Author: Kafian Jirair

RA PRESIDENT’S REPLY TO AHMET DAVUTOGLU WAS RIGHT: NRANYAN

news.am
Feb 26 2010
Armenia

Turkey closed Armenia-Turkey border without any agreement and can
open it likewise, thus Serzh Sargsyan’s response to Turkish FM Ahmet
Davutoglu was right, ARFD member Ara Nranyan said on Feb. 26.

In the course of his visit to Kiev, Sargsyan emphasized that progress
requires political will, and Armenia believes the present process has
to be brought to its logical end within the shortest period of time.

Otherwise, Armenia will have to withdraw its signature from the
Armenian-Turkish protocols. He also added that nothing prevents the
Turkish Executive from reopening the mutual border, even before the
Protocols are ratified.

Nranyan underlined that Armenia should have raised this question
before the Protocols’ signing, setting forth a precondition to Ankara.

"We should have declared that Protocols would not be signed till
the border opens," MP emphasized. However, he expressed concern over
the fact that Karabakh conflict was discussed at the meeting, while
Yerevan’s constantly asserts that the two issues are not interrelated.

US SECRETARY OF STATE PREFERS NOT TO EXPRESS HER VIEWPOINT REGARDING UPCOMING VOTING ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmInfo
2010-02-26 11:47:00

ArmInfo. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton preferred not to express
her viewpoint regarding the upcoming March 4 voting on the Armenian
Genocide in US Congress.

As the Armenian National Committee of America reports, Congressional
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Mark Kirk noted Secretary Clinton’s previous
support for Armenian Genocide legislation in the Senate. Referring to
the impending Committee vote on a similar resolution, Kirk stated:
"I hope we do that; and I hope the House of Representatives does
that, and I hope you let that happen.". Secretary Clinton responded,
citing the ongoing Turkey-Armenia Protocols discussion and continued
efforts by the Administration to urge their ratification, but remained
silent on the resolution. ANCA recalls that in past years, previous
administration’s, both Democratic and Republican, have used every
opportunity to seek to defeat such legislation. Armenian Genocide
Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff, during his questioning, stated, "I
don’t think the prospect of reconciliation, as much as I would like it
to happen, should be used as a reason not to recognize the undeniable
fact of the Armenian Genocide". He urged "the Administration’s support
on the legislation and at a minimum certainly not to get involved in
opposing the legislation".

According to ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, Secretary
Clinton’s remarks represent the third time in just the past few weeks
that a senior Obama Administration official – in response to pointed
questions about the Armenian Genocide Resolution – has chosen not
to voice any opposition to the adoption of this genocide-prevention
measure. "The current Administration’s conduct, at least to date,
stands in stark contrast to past Administrations – both Democratic and
Republican – that used every opportunity to score points with Ankara
by attacking the broad, bipartisan Congressional majority that has
long existed in support of U.S. condemnation and commemoration of
the Armenian Genocide".

To also note, according to the Turkish and Azerbaijani mass media,
Clinton has allegedly said that adoption of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution by the Congress may hinder the Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement, and adoption of such legislation is currently
undesirable. the House Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss the
Armenian Genocide Resolution On March 4.

PETER SEMNEBY: TIME IS RUNNING OUT
By Hovik Afyan

Azg
Feb 25 2010
Armenia

The European Union Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter
Semneby said during his visit in Baku. The EU Special Envoy on February
23 has started his three-day visit to Baku.

According to Trend news, speaking about the progress in the peaceful
settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Semneby said that it is
possible to hope for it, "but time is running out." "The situation in
the region is changing, the status quo cannot last forever. I hope
very much that the momentum which was achieved last year will bring
to concrete results. In any case, we will contribute in this regard,"
said EU Special Representative.

During his visit, Semneby will hold meetings with Azerbaijani
officials, NGO and political circles representatives.

AZERBAIJAN WILL RESTORE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY – PRESIDENT ALIYEV

Interfax
Feb 24 2010
Russia

Azerbaijan will not allow a second Armenian state to be created in its
territory, President Ilham Aliyev said at the opening of a residential
building for the Karabakh war invalids and the families of shekhids
(servicemen killed in that war) in the village of Lokbatan near Baku.

