After the ten-day camp the team will travel to Russia to take part in tournaments in Khabarovsk and St. Petersburg.
Champion of Europe, bronze medalist of World Championship Hovhannes Bachkov has joined the squad after training in the U.S. for 2 months.
2019 թվականի հունվար-մարտ ամիսներին 2018 թվականի նույն ժամանակահատվածի համեմատ ՀՀ-ում տնտեսական ակտիվության ցուցանիշը կազմել է 6.5%։
ՀՀ ազգային վիճակագրական ծառայության տվյալների համաձայն՝ արդյունաբերական արտադրանքի ծավալը հաշվետու ժամանակահատվածում աճել է 2%-ով, շինարարության ծավալը՝ 10.8%-ով, առևտրի շրջանառությունը՝ 10.1%-ով, ծառայությունների ծավալը՝ 17.3%-ով։
Գյուղատնտեսության համախառն արտադրանքի ծավալը նվազել է 0․2%-ով, իսկ արտաքին առևտրաշրջանառությունը՝ 5%-ով։
Garen Yegparian
BY GAREN YEGPARIAN
This piece is combination of five utterly non-interrelated paragraphs presenting five items that have “assaulted” my consciousness over the last few days.
I met Don and Eileen Garabedian while in a doctor’s waiting room. It turns out that Don’s grandfather settled in the Fresno area in the 1880s. Don is the second cousin of Monte Melkonian. Also, Eileen, an Irish-Catholic, told the story of meeting Don’s grandmother many-many years ago when they were first dating. It turns out that afterwards medz-mayr said “I like that odar”. We had a great conversation about things Armenian. This is the kind of Armenian moment I haven’t experienced in a long time. In the LA basin, especially in the Armenian ghettos, the “specialness” of such an Armenian encounter doesn’t maniifest in the same way as it does in parts of the world where our compatriots are fewer and harder to find. The “garod/karot” (longing) that develops when one lives surrounded by the ABSENCE of Armenians is a potent force that is often not appreciated by those who live in relatively dense Armenian communities. It was a heartwarming moment, and Don wants me to talk to his sister in San Francisco. It seems she is the most “Armenian” in their family. From a collective/national perspective, this couple is an example of those with whom we must reconnect and draw into the orbit our communities.
“Erdogan’s Worst Enemy Is His Only Ally” is a piece in Foreign Policy by Selim Sazak that makes the case that the biggest winner in Turkey’s recent municipal elections was the MHP (Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi, or Nationalist Movement Party). If this is true and the MHP is advancing politically, it’s not good news form an Armenian perspective. That party is the most right-wing, chauvinist, among Turkey’s major political parties. Sazak presents convincing arguments based on the current alignment of political forces in Turkey. He explains how Erdoğan has painted himself into a corner and is now reliant on Devlet Bahçeli, MHP’s leader, with nowhere else to turn because he has made enemies of former allies. Simply, according to Sazak, Bahçeli is now calling the shots for as long as Erdoğan is, and wants to stay in, power. Bahçeli may be a latter day Talaat, if not from a genocidal perspective, at least from a masterfully-working-the levers-of-power perspective.
Anna Hakopian/Hagopian, Nigol Pashinian’s spouse, spoke at the Alex Theatre last week. It was not about anything I could have predicted, since it was mostly about the “My Step Foundation” she has established to address a variety of needs in Armenia. Its description was given by Hovhannes Ghazarian, the executive director. I was left with a vague sense that it was intended to compete with the Hayastan All Armenian Fund, though upon further reflection, I realized this was not the case since its activities were more programmatic than infrastructural. Then I realized that it is unsurprising that a new political force in the country would want to make its presence felt by addressing social needs. Hopefully, it will not overlap too much with or undercut existing organizations. But going to back to the April 8 program, Anahid Aramouni Keshishian introduced Hagopian who spoke briefly then fielded a very wide variety of questions, including how difficult it was to be Pashinian’s wife, eliciting a lot of laughter. Unfortunately, the organizers resorted to the cowardly tactic seen increasingly frequently at events lately. They accepted only written questions. To her great credit, after the written questions “ended’ (excluding many that were submitted), Hagopian asked if there were any more people wanted to ask directly. She fielded over half a dozen questions in this format before the program was closed. Understandably, she side-stepped questions that were of a political nature. And, she deftly answered that this was not the time to enter the American political fray when a Trumpista asked a question intended to take a cheap shot at Congressman Adam Schiff.
