Author: Jagharian Tania

NKR PRESIDENT OFFERED MEDVEDEV CONDOLENCES

news.am
March 29 2010
Armenia

NKR President Bako Sahakyan sent a letter of condolence to the RF
President Dmitry Medvedev due to Moscow subway blast, NKR Presidential
Information department informs NEWS.am.

The letter reads:

"On behalf of people and authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
I express my sincere condolences and support to You and the fraternal
people of Russia due to treacherous terrorist act in Moscow subway
claimed dozens of innocent lives. In the hour of nationwide sorrow
we share with You the desiderium and wish the relatives and kinsmen
of the victims endurance and fortitude."

KARABAKH MEDIATORS NOT TO VISIT BAKU UNTIL APRIL

news.az
March 30 2010
Azerbaijan

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are not visiting Azerbaijan during
their latest trip to the region, according to Russian mediator Yury
Merzlyakov.

‘We have coordinated the date of our visit to Baku with [Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister] Elmar Mammadyarov and no one else. He knows that the
visit will be in April but there is no exact date,’ Merzlyakov said.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov confirmed today
that the mediators would not visit Baku as part of their latest trip.

The Minsk Group co-chairs Bernard Fassier (France), Yury Merzlyakov
(Russia) and Robert Bradtke (US) visited Yerevan and separatist
Nagorno-Karabakh on 26-29 March.

The mediators were expected to visit Azerbaijan after their trip
to Armenia.

`Socialist Approaches to Challenges’ Forum Opens in Yerevan

ialist-approaches-to-challenges%e2%80%99-forum-ope ns-in-yerevan/
By Asbarez Staff on Mar 25th, 2010

YEREVAN – An international conference entitled Socialist Approaches to
Armenia’s Challenges `Socialist Approaches to Armenia’s Challenges:
Global Perspectives, Local Realities,’ organized by the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation kicked off on Thursday.

The two-day gathering includes both Armenian and non-Armenian
delegates from around the world who have converged in Yerevan to
discuss workable solutions to Armenia’s challenges.

In his opening remarks to the conference, ARF Bureau member Davit
Lokian stated that the ideas generated from the conference will be
compiled together in an official packet of proposals, which will open
new opportunities for tackling the socio-economic problems accumulated
in Armenia.

Some of the questions to be explored by the conference include the
modern applications of socialist ideology and practice; paths
socialist and social-democratic parties have chosen to take in recent
years; and the positive outcomes these parties have secured in the
sphere of economic reform and social justice in their countries.

In a press conference earlier this week, ARF member and vice-president
of the Socialist International, Maria Titizian, elaborated on the
motivation behind the conference by stating, `Today in Armenia, we
have extreme wealth amid extreme poverty, issues of higher education,
women’s rights, and the protection of children’s rights. In this
regard, it is important to analyze the experience of other nations,
which is what we will be attempting to do with this conference.’

Participants in the conference include experts and activists from such
countries as Russia, the US, France, Sweden, Greece, Argentina, Chile,
Iran. There are also participants from Armenia and various Diasporan
political, intellectual and public institutions.

ARF Bureau member Vahan Hovannesian also addressed the conference
opening today, noting the importance of such a gathering in the
context of the world economic crisis – a time when the government’s
public policies have become highly disputable. The conference was
organized with the direct intent of laying answers down to these
pressing issues, he said.

Following the opening remarks, presentations were also given by, among
others, ARF Bureau member Mario Nalbandian and President of the
Swedish Association of Christian Social Democrats, Peter Weiderud.

ARF Supreme Council of Armenia chairman Armen Rustamian also added
that the conference aimed to offer tangible solutions to the grave
problems facing Armenia and propose solutions that the Armenian
society, as a whole, can engage in the reform processes.

`Government policies to combat poverty have failed. Serious economic
and social reforms are needed to address these and other critical
challenges,’ said Rustamian.

RPA: Armenia doesn’t aim to resolve Karabakh conflict at any cost

26.03.2010 14:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Baku’s refusal to sign an agreement on non-use of
force proved its reluctance to a constructive resolution of Karabakh
conflict, an Armenian official said.

`Armenia’s position remains unchanged: it will never agree to
unilateral concessions. Nagorno Karabakh can’t be a part of
Azerbaijan. Compromise is possible only if Azerbaijan and the
international community recognize NKR as an independent state. Armenia
doesn’t aim to resolve Karabakh conflict at any cost,’ Eduard
Sharmazanov, secretary of RPA parliamentary group, told reporters on
Friday.

