Author: Hunanian Jack

ARMENIA ENTERS RECOVERY STAGE: PRIME MINISTER

/ARKA/
April 22, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, April 22. /ARKA/. Armenian prime minister Tigran Sarkisian
said today the country’s economy was out of the crisis and back to
recovery track.

Speaking at a recurrent Cabinet session he cited the latest figures
of the National Statistical Service according to which the economic
recovery continued to accelerate in March resulting in a 5.5% GDP
growth in the first quarter. The prime minister singled out a 10%
industrial output growth, a similar growth in energy production and
a 3.2% growth in agriculture.

The construction sector, once a key engine of growth, was the
only sector that dropped in the first quarter by 0.6% to 46.7
billion Drams. The year-on-year growth rate reported by the National
Statistical Service was up from 3.1% reported in January-February. The
government predicted last November that the economy, which contracted
by 14.4 percent in 2009, will expand by only 1.2 percent this year.

Late last month it revised the full-year forecast upwards to 1.8
percent.

According to the prime minister, the latest numbers testify
to diversification of the economy and its reduced dependence of
construction sector growth, but on the other hand they also mean that
private investors are not in a hurry to invest in this sector. The
premier downplayed a popular belief that the government finances
construction sector by reminding that 75% of investments last year
into construction came from private investors.

The prime minister also singled out a 6% growth in services, a 60%
growth in exports and a 23% growth in imports. He also said IT sector
grew by 3%, while production of building materials was up by 50%
and the mining sector posted a 21% growth.

The chemical industry posted a 2.5% growth, the jewelry sector rose
by 40% and production of equipment was up by 15%. Prime minister
emphasized also a 5% tourism growth. According to him, the accelerating
growth was due to the government’s anti-crisis measure.

He also added that `the entire world is emerging from the recession.’
($1 – 393.23 Drams).

MUSA DAGH DESCENDANT CARRIES ON FOREBEARS’ STRUGGLE
Arpa Hatzbanian

Haytoug.org
4/musa-dagh-descendant-carries-on-forebears-strugg le/
April 22 2010

During the Armenian Genocide, my ancestors-the people of Musa
Dagh-were one of the only groups who were able to fight back and defend
themselves. Today, like my ancestors, I choose not to be an observer
to atrocities and oppression. For me, working tirelessly to resist the
same injustice which my forebears died for is not a choice, but a duty.

My maternal ancestors originated from Musa Dagh, a mountainous
region on the Mediterranean coast. During the Armenian Genocide,
the people of Musa Dagh were exiled from their homes and given only
eight days to evacuate. They gathered all their weaponry and food,
embarking on a climb to the mountaintops. The villagers protected
themselves against the 200-person Turkish special army, because they
were more experienced in the mountainous terrain. Although victorious
in resistance, they soon ran out of living necessities and were
forced to leave the mountains. They were saved by a French ship,
who heard their plea for help. Despite promises that they would one
day return to their homes, they never did.

Everyday is an ongoing struggle within the Armenian community. At
times our own government gives up on our Cause because it is a
difficult inner conflict to overcome. We are constantly faced with
the choice to either accept the pain and let it slowly ware off, or
work vigorously day in and day out for recognition. It is my personal
choice to take the more difficult route, and work for my Cause rather
then let the memory of my ancestors be forgotten and ignored.

In order to fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, I
work yearlong within effective organizations such as the Armenian
Youth Federation (AYF) and the Armenian National Committee (ANC)
in informing the world about the atrocities of 1915 and the crimes
still being committed by the Turkish government.

Recently, I have helped with the AYF’s annual April 24 protest
in front of the Turkish Consulate. Thousands gather yearly in Los
Angeles, to show that the Armenian people have not given up. Also,
I work with the United Human Rights Council (UHRC), to help prevent
other human rights violations from happening around the world today.

The struggle of my ancestors has encouraged me to fight for justice.

When I look at my grandmother and the pain that will never go away,
I am inspired to use that pain as a muse to work even harder against
injustice.

As an Armenian, I am obligated to work for my Cause. But, as global
citizens, we are all obligated to work for a more peaceful and stable
world for our future generations to live in.

You too can demand justice and honor the memory of our fallen. Here
are details to the April 24 protest at the Turkish consulate.

ARMENIA’S DECISION IS BENEFICIAL FOR TURKEY: ANKARA RESPONDS TO COALITION’S STATEMENT

Tert.am
22.04.10

The statement made by the Armenian parliamentary coalition over the
Armenia-Turkey Protocols is beneficial for Turkey, CNNTurk quotes
Turkish retired ambassador and a foreign policy expert Yalim Eralp
as saying.