I’ve noticed an encouraging trend. At least I hope it’s a trend. On various “TV” (in quotes because it also includes Netflix and such) shows, references to things of interest and import to Armenians have been popping up, and they are not only in the “Armenian mafia” category. I’ve decided to start noting them, and I will probably provide an occasional list of them. Perhaps someone could set up a web, Facebook, or other such page where anyone can report noticing these occurrences. The one I want to mention now is from the series “Taken” (Season 2 Episode 5). The incident in Washington DC when Erdogan’s bodyguards beat up peaceful demonstrators is referenced along with the video shot by Aram Hamparian. I hope this phenomenon is an indicator that our community has finally gotten over its “become a doctor, engineer, or lawyer” disease and our youth are entering the news/media/entertainment fields.
This last item is personal, so please forgive its presence, but I must pay respect in public. It is very fitting to do so. Just days ago I got a call from my ex-wife’s brother telling me she died in her sleep. Scarlet was a vivacious and friendly person, with all kinds of quirks and an acerbic anger when provoked, all packaged in an impishly childlike demeanor. Her loss comes as a shock to everyone, as borne out by friends who have called to offer condolences. “Unsettling” is the best word to describe what is being felt by many, for she was still relatively young and nothing indicated the possibility of such a death. It was in her sleep, and not even a typical Los Angeles car accident that would render it comprehensible. I now understand what people mean when a loved one dies and they say “I can’t believe s/he’s gone” – I had always thought it was just a corny thing to say, but now recognize its truth.
Keep reading, agitating, thinking and pursuing comprehensive justice for the Armenian nation. All of the above suggest it is absolutely necessary to act in that manner.
President Bako Sahakyan holds consultation on hosting CONIFA 2019 European Football Cup in Artsakh
16:37, 3 April, 2019
YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on April 3 convened a consultation to discuss the ongoing preparation works to host the CONIFA 2019 European Football Cup, his Office told Armenpress.
The President stressed the importance of holding such events in the republic, highlighted their high-level organization and gave appropriate instructions to the state commission responsible for the preparation, organization and coordination of the event, as well as to the concerned structures towards proper realization of the works.
State minister, head of the state commission Grigory Martirosyan and other officials attended the consultation.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Armenian, Artsakh Presidents honor war veterans in Talish
09:59, 2 April, 2019
YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, currently on a working visit to Artsakh, visited the village of Talish in the country’s Martakert region together with Artsakh’s President Bako Sahakyan.
In the village, the presidents laid flowers and paid tribute to the servicemen who were killed during the 2016 April War, when Azerbaijan unleashed a major attack on the country’s borders.
Then, Sarkissian and Sahakyan met with soldiers who participated in the war, Sarkissian’s Office said.
“I have come here to bow before you and say I am proud of you, I am proud that soldiers of the victorious Armenian army are standing in front of me,” Sarkissian said, thanking the men for their service.
“I have come to see, feel and listen to you. For me it is very important to listen what the soldier, the officer who were at the frontline have to say”.
Sarkissian was proud to note that he can feel the pan-Armenian presence in Talish. “There are many buildings here built by donations from the AGBU, the Hayastan All Armenian Fund and many individual philanthropists,” he said.
“Wars are won not only with weapons but with spirit. If this spirit is strong, no one can do anything against it”.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
PanARMENIAN.Net – Azerbaijan is holding major military drills on March 11-15 but has not notified the relevant international organizations of such plans, Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan has said in a Facebook post.
