Author: Hovhannisian John

17.4% INCREASE IN ARMENIA’S BUDGET REVENUES IN JAN-MAR

news.am
April 29 2010
Armenia

This January-March, Armenia’s state budget revenues totaled 164.1bn
AMD, and on-budget expenditures 170.1bn AMD – 107.8% and 90.5%
implementation of the respective government programs for the first
trimester.

The pres service of the RA Ministry of Finance informed NEWS.am that,
during the period under review, the budgeted revenues constituted 22%
of the annual amount, and on-budget expenditures 19.9%. In the first
trimester, Armenia’s budget deficit totaled 6bn AMD instead of the
budgeted 34.8bn AMD.

The budget revenues showed a 17.4% increase (24.3bn AMD).

Specifically, tax revenues, state duties and social security payments
showed a 19.6% increase (25.1bn AMD) and other revenues a 9.4% increase
(859.1m AMD). Official grants decreases by 1.7bn AMD (68.2%).

Tax revenues, social security payments and state duties formed 93.4%
of the state budget revenues, the share of other taxes being 6.1%
and of official grants 0.5%.

EVERY LITTLE STEP IN KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS WILL AFFECT PROTOCOLS: ZAMAN

news.am
April 28 2010
Armenia

"Armenia’s recent declaration about freezing the process of
parliamentary ratification of the protocols signed with Turkey may
be perceived as a setback; however, from a different perspective,
this development also constitutes an opportunity," the article of
Beril Dedeoglu in Turkish Zaman daily reads.

"As you may recall, Turkey has made the normalization between the
two neighbors dependent on a regional peace project by connecting
the ratification of the protocols by the Turkish Parliament to the
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. It’s clear that the Minsk
Group’s efforts are not sufficient to achieve an overall resolution
as this group fails to draw an equation acceptable both for Armenia
and Azerbaijan. That’s why Turkey believes that the atmosphere is not
right to implement its regional project for now," the daily reports.

"There is another obstacle, too: the Turkish Parliament’s current
atmosphere, as it has become an arena where the government and the
opposition fight incessantly. The opposition has decided to oppose
every constitutional amendment, even those about fundamental human
rights and liberties. In an atmosphere where everybody talks about a
constitutional referendum likely to be followed by early legislative
elections, the government has no reason to expect parliamentary
ratification of the protocols. Furthermore, the opposition parties
are ready to label every attempt at normalization with Armenia as
treason, and they will definitely use this as a propaganda tool to
gain nationalist votes. On the other hand, the fact that Turkish
flags were burned during April 24 commemoration ceremonies in Armenia
hasn’t made things easier. It’s also true that those in Armenia who
have signed the protocols are in a delicate political situation in
their country," the source says.

"This negative situation has one positive aspect: If these protocols
are indeed brought to the parliaments right now, their ratification
will most likely be rejected. So to freeze the protocols officially
in Armenia and in Turkey is a way to preserve them, keeping the door
half open to other positive developments," the daily informs.

"The first of these positive developments is that Turkey has learned
not to react too much to US presidents’ April 24 statements. By
the way, US presidents have developed a skill in writing these
statements in a way that satisfies nobody in the end. Secondly, it’s
now clear that in Turkey, there are people willing to participate
in the mourning of April 24, proving that some people in Turkey are
sensible to the sufferings of other peoples. It’s important to show
that in Anatolia everyone has suffered, but it is also important to
show which mechanisms were responsible for these sufferings. This
may help build empathy between peoples, and empathy is the shortest
route to the implementation of the protocols," the daily emphasizes.

"From now on, every positive development between Armenia and Azerbaijan
will be considered a positive development for the protocols. As
the process seems to be in a deadlock, every little step regarding
the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will count. It’s important to show that
everything is not black or white; gray zones are wider than everybody
thinks. These gray zones may allow national parliaments to reconsider
the freezing of the protocols," the source says.

"The present situation of the protocols doesn’t mean that there will be
no more progress in Turkish-Armenian relations. As President Abdullah
Gul emphasizes, the normalization process can be pursued through silent
diplomacy from now on. This kind of diplomacy may create an atmosphere
against the extreme nationalist currents in both countries. By stating
that they are not abandoning the spirit of the protocols, both sides
give the impression that they want progress," the source concludes.

