Author: Nargizian David

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARMENIA: CERTAIN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN DIPLOMACIES OF ARMENIA AND TURKEY TO BE REACHED IN AUTUMN 2009

ArmInfo
2009-04-17 17:26:00

"Establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations without any preconditions
will give its results by all means, but it is difficult to say exactly
when",- Head of the parliamentary faction of the Republican Party of
Armenia (RPA), RPA Deputy Chairman Galoust Sahakyan said to ArmInfo
correspondent.

Actually, both Turkey and the USA have recognized the Armenian
Genocide, the recognition just should be brought in compliance
with legal standards, Sahakyan said. "It is here that Turkey has
some concerns. Therefore normalization of relations between Armenia
and Turkey may be delayed, but I think certain mutual understanding
will be reached in the two countries’ diplomacies in autumn 2009",-
Sahakyan stressed. According to Sahakyan, Armenians think that as soon
as the border is opened, Turks will come to Armenia, and Armenians
will become Turkish speaking people, however, Sahakyan qualified this
policy as vulgar.

IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVISAGED LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FURTHER DEEPENING OF ARMENIAN-IRANIAN FRIENDSHIP

Noyan Tapan
Apr 15, 2009

YEREVAN, APRIL 15, NOYAN TAPAN. On the second day of RA President
Serzh Sargsyan’s official visit to Iran, on April 14, he met with
IRI National Security Supreme Council Secretary Said Jalili. The
interlocutors expressed satisfaction with relations developing
dynamically between the two friendly countries in an atmosphere of
mutual confidence since independence, high-level political dialogue
and rich agenda of cooperation.

They highly evaluated success recorded in energy, transport, economic,
and other spheres and expressed confidence that the implementation
of envisaged large-scale infrastructural programs will contribute
to further deepening of Armenian-Iranian relations. S. Sargsyan and
S. Jalili attached importance to close cooperation between the two
countries’ National Security Councils.

S. Sargsyan also met with IRI spiritual leader Seyyed Ali Khamene
in Tehran.

The sides expressed confidence that only a region based on peace,
stability, and mutually beneficial cooperation can bring prosperity and
development to all peoples living there. Highly assessing Seyyed Ali
Khamene’s contribution to strengthening of Armenian-Iranian relations,
S. Sargsyan thanked the Iranian spiritual leader for his considerate
attitude in the issue of preservation of Armenian historic-cultural
values in that country.

S. Sargsyan’s and Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad’s joint press
conference took place the same day. Summing up the two-day discussions,
they highly assessed official visit’s results, the evidence of
which is signed agreements on cooperation in spheres of economy,
energy, transport, trade and banking spheres and on implementation
of large-scale programs.

Within the framework of the official visit S. Sargsyan also visited
the tomb of IRI founding leader ayatollah Khomeyni, laid a wreath to
his grave and made notes in the register of tomb’s guests of honor.

According to the report of the RA President’s Press Office,
S. Sargsyan’s two-day official visit to Iran was concluded by a meeting
with nearly 3000 representatives of Iranian Armenian community held
in Tehran’s Ararat sport and concert complex.

AMERICAN CORNER RE-OPENED IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Apr 15, 2009

Yerevan, April 15, Noyan Tapan. On April 14, the U.S. Embassy marked
the re-opening of the Yerevan American Corner at the City Central
Library’s new location by the Republic Square Metro Station. According
to the press-release of the US Embassy, the inauguration also marks
the Corner’s fourth year of operations in Yerevan.

The American Corner program has officially started in Armenia since
April 2005 when the U.S. Embassy inaugurated the first Corner in
Yerevan. In addition to Yerevan, Corners are operating in Gyumri,
Vanadzor and Kapan.

American Corners are small American-style libraries that provide
information about America in a variety of formats, including reference
books, works of fiction, journals, and videos. The Corners also provide
computers with Internet access, and offer a variety of public programs
including speaker seminars and workshops. The American Corners are
open to the general public and access is free of charge. Currently,
a network of over 400 American Corners is operating throughout the
world, these corners were established thanks to the joint efforts of
the U.S. Department of State and local host organizations.

INVESTORS STANDING AGAINST GENOCIDE
By Selena Maranjian

Motley Fool
/15/investors-standing-against-genocide.aspx
April 15 2009

I was recently heartened to learn that the Teachers Insurance and
Annuity Association — College Retirement Equities Fund (referred to
more briefly as TIAA-CREF) is taking action in regard to investments
that support genocide in Darfur.