Hovhhanisyan described the upcoming drills as "a pressure attempt" ahead of a possible meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and "in response to the declaration that Armenia is not going to cede territory from the liberated lands to Azerbaijan."
"Under the Vienna Document from 2011, notifications should be sent out on military drills if they involve at least 9,000 personnel, 250 tanks or 500 military armored vehicles or 250 self-propelled and towed artillery weapons, mortars and multiple rocket launchers," the spokesman said.
The Vienna Document is an agreement between the participating states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe which was intended to implement confidence and security building measures. Under the document, the participating states exchange annually informationto provide transparency about their intentions in the medium to long term as regards size, structure, training and equipment of its armed forces, as well as defense policy, doctrines and budgets related thereto.The information is provided to all other participating states not later than three months after the military budget has been approved by the competent national authorities.
He further revealed that 10,000 personnel, up to 500 tanks and other armored vehicles, at least 300 artillery equipment of various caliber, grenade launchers, missiles and reactive volley-fire systems, as well as 20 military planes and helicopters are going to be involved in the Azerbaijani drills.
US Artsakh Travel and Communication.jpg: Pro-Artsakh advocates are encouraged to urge their U.S. legislators to cosponsor Rep. Pallone’s U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution by visiting anca.org/USArtsakh
ANCA Backs Bipartisan Resolution Promoting Direct Dialogue, Strengthening Cease-Fire, and Returning Artsakh to the Peace Process
WASHINGTON—Congressional Armenian Caucus founding Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) was joined Thursday by a dozen of his House colleagues in introducing the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution, a bipartisan measure that aims to break down artificial barriers to unrestricted travel and open communication between the United States and Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
Joining Rep. Pallone as original co-sponsors of the legislation are Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Jackie Speier (D-CA), Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
“We thank Congressman Pallone and his House colleagues for their bipartisan leadership in support of a durable and democratic peace between the republics of Artsakh and Azerbaijan,” said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “Outdated and obsolete U.S. restrictions, adopted decades ago under pressure from Azerbaijan, prevent direct dialogue – artificially handcuffing our diplomats and blocking the path to peace.”
Hamparian called for broad bi-partisan support for the measure during a trip to the Republic of Artsakh airport.
Similar to the resolution introduced in the previous Congress, the U.S. – Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution praises the Artsakh Republic for having “developed democratic institutions, fostered a pluralist political system, and, over the past quarter-century, held parliamentary and presidential elections that have been rated as free and fair by international observers.” It also highlights Artsakh’s commitment to common-sense peace initiatives, first advocated by former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and current Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY), calling for the removal of snipers and heavy artillery from the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, the deployment of additional Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitors, and the placement of gun-fire locator systems along the lines of contact. The measures, which have been embraced by Armenia, Artsakh, and the OSCE Minsk Group peace negotiators, have been thus far blocked by Azerbaijan.
The U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution notes that current State Department policies place “self-imposed restrictions on travel and communications between the United States and Artsakh, limiting oversight of United States taxpayer-funded assistance programs and discouraging the open dialogue and discourse that can contribute to a peaceful resolution of Artsakh-related status and security issues.”
The measure calls for a U.S. policy which would:
1. allow officials at all levels of the United States Government, including cabinet-level national security officials, general officers, and other executive branch officials, to travel to the Artsakh Republic and openly and directly communicate with their Artsakh counterparts;
2. encourage ongoing open communication, meetings, and other direct contacts between officials of Artsakh and the Executive and Legislative branches of the United States, state and local governments, and American civil society; and
3. seek the full and direct participation of the democratically-elected government of the Artsakh Republic in all OSCE and other negotiations regarding its future.
Pro-Artsakh advocates can encourage their U.S. Representative to support the measure.