"The international law is totally on our side. Armenia illegally
occupied Azerbaijan’s lands, and as a result of its ethnic cleansing
policy hundreds of thousands of our citizens live as refugees and
forced migrants," Aliyev said.

Nagorno-Karabakh is an indigenous Azeri land, and "everyone knows well
that Armenians were moved to this region in the 19th century," he said.

"Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan. This is being
proved by historical truth and the principles of international law.

There will never be a second Armenian state on the Azeri land,
Nagorno- Karabakh will never be independent, and the whole world knows
it. And the sooner Armenia realizes that, the sooner the issue will
be resolved.

And once this issue is resolved, total peace could be established in
the region," the president said.

The Karabakh conflict is a big regional problem, he said. "No
other problem can be resolved without resolving this one first,"
the president said.

Thanks to mobilization of all efforts in Azerbaijan, as well as the
country’s further steps to strengthen military build-up, political
steps, economic development and the unification of all Azeri
expatriates around this national idea, the Karabakh conflict will
be solved, and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will be restored,
he said.

BAKO SAHAKYAN GETS ACQUAINTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEPANAKERT AIRPORT PASSENGER COMPLEX

655/lang/en
2010-02-24

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS: On 24 February President of
the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan visited Stepanakert airport.

Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President told
Armenpress that the head of the state got acquainted with construction
of the airport passenger complex. Bako Sahakyan expressed satisfaction
with the quality of the carried out activities at the same time noting
the importance of putting the airport in commission in correspondence
with the set timetable.

NKR premier Ara Haroutyunyan, minister of municipal engineering
Anahit Vardanyan and other officials accompanied the President during
the visit.

BAKO SAHAKYAN. "ARTSAKH IS STRONG AND INVINCIBLE BY ITS HEROIC PEOPLE AND EFFICIENT ARMY"

Noyan Tapan
Feb 24, 2010

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 24, NOYAN TAPAN-ARMENIANS TODAY. On February 23
the President of Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory
address to the personnel of the NKR Defense Army, veterans of the
Great Patriotic and Artsakh Liberation wars as well as to the whole
people of Artsakh in connection with the Motherland Defender’s Day.

In the address it’s particularly said:

"This day is a holiday for the Artsakh people as it was our generation
to defend in arms our native land and open a new chapter in the heroic
history of our people. The glorious victory of Shoushi, which was
won by blood of our sisters and brothers, has been added to those of
Avarair, Sardarapat and the Great Patriotic. Eternal glory and honor
to them!

The younger generation now continues with honor the immortal work
of their fathers and grandfathers. They have mastered lessons
of patriotism and courage and today keep firm the borders of the
Fatherland. Due to high fighting spirit and preparedness the NKR
armed forces are considered the main guarantee of our independence
and security as well as play an important role in maintaining peace
and stability in the region. Artsakh is strong and invincible by its
heroic people and efficient army".

TIGRAN SARKISIAN INVITES BERLUSCONI TO VISIT ARMENIA

Aysor
Feb 24 2010
Armenia

On behalf of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian, Armenia’s
Ambassador to Italy Ruben Karapetian had invited Silvio Berlusconi to
visit Yerevan, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Armenia said.

"We’ve got the background for Italy to become one of the leading
partners of Armenia," said Ruben Karapetian when met with Italy’s
Deputy Prime Minister Gianni Letta.

Gianni Letta, in his part, said Italy lays great store on development
of relations with Armenia and added that is ready to make his efforts
to contribute to Armenia-Italy relationship.

LINARES CHESS: ARONIAN THIRD, TOPALOV LEADS

Panorama.am
13:40 22/02/2010

Sport

In Rounds 7 and 8 of Linares tournament Armenian GM Levon Aronian again
ended in draw with Valejo and Topalov respectively. The latter has
taken the sole lead with 5,5 points. In Round 8 Grischuk won against
Gashimov and ranks second with 4,5 points. Levon Aronian comes third
with 4 points. Gashimov and Gelfand have scored 3,5, Valejo -3.