Some big oil companies, you see, are doing business with the Sudanese
government, and in the course of buying oil, are providing the money
that funds much of the violence. So TIAA-CREF has now joined a bunch
of mutual funds and other big investors to demand changes. It’s a
big deal, because TIAA-CREF manages some $400 billion in assets. It’s
giving the companies in its portfolios with ties to Sudan until the
end of the year to make progress in addressing humanitarian needs
and reducing the genocide. PetroChina (NYSE: PTR) is a main target
of many antigenocide groups.

Activism in action As an Armenian-American, I’m no stranger to the
concept of genocide. So I find the ongoing campaign against complicit
companies exciting to watch as it gains traction. The Investors
Against Genocide and Sudan Divestment Task Force websites offer a
lot of information, as well as a way to lobby your fund companies
to participate. Already, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:
BRK-A) has completely divested, as has Allianz. Fund companies such as
T. Rowe Price are now screening for companies whose business dealings
support the genocide.

The bottom line is that progress is being made.

Take action, yourself Still, it’s only a small step. There are plenty
of other issues that ordinary investors feel strongly about, but the
key is to join with bigger investors. After all, many big companies
are majority-owned by institutional investors, like pension funds
and mutual fund companies. Here are some examples:

Company CAPS Rating (out of five) % Owned by Institutions

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) ***** 79%

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) ***** 73%

Corning (NYSE: GLW) ***** 78%

Johnson & Johnson ***** 60%

Western Union (NYSE: WU) ***** 93%

PepsiCo ***** 68%

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) ***** 74%

Data: Motley Fool CAPS.

With a little online exploration, you can learn much more about
issues that matter to you. Doing our little part can be valuable,
especially when we influence the bigger players.

You have the power to influence companies and fund managers, and
even to make shareholder proposals at companies in which you’re
invested. You can also vote with your dollars. Bottom line: Don’t think
that just because you only own a few shares of a fund or company that
your opinions don’t matter — they do.

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
Regional Headquarters:
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.,
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Boghos Patatian
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732

Email: [email protected]
Website:

ARS-WR HOSTS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER
Organization Marks Its 25 Years of Global Service

GLENDALE, CA – A capacity assemblage of over 300 dignitaries, guests,
friends and supporters gathered at the newly erected Embassy Suites Hotel in
the City of Glendale, for an unforgettable evening to mark together, the
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western U.S.A. Regional Executive’s 25th
Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Amongst the many guests and supporters present, several dignitaries and
special guests were also in attendance including: His Eminence Archbishop of
the Western Prelacy Prelate Mushegh Surpazan Mardirossian, the newly
appointed Consul-General of the Republic of Armenia the Honorable Grigor
Hovhannisyan and President of the Armenia Fund Ara Aghishian, Honorable U.S.
Congressman Adam Schiff, Councilman Bob Yousefian, Councilman Ara
Najarian, School Board President Greg Krikorian and School Board Member
Nayiri Nahabedian, and Commissioners Art and Paula Devine, amongst many
others.

The banquet’s rich program was masterfully conducted by the evening’s
Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. Anahid Oshagan Esq. who invited Mrs. Arous
Melkonian, who began the program with the evening’s opening remarks. After a
riveting performance by Mrs. Anahid Nercessian of both the American and
Armenian National Anthems followed by that of the ARS’ Anthem, Archbishop
Moushegh Surpazan Mardirossian was invited to offer his Blessings. As guests
dined on a delectable dinner, a prepared video presentation was played,
which outlined the history of the ARS and showcased its many achievements
accomplishments and contributions. Mrs. Oshagan then invited Chairwoman of
the ARS of Western U.S.A. Mrs. Rima Boghosian, who delivered the A.R.S.
Regional’s message, then invited public officials U.S. Congressman Adam
Schiff, Consul-General Grigor Hovhannisyan and others who delivered their
remarks and made proclamation presentations. Following the presentations,
Mrs. Vicky Marashlian, Chairwoman of the ARS Central Executive, was invited
to deliver her message and was followed by Armenian Folk Ensemble
performance, under the direction of Mr. Rouben Haroutunian. The attendees
were then treated to musical performances by Soloists Salpi Mayelian & Mary
Melkonian. The evening’s program was concluded with the traditional Candle
Lighting Ceremony and the ceremonial 25th Anniversary ‘Cutting of the Cake.’