Rep. Pallone is the most traveled U.S. Congressman to the Republic of Artsakh since its independence in 1991. He last visited the region in September, 2017, joined by Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and former Representative David Valadao (R-CA). In remarks before the Artsakh Parliament, Rep. Pallone touted the Republic’s commitment to democracy, self-determination and economic development and discussed the Armenian Caucus’ on-going efforts to share Artsakh’s powerful story of peace and freedom with Congress and the Administration. “Whatever we do, we will always insist that Artsakh has to be Armenian and it has to be able to exercise its right to self-determination,” Rep. Pallone told Artsakh Parliamentarians.
Rep. Pallone is currently serving his 16th term in Congress, representing New Jersey’s sixth Congressional District, which covers most of Middlesex County, as well as the Bayshore and oceanfront areas of Monmouth County. He is the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to energy, environment, health care, commerce, and telecommunications.
As founder and a Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Rep. Pallone has been a leading voice on Armenian American issues since 1988. He has been a consistent cosponsor of Armenian Genocide legislation. Working with his colleagues, he has initiated calls for expanded U.S. assistance to Armenia and Artsakh and spoken out about the plight of Armenians and other Christians in the Middle East. He has been a perennial participant at Armenian American community events, including the Armenian Genocide Observance at Times Square.
Azeri president 'easily outplayed' Armenian PM on Karabakh
[168 Zham] Mr. President, Karabakh settlement is one of the most burning issues on the political agenda today. It is not clear whether negotiations are taking place or not. At the same time, there are concerns among experts that some secret deal is taking shape behind the back of the society. What do you think is happening? What expectations can there be regarding [Karabakh] settlement in the near future?
[Kocharyan] Negotiations are certainly underway, no matter how [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan may be trying to disguise them under different explanations. However, the fact that Pashinyan is zealously trying to shrug off the negotiations is more suspicious than the fact of negotiations proper. Society is unaware of the authorities' position on Karabakh settlement, since it has not been voiced so far, and this is what causes concern. How can one conduct successful negotiations without a formulated position? Negotiations are not idle gatherings, but a tool to consolidate success achieved. There are a number of fundamental conditions in Karabakh settlement that require a clear-cut approach on the part of the authorities before negotiations start.
It is obvious that [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev has easily outplayed Pashinyan. The Dushanbe lift talks have actually buried the Vienna and St Petersburg agreements aimed at consolidating the trust mechanisms on the contact line, which were beneficial for us. And these [agreements] were the price that Azerbaijan was paying for unleashing the April war [four-day fighting in Karabakh in 2016], in which we lost more than 100 people.
It does not matter what made the prime minister act like that – a conscious choice or incompetence. In both cases, it is a big mistake. The Armenian side has generated high expectations both in Azerbaijan and among the mediators in terms of their readiness to make concessions. And, therefore, I think that the next proposals by the [OSCE] Minsk Group [that acts as a mediator in the conflict] will not be quite pleasant.
[168 Zham] Another question in this regard: There is much talk in the media and social networks that your arrest is somehow related to the impending resolution to the Karabakh problem. As if, since you are in prison, the authorities will make a deal. Perhaps you are aware of this from the media, as well as of the "Bolton plan" (if it actually exists). Do you think it is a "conspiracy theory" or something real?
[Kocharyan] Nothing can be ruled out with these authorities. Anyway, I will hamper any attempt of "ceding" Karabakh regardless of where I may be. I am sure that all those, who see Karabakh as part of the Armenian identity, will do the same. Incidentally, this is what the prime minister and most of his team lack. They have nothing in common with the independence of Artsakh [Karabakh] and the military success and they hate anyone, who fought for this victory. That is why society must control every step they take regarding the Karabakh problem. It is impossible to trust the prime minister's contradictory statements anyway.
Russian gas price already up
[168 Zham] The problem of the price of Russian gas has not been resolved for a long time now. Despite the prime minister's announcement late last year that the problem had been resolved in principle – the gas price would not increase for consumers – it turned out, however, that negotiations are still under way. What do you think is happening in reality? Can judgments be made about the level of the Armenian-Russian relations taking into account the duration of the negotiations? In your opinion, how will this issue be resolved?
