Author: Boshkezenian Garik

EU WILL INTERFERE IN NKR CONFLICT SETTLEMENT ONLY IF THE CONFLICTING PARTIES TURN FOR HELP

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
20.05.2009 17:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "We support the efforts of MG OSCE; this is what
our role is restricted to. We can advice on a direction to follow,
but we do not participate in conflict settlement process," Polish
Ambassador to Armenia Tomash Knotkhe told a news conference in Yerevan.

According to him, negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are
in process, "though not an intensive one". "EU will interfere in NKR
conflict settlement only if the conflicting parties turn for help. I
don’t think it will happen soon," Polish diplomat stated.

DIOCESAN DELEGATION PARTICIPATES IN WORLD VISION EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKSHOP

tion-participates-in-world-vision-emergency-respon se-workshop/?utm_source=newsletterBeta&utm_med ium=email&utm_content=Text&utm_campaign=Ne ws
May 20, 2009

On May 14, 2009, a Diocesan delegation headed by His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended a special workshop
at the headquarters of World Vision in Pasadena, California, titled:
Emergency Response: Resource Development and Church Preparedness.

Bill Kliewer and Jean Bouchebel, World Vision representatives,
offered the welcoming remarks, followed by the introduction of the
attendees. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, offered
the invocation.

Purpose of the meeting was briefly described by James Sanchez,
followed by a briefing about local disaster preparedness and what
the collaboration of the Western Diocese and World Vision can
provide to the communities by Randy Strash, U.S. Strategy Director
for Emergency Response, and Phyllis Freeman, Director of Domestic
Disaster Response. Discussions ensued regarding the World Vision
Center in Armenia and how the Diocese can utilize its resources and
provide assistance.

The Discussions between the Diocese and World Vision will continue in
the upcoming months to further develop a core group of representatives
from the Diocese and World Vision that will work together to provide
services to the local community and Armenia.

The workshop concluded with the benediction offered by Jean Bouchebel.

ACTIVISTS FROM ARMENIAN RULING PARTIES CLASH IN YEREVAN AHEAD OF MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

ists-from-armenian-ruling-parties-clash-in-yerevan -ahead-of-municipal-elections/

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)-Dozens of members of Armenia’s two largest
pro-government parties reportedly again brawled in Yerevan late on
Monday, heightening political tensions ahead of next week’s municipal
elections.

The incident occurred in the Silikian suburb which is part of the
city’s western Ajapnyak district. According to newspaper reports,
local activists of the Republican and Prosperous Armenia parties
clashed shortly after Ajapnyak’s Mayor Ruben Hovsepian arrived there
with his deputy Armen Baghdasarian.

Both men are affiliated with the Republican Party. The Ajapnyak mayor
is also the brother of Armenia’s influential Prosecutor-General Aghvan
Hovsepian. The latter was reported to have rushed to Silikian along
with the Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukian on Monday night.

Scores of police were also at the scene following the incident. Some
of them spent the night there, guarding the local offices of the two
governing parties.

There were conflicting reports of what exactly sparked the clash
clearly related to the May 31 elections of a municipal assembly that
will choose Yerevan’s next mayor. Some newspapers said Ruben Hovsepian
and his deputy were directly involved in it. Both men refused to
comment on Tuesday.

The police claimed, meanwhile, that the Republican Party and Prosperous
Armenia Party activists did not throw punches and were only engaged in
a bitter political debate. The chief police spokesman, Colonel Sayat
Shirinian, told RFE/RL that seven of them were briefly detained and
questioned by law-enforcement officers.

"Those persons noted in their explanations that there was no dispute
or scuffle and that there was only a heated conversation on political
issues," said Shirinian.

Local residents painted a different picture, however. "They beat the
hell out of each other," said one woman. Another Silikian resident, who
also refused to give her name, said the violence began after Hovsepian
demanded "some explanations" from the leader of the Prosperous Armenia
neighborhood chapter, Vahan Karapetian. "They spoke in a car," she
claimed, citing unnamed Prosperous Armenia sources. "Hovsepian said,
‘Are you acting against me? What are you doing? Don’t you know that
this is my neighborhood and that I must get votes here?’ "Then his
deputy, Armen Baghdasarian, opened the car’s door and started hitting
Vahan Karapetian. A clash between the two sides followed. They started
beating, jostling each other."

"There were guys from both sides. But of course, the Republicans
prevailed," added the woman. "They hit Prosperous Armenia guys in
the head with baseball bats."

That the clash was violent was not denied by Naira Zohrabian, a
parliament deputy from Prosperous Armenia. "We will take care of our
votes regardless of who likes that and who doesn’t," she told RFE/RL,
commenting on the incident. "I am calling on all political forces
not to turn the mayoral elections in Yerevan into other actions."