"I am so very happy and proud with this event. It was a wonderfully fitting
celebration for such a monumental occasion. In the coming years the ARS will
strive to strengthen the ties and increase the cooperation between the 26
ARS Chapters, its Social Services Departments, Psychological Treatment
Centers and sister organizations so that we can realize all of our new and
bold objectives" stated Mrs. Rima Boghosian, Chairwoman of the ARS of
Western U.S.A., Regional Executive Board. "I commend all of our members who
have worked tirelessly over the course of the last 25 years. Their selfless
service has allowed the ARS to make the impossible, possible" commented Mrs.
Vicky Marashlian, Chairwoman of the ARS Central Executive. "We have faced
many challenges and changes over the latter course of the 20th century, but
together we have always bravely and gracefully met every one of them and
will continue to adapt our organization, so that we can aptly meet all of
the challenges of the 21st."

The ARS is the largest Armenian humanitarian organization of its kind within
Armenia and throughout the Diaspora. Over course of the century since its
founding in New York City New York, in 1910, the organization has
continually expanded and currently has chapters and entities in 26
countries. The establishment of the first two ARS-WR chapters west of the
Mississippi River occurred in Fresno in 1915 and Hollywood 1918. The Region
has grown since, to include 26 chapters, 5 Social Service Offices, Child
Youth and Family Guidance Center, fifteen Saturday Schools and after school
programs and the list goes on. Its Social Services and the Guidance Centers
are open to every member of our community, Armenians and non-Armenians
alike. It also maintains several programs in Armenia and Artsakh such as:
the "Sponsor a Child Program," "Food for Orphans Project" as well as other
humanitarian assistance programs in the region. During its 100-year history,
the ARS has worked faithfully and tirelessly to meet the social,
humanitarian, educational, and cultural needs of the Armenian people, in
both the Diaspora and in Armenia. It has established schools, social service
centers, youth camps, and day care kindergartens across the globe and
recently extended its role in the international forum by becoming a roster
member of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) and an
active participant in ECOSOC’s many working groups.

# # #

SERGE SARGSYAN SUMMED UP FIRST YEAR OF HIS OFFICE

16:21:38 – 10/04/2009
LRAGIR.AM

On April 10, Serge Sargsyan summed his work done in one year of his
office. During the press conference which lasted for 160 minutes, 60
questions were asked. The Haykakan Zhamanak, The Hayq, The Zhamanak,
and The Chorrord Ishkhanutyun were not invited to the conference
again.

`I think that the most important thing in this one year is that we
managed to deepen our relations with our friends and partners. During
this year, we managed to launch and have considerable progress in the
negotiations with Turkey. We managed to make the talks for the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue more effective. We managed to set up serious
infrastructural programs the implementation of which will change the
role of our region and our role in the region. I think that during
this year we managed to introduce some new elements in our home
policies. I mean the enhancement of the role of the Security Council,
our regular consultations with the political forces and the setup of
the Public Council,’ said Serge Sargsyan in answer to the question to
sum up his work.

Serge Sargsyan was asked questions on the financial and economic
crisis, in answer to which he said that he evaluates positively the
work of the government in this connection. `We must welcome the
transparency of our prime minister’s activities; we have to welcome
his determination and the confidence of the government in the
future. I am happy that we were able to set up a political alliance
before the crisis, we managed to set up a coalition and to make a
right selection of the staff,’ said Serge Sargsyan. According to him,
the problem of the government is to do everything possible not to let
our people suffer more than the others.

The reporters asked whether the financial crisis will make them revise
the ambitious programs such as the Iran-Armenia railway, the
construction of a new nuclear plant, the north-south highway. Serge
Sargsyan answered that the crisis forces them to make more effort for
the accomplishment of these plans: `Because these programs contain
very serious anti-crisis resources. These programs contain a wide
package of solutions of social problems,’ said Serge Sargsyan, stating
that the programs are unprecedented and that they will have something
to tell the public in this connection in April. Serge Sargsyan also
answered the questions on the so-called tax holyday saying that he
dislikes that idea.

`Those who express such ideas are distorting their mind a little for
us not to understand what they mean, and they say the following: `As
we are in crisis, let us not collect taxes. And if we do not pay taxes
what are we supposed to live on,’ said Serge Sargsyan. According to
him, those who make such pronouncements have problems with the tax and
customs services, and dislike the efforts of the government to
maintain order in taxation.