In Round 9, due tomorrow, Aronian will play with Gelfand, with the
other pairings being Grischuk-Topalov, Gashimov-Valejo.

Herewith represented are Round 7 and 8 games:

Round 7

Vugar Gashimov – Veselin Topalov 0,5:0,5

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Bc5 5. Nxe5 Nxe4 6. Qe2 Nxe5 7.

Qxe4 Qe7 8. d4 Nc6 9. Qg4 h5 10. Qg3 Bxd4 11. Nc3 O-O 12. Nd5 Qe4 13.

Qg5 Qe5 14. c3 Bb6 15. a4 Re8 16. Qxe5 Rxe5 17. Nxb6 cxb6 18. Bf4 Re4
19. Bd6 a6 20. Bd3 Re6 21. Rfe1 g6 22. Rxe6 dxe6 23. Bc7 e5 24. Bxb6
Be6 25. h4 Rc8 26. a5 Ne7 27. Rd1 f5 28. Re1 Nc6 29. f3 Kf7 30. Kf2
Nb8 31. g3 Nd7 32. Ba7 Bb3 33. Re2 Bc4 34. Ke3 Ke6 35. Re1 Bb3 36. Kd2
Nc5 37. Bb6 Rc6 38. Re3 Nd7 39. Ba7 Rd6 40. Kc1 Rd5 41. c4 Rxa5 42.

Bxf5+ gxf5 1/2:1/2.

Boris Gelfand – Alexander Grischuk 0,5:0,5

1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 Nd4 5. Bg2 Nxf3+ 6. Bxf3 Bb4 7.

O-O O-O 8. Bg2 Re8 9. d3 h6 10. Bd2 c6 11. Rc1 Bc5 12. a3 a6 13. Na4
Ba7 14. c5 d5 15. cxd6 Qxd6 16. Bb4 Qc7 17. Bc5 Bxc5 18. Nxc5 Be6 19.

b4 Rad8 20. Qc2 Bd5 21. a4 Bxg2 22. Kxg2 Rd4 23. Qb3 b6 24. e3 Rd6 25.

Ne4 Nxe4 26. dxe4 Qe7 27. Qc4 b5 28. Qc5 bxa4 29. Ra1 Rf6 30. Rxa4
Qxc5 31. bxc5 Rb8 32. Rxa6 Rb5 33. f4 Rxc5 34. Rd1 exf4 35. exf4 Rc2+
36. Kh3 Re6 37. Rd8+ Kh7 38. e5 Re7 39. Rc8 h5 40. Kh4 Rxh2+ 41. Kg5
f6+ 42. exf6 Rf7 43. Raa8 gxf6+ 44. Kf5 Kh6 45. Rh8+ Rh7 46. Rhf8 Rd7
47. Rh8+ Rh7 48. Kxf6 Rd2 49. Rad8 Rxd8 50. Rxd8 Rg7 51. Rh8+ Rh7 52.

Re8 Rg7 53. f5 c5 54. Rh8+ Rh7 55. Rg8 Ra7 56. Rh8+ Rh7 57. Rc8 Rg7
58. Ke6 Rxg3 59. f6 Re3+ 60. Kf7 h4 1/2:1/2.

Levon Aronian – Valejo 0,5:0,5

1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nh4 Bg4 7. Qb3 Qc7
8. Bd2 Bh5 9. Rc1 dxc4 10. Bxc4 Be7 11. h3 Qb6 12. g3 Nbd7 13. O-O Nd5
14. Ng2 Bg6 15. f3 O-O 16. Ne2 a5 17. a3 Qa7 18. Nef4 Nxf4 19. Nxf4
e5 20. Nxg6 hxg6 21. dxe5 Nxe5 22. Be2 Rad8 23. Qc3 Rd5 24. f4 Rfd8 25.

fxe5 Rxd2 26. Rce1 b5 27. Rf2 Bc5 28. Bf1 b4 29. Rxd2 bxc3 30. Rxd8+
Kh7 31. bxc3 Qe7 32. Rd3 Qxe5 33. Kg2 Bxa3 34. e4 Bd6 35. Rf3 Qc5 36.

e5 Bxe5 37. Re4 f5 38. Rc4 Qb6 39. g4 f4 40. h4 Qb2+ 41. Kh3 Bb8 42.

h5 gxh5 43. Bd3+ Kg8 44. gxh5 Qc1 45. Be4 c5 46. Kg2 Qd2+ 47. Rf2
Qd7 48. Bf3 Qf5 1/2:1/2.