"Earlier Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said that they had made
a decision over the Protocols and that they would make a statement
about it soon. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared
in Washington that Ankara is accountable for its signature put under
the Protocols. The Armenians had earlier adopted a law which allows
annulling international agreements. But this is not the case. The
signatures are not being disowned: it is only the ratification of the
Protocols that is being suspended. In fact the ratification process
is suspended in Turkey. By the same token, judging by the situation
in Turkey, Armenia’s decision is a convenient one. It leaves the
impression that the Armenians will take action as soon as the Turks
do so," said the diplomat.

"Earlier President Sargsyan had said that they would not start the
ratification of the Protocols unless Turkey does so. I do not think
this is a serious development. The process would have been terminated,
should they have withdrawn their signature. But the signatures are
still in force, and it is the ratification that is being suspended,"
explained the expert.

Local Turkish daily Hurriyet, in turn, quotes Turkish Foreign Ministry
Spokesperson Burak Ozugergin saying that they do not have any official
information about it.

"We do not have any official information about that decision yet. If
it is confirmed, we will make a relevant statement," Ozugergin was
quoted as saying.

E. SHARMAZANOV SAYS WE’RE FAITHFUL TO SETTLEMENT OF TIES

Panorama.am
22/04/2010

"I think the joint statement of coalition is quite realistic, which
matches with state and national interests," NA Deputy, Speaker of
Republican Party Edward Sharmazanov told Panorama.am.

According to the NA deputy the statement reads quite clearly that
the constructive efforts of the Armenian side and the expectations
of the international community faced Turkey’s inconsistent policy of
evasion and preconditions, which brought the process of ratification
of the Armenian-Turkish protocols, signed in Zurich, October 10,
2009, within a reasonable timeframe into a deadlock.

Republican Speaker said Turkey had stated quite clearly in Washington
that Ankara wasn’t ready to ratify the protocols, that’s why the
political majority recommended the suspending of this issue.

"The message is that we are faithful to the spirit of protocols, and
we are faithful to the normalization process. We haven’t suspended
our signature, when Turkey is ready to make the step, we’ll perform
ours then," Republican speaker said.

E. Sharmazanov stated: "Both, President Sargsyan and FM Nalbandyan
have been declaring various times Armenia won’t let anybody to speak a
preconditions language with us. Moreover, President Sargsyan declared
at his London released speech that when Turkey ratifies the protocols,
Armenia will have no problems to do it."

"But Turkey’s PM Erdogan’s statement that Armenian-Turkish ties are
directly linked with NK issue and the conflict with Azerbaijan, has
made us suspend the process until Turkey acknowledges its steps in
balance with the spirit of protocols," NA deputy said.

ARCHBISHOP ARAM ATESHYAN LEFT FOR VAN

news.am
April 21 2010
Armenia

Head of Religious Council of the Armenian Patriarchate Archbishop
Aram Ateshyan left for Van to familiarize himself with preparation
for resumption of religious services to be held in the Surb Khach
church on Akhtamar Island.

According to Turkish Internethaber website, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan
met with Van Governor Munir Karaoglu today.

In March end, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay
signed Van Governor’s application for permission of annual religious
services in Surb Khach church.

Archbishop Aram Ateshyan informed that the first service will be
conducted on September 12, 2010.

YEREVAN: ‘CULTURAL GENOCIDE’ CONFERENCE AIRED LIVE IN US, CANADA

Aysor
April 20 2010
Armenia

The "Cultural Genocide" conference is taking place in Yerevan, being
organised by Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora and the Museum-Institute
of the Armenian Genocide. The conference gathered together officials,
experts and analysts to focus on the current issues, related to the
process of the international recognition of the Genocide.

Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Mrs Hranush Hakobian spoke to the
conference: "We are sure the process of the international recognition
of the 1915 Genocide will reach its final goal; hundred years had
passed since the times the crimes were committed; and now the humanity
realizes that it didn’t condemn the crime in the fullness of time."

She added: "Whole progressive world community and whole Armenian nation
will mourn for the innocent victims of the Genocide on April 24."

The conference is aired live in the United States and Canada.

LARGE-SCALE REFORMS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN ARMENIA’S RESCUE SYSTEM

armradio.am
20.04.2010 13:47

Large-scale reforms will be implemented in Armenia’s rescue system.

The draft doctrine of reforms needs to be developed as a first step.

The intergovernmental commission on elaboration of the draft doctrine
convened a sitting on April 20 chaired by Secretary of the National
Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan.

Stressing the importance of reforms in the sphere, Arthur Baghdasaryan
noted that the "protection of citizen’s rights and ensuring security
guarantees is the mission of any state. In this regard the reforms
in the rescue system are of strategic importance."

Participants of the sitting decided to submit the draft doctrine
within three months.