As to the impact of the crisis on the accomplishment of his electoral
program, Serge Sargsyan said that there may be temporary changes but
the general 5-year plan will remain valid.

`I, of course, could not have predicted this global crisis but the
crisis is not a reason to give up the plans. My electoral program is
designed for 5 years and I’m sure we will be able to realize the whole
program together with our team,’ Serge Sargsyan said.

MELINE DALUZYAN COMES 4TH AT EUROPEAN WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.04.2009 11:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian weightlifter Meline Daluzyan (63 kg) took
the fourth place at European Weightlifting Championship in Bucharest.

Daluzyan lifted 100 kg in the snatch and 128 in the jerk, gaining
284.5 points.

RAFFI HOVHANNISYAN STEPS DOWN

A1+
07:57 pm | April 09, 2009

Politics

Leader of "Heritage" party Raffi Hovhannisyan has refused to represent
the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe and NATO.

"Raffi Hovhannisyan’s steps are adequate and this step is directly
linked to the inconsistency of the PACE in following-up on the actions
being taken by Armenia to meet the demands. In some sense, this could
also be looked at as a sign of protest. It is a political step and the
continuation of his course of action," told "A1+" press speaker for
"Heritage" Hovsep Khurshudyan.

>From now on, "Heritage" faction deputy Zaruhi Postanjyan will
represent the Armenian delegation to the PACE, while Stepan Safaryan
will represent the Armenian delegation to NATO.

"Raffi Hovhannisyan is not setting himself apart from leadership or
the head of the faction. He is still in the game," told "A1+" Hovsep
Khurshudyan adding that he is simply showing that he must keep changes
in the party constant.

According to Khurshudyan, Hovhannisyan has always stated that
"Heritage" is the one that must insert any new political culture in
Armenia and this step goes to show that no political party leader
should always stay in the same position.

In response to our question regarding the possible drop of the mandate,
Hovsep Khurshudyan said that he has not considered that and would
not like to make any predictions.

Hovsep Khurshudyan also denied all rumors that Raffi Hovhannisyan is
planning to leave Armenia.

ARMENIANS FROM INDIA TO URGE OBAMA TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.04.2009 01:11 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenians of Kolkata (India) are going to write
to US President Barack Obama, urging him to recognize the massacre
of Armenians in Turkey on April 24, 1915, as genocide’, freelance
French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net..

Students of the city’s Armenian College have collected photographs
and historical data about Armenian Genocide after a year-long
research. The data they have gathered has been collated in the
form of a film, which too will be presented for President Obama’s
consideration. Senior members of the city’s Armenian community, like
Peter Hyrapiet, Suzanne Reuben and Gulnaar Gilhooly have worked with
the students to help them with data collection and film-making.

"About a fortnight ago, even Australia accepted the massacre as
genocide. We just hope that the US also follows suit. Recent comments
by President Obama have encouraged the community across the world. We
hope that this year on April 24, he actually declares his country’s
acceptance of the darkest episode in the history of the community
as genocide," said head of the Armenian Church in India, Oshagan
Gulgulian, who has also spent a sizable part of his clerical life in
the US.

"Since the largest concentration of Armenians in India is in Kolkata,
we have taken the initiative here. We want the people of Kolkata,
who have always been very receptive to our community, to share our
pain. On that fateful day, 250 of our intellectuals were murdered by
the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. Throughout that year, there
were more than a million murders. The genocide can be compared to
the Jewish holocaust," Gulgulian said.

The Armenian community wants Turkey to cease being the only major
country in the world to deny the Armenian Genocide.

RUZAN KHACHATRYAN: OPPOSITION WILL WIN THE ELECTIONS OF MAY 31
Hasmik Dilanyan

"Radiolur"
07.04.2009 17:52

"The Democratic Party of Armenia was the first within the Armenian
National Congress to suggest Levon Ter-Petrosyan to head the candidate
list at the elections to the Yerevan City Council on May 31," member
of the Political Board of the Party Ruzan Khachatryan told a press
conference today. She is assured that this time the Congress will
not only win, but also assume the responsibility for that victory.

Ruzan Khachatryan will also participate in the elections of May 31. She
is number 19 in the candidate list. She believes all preconditions
exist for the opposition’s victory.

According to Ruzan Khachatryan, one of the preconditions is the
impressive candidate list of the Congress headed by First President
Levon Ter-Petrosyan.