As to RA President’s recent statement on possibility of transfer of
NKR security area regions, he said the people of Artsakh will
themselves decide on the scope of compromise.

Dwelling on domestic situation, Mr. Sharmazanov said he sees no reason
for early elections.

Yerevan hosted first concert of Ian Gillan

26.03.2010 22:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The first out of two concerts of the rock legend,
lead singer of Deep Purple Ian Gillan was held in Yerevan, at the Aram
Khachaturian Philharmonic Hall with the State Symphony Orchestra of
Armenia. It’s wrong and inappropriate to ask "Well, how was the
concert?", because the concert took place and that is the most
important thing.

No matter, that in the first part the hall was empty by 30 per cent.
Perhaps, these 30 per cent attended a national award ceremony, which
took place nearby, at the Opera House.

During the first few songs the voice of Gillan was not heard at all.
But in the end all present began to sing `Smoooooook on the
woooooteeeer …’, to which Gillan said "Fantastic!".

It is worth mentioning, that orchestra played a few works of Aram
Khachaturian before Gillan’s performance and the concert of Mahler at
the beginning of the second part… Probably in order to "attach" rock
fans to the art.

March 26, 2010
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO CELEBRATE PALM SUNDAY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

Sunday, March 28th, is Palm Sunday, the celebration of the triumphant
entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday will be celebrated in all our churches with
Divine Liturgy, the children’s procession, and the opening of the
portals service.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and preside
over the Opening of the Portals service at Holy Martyrs Church in
Encino.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian will celebrate Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in
Montebello, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will be at the North
Hollywood parish, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will be at
St. Garabed Church in Hollywood. Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian will
celebrate Divine Liturgy at the Las Vegas parish where Holy Week
services will this year take place for the first time.

PRELATE’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday, March 29th, is the start of Holy Week. Throughout the week the
Prelate will conduct services in various Prelacy Churches. Below is
the Prelate’s Holy Week schedule.

Holy Tuesday – Remembrance of the Ten Virgins
St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena – 7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday
Washing of the Feet – St. Mary’s Church, Glendale – 5 p.m.
Vigil – Holy Martyrs Church, Encino – 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday – Crucifixion and Burial
Forty Martyrs Church, Orange County – 7 p.m.

Easter Eve – Lighting of Candles (Jrakalooyts)
St. Garabed Church, Hollywood – 4:30 p.m.

Easter – St. Mary’s Church, Glendale – 10:30 a.m.

Please visit the Events section of our website
() for the complete Holy Week schedule.

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER LAST SUNRISE SERVICE OF LENT
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

The last Sunrise Service of Great Lent took place on the morning of
Wednesday, March 24th, in all Prelacy churches.
The Prelate presided over the service at Holy Martyrs
Church in Encino and delivered his message to the faithful in
attendance, among them students of Ferrahian High School.
A luncheon organized by the parish Ladies Guild followed
at "Dikranian" Hall. Among the guests in attendance were Executive
Council member Mr. Khatchig Yeretzian, Ferrahian school Principal John
Kossakian, and parish Board of Trustees members.
The Prelate delivered his message on this occasion,
speaking on the deep meaning of Great Lent and emphasizing how our
Heavenly Father must remain a constant presence in our lives and the
guiding force of our actions. The Prelate concluded by commending all
the church volunteers for their dedicated service.
On Friday, March 26th, the Prelate will preside over the
last vigil service at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.

PRELATE CONDUCTS BLESSING AND OPENING OF
ASBAREZ HORIZON NEW HEADQUARTERS

The official opening of the Asbarez-Horizon new headquarters located
in Little Armenia took place on the afternoon of March 21st.
The Prelate conveyed his message on this occasion, after
which he conducted the blessing of the building and offices.

RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH BELARUSIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION

595869/lang/en
2010-03-24

YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS: RA Deputy Foreign Minister Karine
Ghazinyan met today with the Parliamentary delegation of Belarus led
by Valery Ivanov, deputy chairman of House of Representatives of the
National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. Stepan Sukharenko,
ambassador of Belarus to Armenia, accompanied the parliamentary
delegation during the visit.

An official from the press and information department of RA Foreign
Affairs Ministry told Armenpress that Karine Ghazinyan emphasized the
importance of the Armenian-Belarusian high-level bilateral relations.