VIVACELL-MTS AND FPWC START ACTION SUPPORT FOR USE OF BAGS MADE OF RECYCLED PAPER

/ ARKA /
April 20, 2010
YEREVAN

Foundation for Wildlife Conservation and cultural values (FPWC)
together with the Armenian mobile operator VivaCell-MTS within the
campaign Green Generation – 2010 started to rally in support of the
use of paper bags instead of plastic, the director-founder of FPWC
Ruben Khachatryan told reporters on Tuesday.

"Instead of the harmful environmental assets of plastic bags we are
offering the paper bags," said Khachtaryan.

According to him, agreements had already been reached with a number
of supermarkets in Yerevan – "Star," Fresh" and "Zovk" for their
customers to use paper bags as an alternative to the plastic ones.

On the package, there will be an inscription – One ton of recycled
paper saves 17 trees.

Also, as part of the campaign Green Generation, a program is being
implemented called Green Bus, a unique mobile cinema library, which
aims to raise environmental awareness of the most remote regions
of Armenia.

In addition, from April 1 to May 15 every person participating in the
SMS-shares VivaCell-MTS "Plant your tree", can help perhaps sending
a message to contribute to the planting of trees.

"Fund for Wildlife Conservation and cultural values in the Republic
of Armenia" (FPWC) was founded in 2001.

The Foundation is an attempt to save the unique nature and cultural
values.

VivaCell-MTS (CJSC K-Telecom) is the leading Armenian mobile operator,
providing a wide range of Voice and Data services.

Since its launch on July 1 2005, VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a
nationwide network and a considerable customer base in a short period
of time.

VivaCell-MTS drives the development and offering of innovative mobile
communications products, services and features in the Armenian mobile
communications market.

OJSC Mobile TeleSystems ("MTS") is the largest mobile phone operator
in Russia and the CIS.

Together with its subsidiaries, the Company services over 95.65
million subscribers.

The regions of Russia, as well as Armenia, Belarus, Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, in which MTS and its associates and
subsidiaries are licensed to provide GSM services, have a total
population of more than 230 million.

Since June 2000, MTS stocks have been listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (ticker symbol MBT).

TURKISH PM INSISTS ON CONDITIONS TO OPEN ARMENIA BORDER

Agence France Presse
April 18, 2010 Sunday 1:27 PM GMT

Turkey will keep its border with Armenia shut if a territorial
conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains unresolved, Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

"We shut the border because of the occupation of Azeri soil," Erdogan
was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.

"The occupation should end so that Turkey can easily open its (border)
gates. But if the occupation continues, we will not take such a step,"
he said.

The reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border is part of a landmark
accord the two neighbours signed in October to establish diplomatic
ties and end decades of hostility over Ottoman massacres of Armenians
during World War I.

But the deal, which needs parliamentary ratification in both countries
to take effect, has since faltered amid mutual accusations that the
other side is not committed to reconciliation.

Turkey sealed its border with Armenia in 1993 in a show of solidarity
with Azerbaijan after ethnic Armenian separatists, backed by Yerevan,
seized the Nagorny Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts
from Baku in a war that claimed an estimated 30,000 lives.

Armenia has slammed Ankara’s position as a "precondition," rejecting
any link between the October deal and Nagorny-Karabakh.

Erdogan met with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian in Washington
last week after a Turkish envoy visited Yerevan to confirm Ankara’s
commitment to the October deal and to push for a solution to
outstanding disagreements.

The two neighbours have been estranged also over Yerevan’s allegations
that up to 1.5 million Armenians were the victim of genocide at the
hands of their Ottoman rulers in 1915-1917, a label Ankara fiercely
rejects.

TREATY OF SEVRES ARTICLE 144 VALID, EXPERT SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 19, 2010 – 15:23 AMT 10:23 GMT

On April 14, the French Bureau of the Armenian Cause (Hay Dat)
organized a symposium with participation of international experts.

Dogan Ozguden, Journalist and President of the Foundation Info Turk;
Frederic Encel, Geo-political scientist, Professor at the Institut
d’Etudes Politiques de Paris; Yair Auron, Professor of History at the
Open University of Israel; Kiro Manoyan, Head of the ARF Bureau’s Hay
Dat and Political Affairs Office Director; Ali Ertem, Historian and
Chairman of the Association Against Genocide; Israel Charny, President
of the Institute for Holocaust and Genocide (Jerusalem); Alfred de
Zayas, an international lawyer and historian; Harut Sassounian, The
California Courier publisher and Yves Ternon, a French historian, were
present, freelance French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net

"Article 144 of the Treaty of Sevres envisages indemnity to the
Armenian people and restitution of their property rights. This
provision is valid today, and the international community should know
about it," prof. Alfred de Zayas said in his remarks.