Round 8

Veselin Topalov – Levon Aronian 0,5:0,5

1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 d5 4. d4 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bxf6 Qxf6 7. e3
Nd7 8. Bd3 dxc4 9. Bxc4 g6 10. O-O Bg7 11. e4 e5 12. d5 Nb6 13. Bb3
O-O 14. Rc1 Rd8 15. h3 Bd7 16. Qe2 Be8 17. Rfd1 Bf8 18. dxc6 Bxc6 19.

Nd5 Bxd5 20. exd5 Bd6 21. Nd2 Qe7 22. Ne4 Kg7 23. Re1 Re8 24. h4 Rad8
25. h5 f5 26. Nxd6 Rxd6 27. Rc5 e4 28. hxg6 f4 29. Qd2 Qe5 30. Rc7+
Rd7 31. Rxd7+ Nxd7 32. Ba4 Rd8 33. Qa5 Nb6 34. Bb3 e3 35. fxe3 fxe3
36. Qb4 Rd6 37. Re2 Rxg6 38.

Qc3 Qxc3 39. bxc3 Rg5 40. Rxe3 Nxd5 41. Bxd5 Rxd5 42. Re7+ Kf6 43.

Rxb7 Ra5 44. Rb2 Ke5 45. Kf2 1/2:1/2.

Alexander Grischuk – Vugar Gashimov 1:0

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 d6 5. Nc3 exd5 6. cxd5 g6 7. g3 Bg7
8. Bg2 O-O 9. O-O Re8 10. Bf4 Na6 11. Re1 Bg4 12. Qb3 Nh5 13. Bg5 Qd7
14. Nd2 h6 15. Be3 Bf5 16. Nc4 Nb4 17. Rac1 Rab8 18. a4 b6 19. Nb5 Bf8
20. Bd2 a6 21. Nbxd6 b5 22. Nxe8 bxc4 23. Qxc4 Rxe8 24. Bxb4 cxb4 25.

e4 Bg4 26. e5 Qf5 27. e6 fxe6 28. dxe6 Be7 29. f3 Bh3 30. g4 Qg5
31. Bxh3 Nf4 32.

Bf1 Rf8 33. Qc7 h5 34. Qe5 Qh4 35. Re4 Nh3+ 36. Bxh3 Qxh3 37. Qg3
hxg4 38. Qxh3 gxh3 39. Kf2 Rd8 40. Ke2 1:0.

Valejo – Boris Gelfand 0,5:0,5

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. O-O
Be7 8. Nbd2 Nxd2 9. Bxd2 Bg4 10. c3 O-O 11. Re1 Bd6 12. h3 Bh5 13. g3
h6 14. Bf5 Qf6 15. Bg4 Bxg4 16. hxg4 Rae8 17. Kg2 Rxe1 18. Qxe1 Qg6
19. g5 hxg5 20. Nxg5 Nd8 21. Qb1 Qxb1 22. Rxb1 Ne6 23. Nxe6 fxe6 24.

Re1 Kf7 25. Rh1 c5 26. dxc5 Bxc5 27. Bf4 Be7 28. Be5 Rc8 29. Rh7 Bf6
30. Bxf6 Kxf6 31.

Rh4 b5 32. Rf4+ Ke7 33. Rg4 Kf6 34. Rf4+ Ke7 35. Rg4 1/2:1/2.

THE KHOHANOTZ: A VEGAN GUIDE TO ARMENIAN LENT
By Liana Aghajanian

ianyan magazine

Feb 22 2010

For some, the 40 days of Lent, in which Christians abstain from
any and all animal products is a time of spiritual reflection and
cleansing. For others, including many of those who make up a new
generation of Armenians, it’s a 40 day challenge to see if discipline
and self control over power one’s desire to get on the kebab train.