[Kocharyan] The issue has really been resolved in principle – the price of gas has gone up. Armenian consumers will pay for this increase directly or indirectly regardless of the authorities' attempts to present the situation in a different light. However, I would not describe the entire complex of inter-state relations only by this circumstance. The authorities will strive to maintain good relations with Russia because of the lack of a more acceptable choice for them and not because of their convictions. This will lead to inconsistency, vagueness, and eclecticism during the implementation of foreign policy issues. This situation can already be observed today. The thing is that the philosophy of the new Armenian government and the Russian elite are diametrically different and this circumstance will always be present in bilateral relations. We are dealing with [George] Soros' disciples who, have unfortunately poor knowledge and understanding of Russia and its culture.
Cabinet programme 'collection of slogans', disappointment to follow
[168 Zham] Are you familiar with the government programme? What is your assessment?
[Kocharyan] Yes, I familiarised myself with it. It is a programme about the absence of a programme and it is simply ridiculous to speak about it being a revolutionary programme with a 5 per-cent economic growth. It is a collection of slogans and desires that reveals the total inability and incompetence of the ruling party to assume concrete and ambitious obligations towards the country's breakthrough development and improvement of the quality of our fellow citizens' life. This is stated by everyone who knows a bit of economy. The authorities totally failed to understand that the 'revolution' is the worst possible brand from the point of view of the country's investment attractiveness. And the cause of poverty is not in people's heads, but rather in the miserable mentality of the authorities. Unfortunately, there was no constructive debate on this issue in the National Assembly [Parliament], because the prime minister's morbid attitude towards any criticism. Thus, welcome to a new reality.
[168 Zham] Do you think that the sentiments within society are changing? What do you think will happen in the near future?
[Kocharyan] People's enthusiasm generated from the revolutionary euphoria is apparently being replaced with a disappointment from unfulfilled expectations. As social psychology says, in such cases, as a rule, euphoria transforms into anger or apathy. A feeling of deception emerges and people naturally start looking for culprits. Usually, those who people linked their high expectations to, become the culprits. This is what happened after the 1991 presidential election and at that time, the euphoria was replaced with hatred towards the Pan-Armenian National Movement [PANM]. Time will show how processes will unfold now. The approval rating of the authorities will most likely collapse in autumn to an extent that the issue of their legitimacy will become topical. What will happen next? A hangover with all the feelings peculiar to such a state.
'Political vendetta'
[168 Zham] New charges have been brought against you in connection with the testimony given by [businesswoman] Silva Hambardzumyan. What is your assessment of the charges? After all, they are in no way related to the main accusation.
[Kocharyan] The new accusation seems to be a script of a cheap grotesque comedy written in the SIS [Special Investigative Service] where the protagonist is an omnipresent lady with a blemished reputation. I had no idea about the existence of this lady and her affairs. Moreover, none of the persons involved in this "case" have confirmed her fairy tale testimony. I think the authorities have invented this accusation and linked it to the 1 March with one purpose only – to influence the established opinion within society about political persecution against me.
As to the alleged charges of "overturning the constitutional order", I must repeat that it is an absolute nonsense. Ninety per cent of all the 76 volumes of the accusation have nothing to do with Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code, which, by the way, did not exist back in March 2008, and that is why it is impossible to apply it. At the same time, this is the issue of my immunity, since my actions stemmed exclusively from the powers of the president.
I had time to familiarise myself with the materials of the accusation and I did not find a single thing that could incriminate me, [ex-defence ministers] Mikael Harutyunyan and Seyran Ohanyan, and [former head of the Yerevan garrison and former chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces] Yuri Khachaturov. Those, who ordered and fabricated this "criminal case", are committing a grave crime and will undoubtedly be punished. There is even no hint of justice in what is taking place. It is a classical political vendetta.
[168 Zham] How would you comment on the charges brought against your son and the case in general?