The two sides pointed out the necessity of promoting business ties
between the two states and mentioned that favorable inter-state
relations already exist for it.

Issues on mutual cooperation within the frames of the EU’s Eastern
Partnership and collaboration in international organizations were
touched upon as well.

ARMENIAN HEALTH MINISTRY PROPOSES FINES FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAW ON ADVERTISING OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL

ArmInfo
2010-03-25 16:16:00

ArmInfo. The Armenian Health Ministry proposes a fine in the amount
of 200-350 minimal payment for labor (200,000-350,000 drams ) for
every violation of advertising of tobacco and alcohol.

Health Minister Haroutiun Kushkyan told the government on Thursday that
alterations to the Code of Administrative Offences suggest punishment
for violation of the standard restrictions stipulated by the law
i.e. points 1, 3 and 4 of Article 15 of the Law On Advertising. The
given points ban advertising of tobacco and alcohol as means of
treatment and tranquilization, as well as showing the process of
smoking or drinking and direct addressing to minors. It is proposed
fining advertisement of bioactive supplements without coordination
with the Health Ministry in the amount of 150 to 200 minimal payments
for labor for every advertised product.

THE IFC TO BACK REFORM

gov.am, Armenia
March 25 2010

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received today a delegation led by IFC
Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe Snezhana Stoikovich.

Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister expressed high opinion of
Corporation’s commitment to investment programs in Armenia. This
meeting was said to be a good opportunity for tracing back progress
and planning new programs.

Both sides stressed the need for new initiatives toward overcoming
the consequences of the global crisis.

The parties have discussed possibilities for the furtherance of
business and inspection reforms as stipulated in the Government’s
program of action on improvement of business environment. The Prime
Minister made a point of bringing advanced international experience
in Armenia through corresponding consultations.

As a priority area of cooperation, Tigran Sargsyan singled out
information and high technologies, as well as the introduction of
good corporate management practices, inclusive of the institute of
independent directors.

The IFC was invited to participate in the recently formed venture
funds of Armenia. In this respect, the head of government emphasized
the need for developing corresponding forms of participation.

The interlocutors next discussed cooperation in the energy sector,
agricultural processing, establishment of free economic zones,
broader involvement of private equity in the Pan-Armenian Bank etc.

Both sides stressed the need for identification of new cooperation
potentialities.

EVERYBODY TAKES – I WOULD ALSO TAKE

ArmInfo
2010-03-25 10:17:00

ArmInfo. 32% businessmen and 34% of individual persons of Armenia,
taken part in the public opinion poll held by ‘Caucasus Research
Resources Centers – Armenia’ (CRRC – Armenia), would accept bribe
suggestion, as everybody take bribe today. The poll was conducted
in 2009 among 1515 household respondents and 400 businessmen. To
the question ‘How would you react at the bribe suggestion?’, 19%
businessmen and 21% household respondents answered they would take it,
and 75% amd 53% espectively they would give. The total of 23% and 43%
respectively of respondents would not give a bribe. To the question
‘why would you give a bribe?’, 84% of businessmen respondents and
80% of household respondent answered as it is impossible to get a
state service in another way. The decision not to give bribe 67%
businessmen and 66% household respondents explained by the fact that
such an approach is unacceptable for them. 18% and 10% respondents
respectively would try to settle the problem in a legal way. 35%
of respondent businessmen and 52% household respondent said they
need money that’s why they take bribe, and 32% and 34% respectively
explained their such intention as today everybody take bribe. 81%
and 75% respondents respectively said they cannot take bribe as it
is unacceptable for them.

50% of common citizens and 38% businessmen do not believe that their
certain actions may help fighting corruption. 22% of common citizens
and 33% businessmen think that the refusal from giving bribe to state
servicemen may become an effective personal initiative. Only 2% of
population and 6% of businessmen mentioned bringing an action against
a functionary as a possible measure for fighting corruption. As for
corruption fighting by the government, 5% of ordinary citizens and 6%
businessmen said they think it is effective, 39% and 34% respectively
think it is effective in a certain way, 22% and 28% respectively
think it is absolutely ineffective.

To the question, what share out of his monthly income a businessman is
ready to pay to irradiate corruption in Armenia, 34% of businessmen
answered they would not pay for that, 26% of them would pay up to 5%
of their income, 20% – 6 – 10%, 12% – 11 – 25%, 4% – 26 – 50% and 4%
are ready to pay more than half of their income for that.