Whether your reason is religious or dietary or even just for fun,
forgoing meat, dairy, eggs might be a bit of a struggle – or at least,
that’s the way it looks on the surface. Armenian cooking is so rich
in vegetables and flavor, that not only does it do well without meat,
it even tastes better. Shocking right? I know. Here’s a short guide
to help expand your palate to the wonderful meatless world of food.

Lentils Already a staple in Armenian diets, this filling legume
can be used as a substitute for meat in dolma, rice dishes and even
ground up and flavored with spices to make chee koufte (or kufta),
a dish that is usually prepared with lamb or ground beef.

Tofu

Tofu is an amazingly versatile component of any vegetarian and vegan
diet. It lends itself perfectly to Armenian cuisine, by its ability
to be cubed, friend, shredded and baked. Tempeh, which is also made
from soybeans has not only a firmer texture, but contains higher
protein and fiber when compared to tofu. Tempeh, which originated
from Indonesia, is ideal for stew type dishes, otherwise known as
"khoresht" in Persian cooking.

Quinoa If you’re tired of eating rice and want to spice up your dishes,
quinoa is a pleasant and fulfilling substitute. High in fiber and iron,
it is also gluten-free, it can be prepared in a rice cooker.

Here is a great recipe involving black beans

Milkless Milk You might have a hard time during lent if you’re a fan
of milk, but not as hard as you think. When you’re in the mood for hot
chocolate, cereal or baking, soy milk is the most popular alternative
to cow’s milk, but you also have options in almond milk, grain milk
as well as rice milk. Not only do get the added benefit if trying new
flavors, you can try them if you’re lactose intolerant or watching
your cholesterol, as almond or grain milk do not contain either.

Butter Armenians love butter. Butter in the morning, butter in pastries
– you name it, and we put butter in it. Because it is such an essential
part of breakfast, butter perhaps might be the hardest food to give up
during Lent. As an alternative, peanut butter, almond butter as well
as sunflower butter can be used, but I urge you to try Earth Balance,
which is made from natural vegetable oils.

Pine Nuts In addition tofu, pine nuts are another alternative for use
in dolma as well as salads. Chances are you have probably tasted pine
nuts in sweet dishes like baklava or lady fingers, but this edible
seed is a great addition to savory snacks as well.

Mushrooms In addition to tofu, mushrooms are a great replacement
"meat." They can also be easily used in stews, sandwiches, omelets
(made with egg replaces of course) and also be filled with spinach
and soy cheese for a delicious mushroom turn over.

Soy Cheese Don’t believe what you hear – soy cheese is actually
very good.

Although you can definitely taste the difference between regular and
soy, it will satisfy your cheese craving and perhaps win you over far
after Lent is over. If you’re in the U.S., some of the best brands
of soy cheese include Vegan Gourmet, Trader Joe’s sliced soy cheese
alternative and Tofutti (which also sells a great ice cream). If
you’re desperately missing Feta and feeling creative, you can make
it yourself using tofu.

Although this list is definitely an incomplete one, it’s a great place
to start. If you’re not doing Lent for religious reasons or to prove
to yourself that you can, at least do it for animal welfare. Recipes,
suggestions and conversation welcome.

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND PREDICTS 2% ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR ARMENIA IN 2010

The Messenger
Feb 23 2010
Georgia

Armenia will see 2% economic growth in 2010, according to an
International Monetary Fund prognosis. The head of the IMF delegation
to the country Mark Lewis said that moderate growth is expected in the
mountain mining, agriculture and service spheres. He said that after
a hard 2009 the economic situation in Armenia has likely stabilised
and in 2010 a restoration of previous levels of Real GDP is expected.

Instead of the 7.5% inflation of 2009 Armenia will have 6% inflation in
2010, according to the IMF delegation head. The increase in inflation
in Armenia in 2009 was linked with external factors, the devaluation of
the currency at the beginning of the year, the change in the world
prices of certain products and an increase in price regulation,
Lewis said.

In 2010 the IMF will allocate a loan of USD 74 million for Armenia. In
total the country will receive more than USD 800 million from the
International Monetary Fund. Armenia has already received half this
amount. The rest of the money Armenia will get by the end of June 2011.