[Kocharyan] It is an absolutely fabricated accusation. The government is deprived of morality and resorts to various tricks to engage me in some corruption cases. That is why they have made a target out of my family, of course, in the context of my political persecution. Their intentions became clear back in summer, along with the publication of the scandalous wiretapped conversations. Such lawlessness took place in Armenia only in the 1990s under the PANM, when political opponents were dealt with shortly, up to their physical destruction, while the persecution of their relatives was a common thing.
Pashinyan-Ter-Petrosyan 'cooperation'
[168 Zham] Are you familiar with [first Armenian President] Levon Ter-Petrosyan's statements that Pashinyan is not his godson and that they are not cooperating closely? How would you assess his statements?
[Kocharyan] They are very similar in their viewpoints, work style, temper, and level of cynicism. This similarity immediately catches the eye, explaining the large number of publications on their close collaboration. And it is not important at all how often they communicate with each other. The Civil Contract together with its leader [Pashinyan] are all the same perceived as the reincarnation of a primitive version of the PANM.
Pashinyan playing on 'people's sincere feelings'
[168 Zham] How would you assess the march on 1 March and the prime minister's speech on that day?
[Kocharyan] Unfortunately, we again witness how the prime minister is once again trying to play on people's sincere feelings. The irony of the situation is that the main culprits of the 1 March tragedy [when 10 people were killed as a result of post-election unrest] have become the main exploiters of the emotional consequences of those events. Perhaps, the sense of guilt for what they have done haunts their subconsciousness and even 11 years on, it does not allow them to repent and be open for reconciliation. It is all according to Freud's teaching. They continue to use the bitterness of the loss of the relatives and friends of the 10 victims as a tool to achieve their political aims.
It seems that the polarisation of society, the creation of permanent hotbeds of internal tension and confrontation, have become the essence of the activities of the Armenian authorities. It will not bring about any good.
Plans unchanged
[168 Zham] But still, last July, you announced that you were returning to big politics and were going to actively participate in all political processes. Have your plans changed?
[Kocharyan] No, they have not changed, of course. I do not give up my intentions and plans easily, moreover under pressure.
[168 Zham] What are you doing these days?
[Kocharyan] I read a lot and, of course, I do physical exercises to stay in good shape. I started writing the continuation of my book.
The governor of Aleppo met with Armenian officials
The governor of the Syrian city of Aleppo, Hussein Diab, praised relations with Armenia during a meeting on Saturday with Armenia’s Ambassador to Syria Tigran Gevorgyan.
According the press service of Armenia’s Foreign Ministery, Diab also praised Armenia’s balanced policy toward Syria, as well as the huge humanitarian assistance during the Syrian war. He particularly emphasized the fact that Armenia is the only country that preserved its twi diplomatic representations in Syria, one of which, the Consulate General of Armenia, operates in Aleppo.
Ambassador Gevorgyan stressed that the Armenians are always ready to help the people of Syrian, a brilliant proof of which is the arrival of the specialized humanitarian mission to Aleppo.
The two also discussed the situation of the Armenian community in Aleppo. The Governor assured that the self-government bodies of Aleppo pay special attention to the issues of Aleppo-Armenians.
On the same day Ambassador Gevorgyan met with the religious and secular leaders of the Armenian community in Aleppo. The Consul General of Armenia in Aleppo Armen Sargsyan, member of the Syrian parliament Jirayr Reisian, the leader of the Prelate of Syrian Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, the head of the Armenian Evangelical community Harutyun Selimian and the leaders of Aleppo Armenian community institutions were present at the meeting.
The Ambassador noted that Armenia attaches great importance to close cooperation with Diaspora-Armenian institutions. Tigran Gevorgyan assured that the diplomatic representations of Armenia are ready to provide comprehensive support to the Armenian community in Syria.
The Armenian Judo adults’ team are participating in the Judo World Cup in Antalya, Turkey headed by head coach Hovhannes Davtyan. Around 500 participants representing 16 countries took part in the event. As the National Olympic Committee reports, Armenian judoka Styopa Darbinyan has scored five victories and took the third sport, claiming bronze.