ARMENIAN CHURCH LEADER’S BAKU VISIT SIGN OF RUSSIAN ‘DOMINATION’

news.az
April 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Ilgar Ibrahimoglu News.Az interviews Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, doctor of
theology, imam of the Juma Mosque in Baku’s Old City.

How would you comment on the visit of Armenian Catholicos Garegin ll
to Azerbaijan?

First of all, I think this is an unexpected development. It can be
compared to the recent signing of the protocols between Armenia and
Turkey. It is an equally important and unprecedented event. I think
it will be followed by geopolitical changes and it is no chance event.

I think Russia is increasing its domination in the Caucasus and the
Orthodox Church is a central figure in this process. It has shown
that it can even bring Garegin to Baku which is remarkable. As for the
reaction of the Azerbaijani side, it must make use of the favourable
situation for its own diplomacy, that is, it must use the existing
potential to demonstrate tolerance and Azerbaijan’s commitment to
a peaceful position on all issues. Meanwhile, I think if Garegin
does not make statements condemning genocide and crimes that were
supported by his church, it will not be good. In fact, someone who
is a something of a conductor of Armenian terrorism comes here and
does not condemn the events that occurred several years ago. I think
Azerbaijan must use every opportunity for a peaceful settlement and,
if this does not work, it will be obliged to start war. I think all
opportunities should be used for a peaceful settlement of the problem.

Does the visit of the Armenian Catholicos to Azerbaijan mean progress
can be expected in the negotiations on Karabakh?

I think we should try to get some new statements during his visit
because he will hardly make any statements on his departure. I think
the geopolitical situation over Karabakh is changing. But it is
not clear who will win. Azerbaijan’s diplomacy must be on alert and
Azerbaijani servicemen must be prepared. It is unclear what’s happening
and I think we should consolidate our efforts both in diplomacy and
military issues, as the outcome may not be too favourable for the
Azerbaijani side.

Considering the weight and influence of the Catholicos, may his
current visit lead to any changes in Yerevan’s position?

His influence on Armenian policy is no less than the influence of
the Orthodox Church on Russia’s policy. I would even say that his
influence is bigger than the influence of the Orthodox Church. I think
we should be ready for anything. In this case, we do not want to be
too optimistic, because we have repeatedly seen the signs of perfidy
of the political leadership of this country and we have witnessed
the way they change the essence of negotiations and use everything
for their aggressive goals. Therefore, the Azerbaijani side should
be very active, very flexible and very consistent. Meanwhile, our
servicemen must be ready for any changes in the situation.

During the summit, the chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Department,
Allahshukur Pashazade, and Garegin ll supported dialogue at different
levels. Is it possible to say that Armenian-Azerbaijani relations
are improving?

When someone, a head of a church, who has been supporting terror for
years, speaks of peace, it is inconsistent. I think the Armenian
Church must admit its guilt, as has the Catholic Church which has
apologized for its crimes. The Armenian Church must also confess
its numerous crimes and terror against Azerbaijan and the whole
non-Armenian population, because we have not heard the Armenian
Church condemning the atrocities committed in Khojaly. Without this,
Garegin’s statements about peace, neighbourly relations and readiness
for dialogue seem insincere to me.

You said that you do not believe Garegin’s sincerity. What do you
think is the aim of his visit to Baku?

I think this is not the result of Garegin’s own intentions in
Azerbaijan, but a power play by the head of the Orthodox Church,
Patriarch Kirill. In so doing, he shows that the Russian Orthodox
Church is so strong today that it can even bring the Armenian religious
leader to Azerbaijan. This is remarkable, especially considering that
Russia is increasing its dominance in the Caucasus in all areas.

Speaking at the summit, Garegin said he would like to hold a service
in the Armenian church in Baku, which he visited. Doesn’t this show
that he wants to set up contacts?

It is quite clear that Garegin has such a wish. We have always been
convinced that churches and mosques are God’s houses and they are
not guilty for human actions and must be neutral. But Azerbaijani
religious people also dream of performing namaz in thousands of temples
in Armenia and Karabakh. However, cows are currently pastured in the
mosques in Karabakh. I think our religious people must also express
their wish to pray in the lands from which Azerbaijanis have been
driven away.