A similar dispute occurred in another Yerevan district, Kanaker-Zeytun,
less than a week ago. Prosperous Armenia activists reportedly
attacked the local Republican Party headquarters in retaliation for
the alleged beating of their comrades by Republican campaigners armed
with clubs. Nobody is known to have been arrested and prosecuted in
connection with that.

The incidents highlighted growing election-related tensions between the
HHK, which is led by President Serzh Sarkisian, and its most important
partner in the governing coalition. Tsarukian, the Prosperous Armenia
leader, is believed to be close to former President Robert Kocharian.

RA POLICE: MISSING US CITIZEN FOUND DEAD

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
18.05.2009 16:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ US citizen Nazareth Berberyan, who was declared
missing about a month ago, was found dead on May 15, in a roadside
ditch on Yerevan-Sevan highway (25.5 km.). Traces of violence were
found on his body. Yerevan Investigative Department has launched
an inquest. No details are reported as to crime details or alleged
criminals’ names.

On May 15, 8:00 p.m., US citizen, entrepreneur Nazareth Berberyan
left his apartment in Amiryan str. and never came back. Yerevan
Police did not report to media any details on Berberyan’s mysterious
disappearance. Neither did they give any information as to whether
a criminal case was filed in that connection. It is only known that
investigation is conducted based on Section 1, Article 104 of RA
Criminal Code (murder).

Nazareth Berberyan’s car (dark green Toyota Land Cruiser) was found
near Zvarthnots airport’s waiting hall.

Berberyan’s family lives in the south of California State. He had
an apartment in the centre of Yerevan. Recently, Berberyan started
the construction of "Linare Company" hotel. Nazareth Berbeyan was
also the owner of the carpet making factory of Ararat province,
Armenia. As confirmed by the family and friends of the deceased,
he didn’t have enemies. Nazareth Berberyan had his private business
in Armenia since 1999.

RPA MEMBER SAMVEL NIKOYAN ELECTED NA VICE-SPEAKER

Noyan Tapan
May 18, 2009

YEREVAN, MAY 18, NOYAN TAPAN. On May 18, the RA National Assembly
by secret ballot elected RPA faction Secretary Samvel Nikoyan as
parliament Vice-Speaker. He replaced ARFD member Hrayr Karapetian on
that post.

According to RPA member Gagik Melikian, the Chairman of the NA Ad
hoc Calculation Commission, 108 of 131 NA deputies took part in voting.

104 deputies voted for S. Nikoyan, 3 deputies voted against. One
ballot-paper was invalidated.

WILL TURKS BUY ARMENIAN HOMES?

A1+
03:27 pm | May 18, 2009

Politics

Renowned Diaspora benefactor, entrepreneur Vahagn Hovnanian voices
concern that after the opening of the Armenian-Turkish frontier
Armenians will begin selling their homes and lands to Turks.

"I don’t know how the equilibrium or the control can be kept. If they
give a few pennies more, Armenians are sure to sell their houses. We
were hardly able to take back our territories from Azerbaijan. I am
concerned they will cede them to others. This is a serious concern
for me," said Mr. Hovnanian.

"Armenia is hardly seen on the map. Though they have many lands near
our border Turks are attracted by our territories as Kurds will live
on their lands."

Hovnanian’s concern can only be healed after making serious legislative
amendments otherwise Turks can buy houses in Armenia in the same way
as American, Chinese and other nationalities do. Why not?

A1+ observed that some 40 thousand Armenians are working in Turkey
now. This allows Erdogan to threaten them by exiling from the country.

"One should work honestly wherever one is. Bravo to all people who
earn their living by the sweat of their brow and send money to their
families. We must kiss their foreheads. No matter where one is –
in Turkey, Moscow, USA or somewhere else, he must earn his living by
his sweat," noted the noted entrepreneur.

Vahagn Hovnanian agrees to the frontier opening without any
preconditions. At the same time, he reminds that recently Turkey has
started setting prerequisites. He fears that Armenia’s economy cannot
resist the pressure of the Turkish market.

"The law must be the same for everyone. Everyone must be given equal
footing," announced Mr. Hovnanian meaning oligarchs enjoying monopoly
and different privileges.

With regard to the global economic crisis Mr. Hovnanian said "things
will continue to worsen for a little while, and then the situation
will begin to better."

50 years ago Hovnanian set up his own business-construction and has
been engaged in it ever since. The businessman has come across an
economic crisis for 12 times but this one is the toughest, he says.

After the rapid depreciation of the Armenian dram, Hovnanian’s business
sustained a loss of 23-24 percent.

LEVON TER-PETROSSYAN URGES SERZH SARGSYAN TO QUIT POLITICS WITH DIGNITY

ArmInfo
2009-05-15 19:48:00

ArmInfo. The first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossyan has urged
President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan to quit the politics with dignity.

During an opposition rally today he said that as a result of his
losing foreign policy Sargsyan had two ways-out: either to consolidate
the nation, to start negotiations with the opposition and to set
free political prisoners or to admit his political incompetence and
to resign.

