficking is one of the gravest crimes.

Armenia’s government, in cooperation with international organizations,
has carried out tremendous work in combating human trafficking,
he added.

Vahram Kazhoyan, Head of the Interagency Working Group for human
trafficking control in Armenia, is grateful to the UN office in
Yerevan for its support.

From: A. Papazian

MAYOR OF WARSAW TO VISIT YEREVAN TO DISCUSS PERSPECTIVES OF WARSAW-YEREVAN COOPERATION

17:41, 8 April, 2015

YEREVAN, 8 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. On April 8, Ambassador of the Republic of
Armenia to Poland Edgar Ghazaryan had a meeting with Mayor of Warsaw
Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz. As the Department of Press, Information and
Public Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic
of Armenia reports to “Armenpress”, during the meeting, Ambassador
Ghazaryan expressed gratitude to the mayor of Warsaw for the municipal
authorities’ regular and ongoing support to the establishment of an
Armenian school in Warsaw.

The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the existing cooperation
between Yerevan and Warsaw that is fully in line with the spirit of
friendship of both nations and exchanged views on further deepening
of that cooperation. Ambassador Ghazaryan transmitted the official
invitation of Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan to visit Yerevan this
year and discuss the perspectives of cooperation, which the mayor of
Warsaw accepted with pleasure.

From: A. Papazian

TURKS NEVER MARKED GALLIPOLI ANNIVERSRAY ON APRIL 24: ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

17:45, 07 Apr 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

On April 24, the day of commemoration of the 100th anniversray of
the Armenian Genocide, Armenians will be joined at Tsitsernakaberd
by representatives of the international community, including heads
of countries Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview
with Russia 24 Channel.

Speaking about the Armenian-Turkish relations, Serzh Sargsyan said:
“We have never posed any preconditions for normalization of relations
with Turkey, not even the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. A few
years ago I tried to reach a normalization, but the Turkish party
refused from its commitments because of some reason, and failed to
ratify the two protocols signed in Zurich,” President Sargsyan said.

The President said he sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart,
inviting him to Armenia on April 24 for 100th commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide. “The Turkish authorities not only refused to attend
the events, but also extended an invitation to participate in the
events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Battle”

“It’s known to everyone that the battle in Gallipoli did not start or
end on April 24, and Turkey never marked the anniversary on April 24,”
President Sargsyan said.

The President added he can’t say how many people in Turkey are willing
and ready to recognize the Armenian Genocide and get rid of that heavy
burden. “But we see a positive move, and I’m grateful to those Turkish
citizens, who have started the movement,” Serzh Sargsyan stated.

From: A. Papazian