LET THEIR LEGACY LIVE ON
Ashish Sen

Bangalore Mirror
01004282010042818103716353976029/Let-their-legacy- live-on.html
April 28 2010
India

Older cultural forms are the vital life-lines between tradition and
modernity. They are crucial for the development of any community

If music be the food of love, play on…" But how many musicians have
the wherewithal to do so — particularly in their twilight years? How
many musicians who have wedded their entire lives to their art form
have had the good fortune to ensure their own well being? While
culture is a much bandied word today, how many musicians who were
divas of their times and contributed substantially towards seeding
cultural traditions in terra firma are remembered today? How many of
their traditions live on?

All this, and more comes alive in Bangalore author Vikram Sampath’s
latest work My Name is Gauhar Jaan! — The life and times of a
musician. Sampath’s evocative pen and comprehensive research vividly
demonstrate why Gauhar Jaan is not just an extraordinary musician
of her times, but a musician for all seasons. Born as Eileen Anglina
Yeoward, an Armenian Christian who later converted to Islam, Gauhar
Jaan made history as the first Indian voice to be recorded on the
gramophone in 1902.

Ironically, this extraordinary woman whose voice enthralled Indian
royalty and music aficionados alike, and ultimately graced the
Mysore Durbar as Court Musician, passed away "in a desolate corner of
the Krishnarajendra Hospital, lonely and forlorn, with none by her
bedside to shed tears for her". No one knows where her grave lies,
or whether it even exists today. Aside from being ‘unputdownable’
there are other compelling reasons to read the book.

Gauhar Jaan’s journey, through Sampath’s pen, underlines Oscar Wilde’s
argument that life imitates art more than art imitating life. Consider
the advice that Gauhar Jaan was given by Maharaja Bhawani Singh.

"Success in the field of arts is ephemeral… The world might forget
you and all that you have achieved. But like an unending river,
the music will live on irrespective of whether you sing or not…"

Sampath’s epilogue reinforces the point. Amidst narrow lanes in
the heart of Kolkata, the author encountered Gauhar Building where
the celebrated singer once lived. The encounter inspired insights,
not entirely dissimilar to Bhawani Singh’s wisdom. "While Gauhar’s
memory is completely lost in most of the other parts of the city she
called her home, she still lives on in this narrow lane. People here
have neither forgotten her life nor her exquisite music…"

Gauhar Jaan is fortunate to have a writer’s powerful pen to help
transport her memory and voice beyond the narrow lanes and alleys
of Kolkata. How many can claim the same good fortune? Conversations
with musical doyens confirm that the Indian music canvas exhibits
a gallery of musicians (especially women) whose names seem to lie
buried and forgotten in the sands of time. How do we resurrect them?

At a time when new technology is the undisputed buzz word for
development, older art forms and communication modes are inclined
to get consigned to the back burner. Yet, paradoxically, it is these
older cultural forms that are often the vital life-lines between past
and present, between tradition and modernity. Snapping this bond would
be akin to cutting off crucial limbs in the development of any city,
community and culture.

This is why efforts and initiatives like the Devnandan Ubhayaker Yuva
Sangeet Utsav spell good news and need to be supported by us. Now in
its 24th year, the utsav is the brainchild of the renowned musician
and social activist Lalita Ubhayaker. It treads a unique three-fold
path where celebration takes centre stage. While it promotes the
guru-shishya tradition of learning music, it also nurtures young
talent, and bridges continuity with change. Every year, the utsav
features artistes or "yuva kalaakars" who are 25 years or younger.

Many of them have gone on to win considerable critical acclaim,
strengthening bonds between guru and shishya, between past and
present."

Complementing the Utsav, are two other initiatives that underscore
Lalita Ubhayekar’s and her husband, the late Shivram Ubhayekar’s
efforts to build synergies between old and young. Smriti Nandan
provides a community learning space dedicated to the arts.

At the other end of the spectrum, is Ashvasan, an attempt to reach out
"to the senior citizen, the aged and the lonely". In some ways, the
Utsav is a convergent point for both as it attract young and old alike.

Like, Vikram Sampath’s book, there are many compelling reasons to
applaud Lalita Ubhayekar’s vision and work. In essence, My Name is
Gauhar Jaan! Celebrates the indomitable spirit of a woman and her
music. In essence, the Devnandan Ubhayekar Utsav celebrates life
through music across the ages.

ARMENIA APPOINTS NEW AMBASSADORS TO UKRAINE AND ALBANIA

armradio.am
27.04.2010 16:06

President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on April 26 to release
Andranik Manukyan from the duties of the Adviser to the President of
the Republic of Armenia and appoint him as Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Ukraine (seat in Kiev).