Ter-Petrossyan believes that Sargsyan will be forced to do it as his
aspiration to retain power is causing damage to the national interests
of Armenia. If formerly the activities of Serzh Sargsyan and Robert
Kocharyan caused harm solely to the Armenian people inside the state
today they have covered the country’s foreign affairs.

Ter-Petrossyan believes that the foreign policy of Sargsyan is
a failure.

ISRAELI LEADER’S VISIT TO AZERBAIJAN TO "HARM" BAKU’S IMAGE

Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Sahar TV, Tehran
May 14 2009

The possible visit of the Israeli president to Azerbaijan will put Baku
under pressure and harm its image, state-run Iranian international
service Sahar TV has said. Israeli President Shimon Peres is
reportedly to visit Azerbaijan at the end of June – early July, several
Azerbaijani papers and news agencies have reported. The reports alleged
that such an agreement was received in Prague at a meeting between the
president and an Israeli minister. Protest voices are already heard
in Azerbaijan among which the Centre for the Protection of Freedom
of Conscience and Religion was the first. The statement from this
group described the possible visit as "disgrace". Iran’s Sahar TV,
which broadcasts in several foreign languages for foreign countries
as well as Azerbaijan and active in anti-government campaign, has
been active to this end. The following is an excerpt from report by
state-run Iranian international service Sahar TV on 14 May:

[Presenter] Realist analysts have assessed a possible visit of
Israeli President Shimon Peres to Baku as a threat to the Azerbaijani
Republic whereas some pro-Israeli and pro-Western [Azerbaijani] media
and political analysts launch a campaigns [to promote] the possible
visit of the criminal Zionist regime leader to Baku.

[Correspondent] A number of political experts say that Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev has taken a dangerous and illogical step by
inviting the leader of the criminal Zionist regime, who is the enemy
of all Islamic world, to pay a visit to the Azerbaijani Republic while
Aliyev himself has recently urged Turkey to avoid normalizing ties with
Armenia which is in enmity with Azerbaijan. In this regard, policy of
double standards pursued by Azerbaijan will harm Ilham Aliyev’s image.

Experts note that the possible visit by Shimon Peres to Baku
will cause serious economic, political and security problems for
Azerbaijan. However, from the security standpoint, the Zionist regime
will not suffice itself to the realization of the visit by the head
of this regime. Following this visit, Baku will face big demands as
Baku would put itself in an isolated political situation by making
wrong decisions. If the visit of Shimon Peres to Baku is realized,
unfortunately, it will put Baku in isolation and damage it image. As a
result of which an expansionist Zionist regime will issue a challenge
to the Azerbaijani Republic and compel Baku to more concessions.

RA NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARY RECEIVES SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF UK FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS

Noyan Tapan
May 14, 2009

YEREVAN, MAY 14, NOYAN TAPAN. On May 14, RA National Security
Council Secretary Artur Baghdasarian and Special Representative of
the United Kingdom for the South Caucasus Brian Fall discussed issues
regarding the 2009-2011 Actions Plan ensuring implementation of the
Armenia-European Union Actions Plan of the European Neighborhood
Policy. A. Baghdasarian mentioned that reforms are planned in various
spheres in Armenia, and EU member countries’ assistance to this
process is expected.

The sides discussed the necessity of development of bilateral
contacts of Armenia and Great Britain, possibilities of creation and
development of contacts between the RA National Security Council and
Great Britain’s corresponding structure.

According to the RA National Security Council Press Office, issues
related to Armenian-Turkish relations and Nagorno Karabakh settlement
were spoken about at the meeting.

EDWARD NALBANDIAN: TURKEY’S ATTEMPTS TO INTERVENE INTO NAGORNO KARABAKH SETTLEMENT PROCESS CAN DAMAGE THAT PROCESS

Noyan Tapan
May 14, 2009

YEREVAN, MAY 14, NOYAN TAPAN. On May 14, RA Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian received OSCE Minsk Group French Co-chair Bernard
Fassier. They touched upon issues regarding Nagorno Karabakh settlement
process at the meeting. The interlocutors also exchanged thoughts
over regional issues.

According to the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
the same day E. Nalbandian received Special Representative of the
United Kingdom for the South Caucasus Brian Fall.

Ways of expanding cooperation between Armenia and Great Britain,
possibilities of activation of partnership between the two countries’
foreign political departments were discussed at the meeting. At
British side’s suggestion they came to an agreement to hold
periodical consultations between Armenia’s and United Kingdom’s
Foreign Ministries.

The interlocutors also touched upon the process of normalization
of Armenian-Turkish relations. In that context B. Fall welcomed the
progress recorded in that direction lately.

Speaking about Turkish Prime Minister’s statements made the day before
in Baku, E. Nalbandian said that Turkey’s attempts to intervene into
the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process can damage that process. He
added that if Turkey wishes to assist problem’s peaceful settlement,
its most correct way will be not to intervene into that process at all.