According to another presidential decree, Armenia’s Ambassador to
the Republic of Greece Gagik Ghalachyan was appointed as Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Albania.

EVEN IN BAKU THE AZERBAIJANI IS NOT A COMPETITOR TO THE ARMENIANS

Aysor
April 27 2010
Armenia

Armenian boxer Armen Simonyan who presents the team of Ukraine and
with 91kg w/c during the world tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan took a
victory over Azerbaijani Hajibab Hajibabaev and entered the next round.

In the frameworks of the youth tournament this is the first Armenian –
Azerbaijani competition and it ended with the victory of the Armenian
boxer.

Before that some of the Azerbaijani Medias, with indescribable
pleasure were writing about the unsuccessful match of one of our
boxers, stressing that not every representative of every nation can
win in Azerbaijan. So answering to those comments we say, even in
Baku the Azerbaijani is not a competitor to the Armenian…

ARMENIA TO OPEN CONSULATE IN IRAN’S TABRIZ SOON

Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA
April 26 2010
Iran

An Armenian consulate will be opened in Tabriz in northwestern Iran
in the near future, IRNA reported on 26 April.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister for consulate and parliamentary affairs,
Hasan Qashqavi, was quoted as saying that Turkey and the Republic
of Azerbaijan have already opened their consulates in Tabriz which
shows the importance of the province for Iran and for the region.

"A total of 510 Iranians imprisoned in foreign countries have been
released so far and hopefully 210 Iranians jailed in Iraq will also be
released shortly," Qashqavi said at a meeting with judiciary officials
of Iran’s East Azarbayjan Province in Tabriz on 26 April.

OSCE MG FORMAT CHANGE UNACCEPTABLE FOR ARMENIA: RA NA SPEAKER

news.am
April 26 2010
Armenia

Armenia seeks to normalize relations with Turkey like before, but
time proves Ankara to be an unreliable partner, RA National Assembly
Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan stated at the meeting with schoolchildren
within the framework of National Assembly-launched "Open Door" program.

According to him, Armenia wishes to establish diplomatic relations
with Turkey and open the border, as there are no implacable enemies,
but the international recognition of Armenian Genocide is a priority
to Armenia. "Genocide recognition by Turkey first is very crucial
for us," Abrahamyan said.

Referring to Karabakh peace process, he stressed that a change in
OSCE Minsk Group format is unacceptable for Armenian side.

Agence France Presse
April 22, 2010 Thursday 11:56 AM GMT

Armenia recovers from recession: PM

YEREVAN, April 22 2010

Armenia’s economy returned to positive growth in the first quarter of
2010 after a severe blow caused by the global economic downturn, the
country’s prime minister said on Thursday.

"With 5.5-percent growth in the first three months of this year, our
economy entered the stage of recovery," Prime Minister Tigran
Sarkisian said at a cabinet meeting.

He said industrial output and the electric energy production sector
had both grown by 10 percent in the January-March period, while
agricultural production had grown by 3.2 percent.

Isolated Armenia has been among the countries hardest hit by the
global economic downturn, with its economy contracting by 14.4 percent
in 2009, according to the state statistics committee.

The government and the International Monetary Fund have forecast a
modest return to growth this year, with GDP expected to expand by 1.8
percent.

Fuelled by booming construction, especially in the capital Yerevan,
and foreign trade, Armenia’s economy grew by an average of around 13
percent between 2004 and 2007.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 25 2010

Should the matter of Turkey’s presentation in MG OSCE be positively
appreciated?

25 April 2010 [11:03] – Today.Az

Along with three co-chairs of the Minsk Group, there are other
countries that have opportunities to contribute to the resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani parliament Vice Speaker
said.

"The appearance of the issue on Turkey’s representation in the Minsk
Group on the agenda should be positively appreciated. Turkey is the
country, which can contribute to the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh problem," – Azerbaijani Parliamentary Deputy Speaker
Bahar Muradova.

According to Mammadova, Azerbaijan is interested in Turkey’s
participation in the regional processes. "Being a co-chair, Turkey can
create a balance both in the region and in co-chairmanship in the
Minsk Group. If the co-chair countries don’t treat it jealously,
Turkey can contribute to the process being a co-chair", – Muradova
said.

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