Author: Navasardian Karapet

NATURAL GAS SUPPLIES TO ARMENIA RESUME

NOYAN TAPAN
May 11, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Natural gas supplies to Armenia resumed
on May 11, at 4 am, the press service of ArmRusgazprom company
reported. Gas supplies were temporarily disrupted after a pipeline
was damaged by landslides in the mountainous region Gudauri-Kobi in
the North Caucasus.

To recap, since April 29 gas supplies within Armenia were ensured
without restrictions at the expense of gas from an underground gas
storage.

PEOPLE START REALIZING
Aghasi Teadevosyan

Lragir.am
10/05/10

Authorities rule out the possibility of a Kirgiz scenario here, on
the other hand, the opposition disagrees with revolutionary changes,
Hrant Ter-Abrahamyan says we do not need to dwell on the events in
Kirgizia because we are not well aware of them. Did you understand
what happened there?

In any post-colonial or neocolonial country, the factor of foreign
influence is big, but all of us know that home political processes in
such countries are impossible without this. Those countries, which
were under Russia’s influence, are still under it. The influence on
Armenia becomes always deeper and deeper. But the problem is whether
the home sphere has adequate qualities to give way to such processes as
in Kirgizstan. There, an opposition which managed to consolidate the
dissatisfaction of a part of the people towards the power and used it
to eliminate them from the power. That force turned out to be stronger
than the power with its police and army. A change of power happened
there, but no qualitative change of power will probably happen there.

I think that the Kirgiz scenario is possible because there is a big
sphere of people dissatisfied with the government, but there is no
opposition having such resources to consolidate the people and an aim
to change the government with force. Until we have such an attitude,
no Kirgiz scenario will happen here, but this or some other opposition
is possible one day to have so much resource of dissatisfaction among
the public capable of changing the power. But I would not prefer
this version because it will be only a physical change while we need
qualitative changes. In order to change the life we need to change
the quality of the power, to do this we need to work and to create
results of new quality.

Who is to be interested in changing the quality of the power? The
opposition?

It is not important. I think the opposition has fulfilled and goes
on fulfilling its role very well. I am happy there is opposition in
Armenia because it creates tension inside the country, at public,
social and even intellectual and cultural levels. This tension makes
local players, small groups, organizations and people work. The
tension, which the opposition needs to justify its existence, to
keep itself alive, makes it be in a tense situation which unwillingly
promotes the activation of such forces which are not in the opposition
neither in the power. They do what neither the opposition nor the
government manages to do.

We have a very interesting process in Armenia, I would call it a
process of formation of local government, which are very small powers,
on the level of cooperation of a few people, but the whole problem is
that the quality of the power changes in a country only when people
start realizing their power. Currently people are not realizing it
well enough.

On the eve of elections, governmental groups try to buy the
above-mentioned local powers. The buyers know what they buy but those
who sell, do not understand what they sell; this is why they assess
it only 5000 or 10.000 drams. But when several hours are left before
the election, the price grows, but it is not the seller to increase
it but the buyer. A moment will come when in Armenia people will
understand that they have power and instead of selling it they can use
it enhancing its price always more. Armenians like to sell everything
but not to invest. So, they could create a country guarantying not
only their own future but also the future of the upcoming generations.

This conscience is being formed today and the opposition has a big
role in this work. But they are not conscious of what they do, they
do it to save them making the process of self-realization of local
powers to inevitably activate.

CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS EVENT REMEMBERS THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Andrew Moran

Examiner.com
7-Toronto-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m5d9-Canadian-hu man-rights-event-remembers-the-Armenian-genocide
M ay 8 2010
Toronto

Despite rain and chilly weather, Torontonians gathered at the city’s
Yonge-Dundas Square to send their message that they will say no to
genocide, war crimes, racism and violations of human rights.

The current international state of affairs does not look promising
for human rights advocates. There are wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
where hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed; numerous
dictators oppress their citizens throughout the African continent,
there are a number of slave labor issues in eastern Asian nations
and there are only two classes in most South American countries.

At the Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto, the Armenian Youth of
Toronto (AYT) organization hosted a free rock concert called United
We Rock!, which promoted human rights throughout the globe.

The concert featured a large number of up and coming artists and
performers, including Aramik, The Transparent, Birds of Wales, Humble
the Poet, One Fell Swoop and others.

The purpose of the concert was to bring awareness and attention to
international human rights that involve war crimes, genocide, racism
and other violations of human rights. The event also commemorated
the 95th anniversary of the Armenian genocide where hundreds of
thousands Armenians were butchered or died of starvation, exhaustion
or epidemics.

"Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate the interaction among the
thinkers and leaders of social justice in our community. Human
rights issues are interrelated and there is a phenomenal potential
for synergy, no one should have to go through it alone, which is why
United We Rock! is about giving each cause the audience it deserves,"
said AYT Chairperson Ara Hasserjian in a press release.

During the seven-hour event, there were booths and vendors providing
information to attendees on the number of charitable organizations
that fight for the rights of others, including Oxfam Canada, STAND
Canada, Genocide Watch & Cambodian Genocide Project, International
Institute for Genocide & Human Rights Studies and others.

Burbank Leader, CA
May 8 2010

Political Landscape: Survivor stories for the record

Published: Last Updated Friday, May 7, 2010 11:43 PM PDT

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) on Wednesday called on Armenian Genocide
survivors and descendants to submit their stories and memories for
inclusion into the congressional record.

The effort parallels a congressional resolution Schiff introduced to
recognize and commemorate the genocide carried out by the Ottoman
Empire from 1915 to 1923. Schiff in a statement said he plans to make
the submissions part of the nation’s enduring record of congressional
proceedings.

`Let us fill the congressional record with the personal histories of
those who survived the genocide and their families,’ he said. `While
there are still some survivors left, we can use the official record of
the Congress to document the first genocide of the last century. This
can become an important resource for historians, a vital part of our
nation’s archives, and a part of the continuing effort to educate
members of Congress as we move forward with the genocide resolution.’

The Armenian Genocide, while recognized by more than 20 nations, has
not been formally recognized by the U.S. Congress. Schiff is the
primary sponsor of the Affirmation of the U.S. Record on the Armenian
Genocide, which calls on the president and government to officially
recognize events that resulted in 1.5 million deaths as genocide.

advertisement
Schiff recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to
properly characterize the murder of 1.5 million Armenians as
`genocide’ in his annual April 24 statement marking the start of the
genocide. Obama did not do so.

Send stories to mary. hovagimian@mail. house.gov.

Assn. of Museums honors Portantino

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada-Flintridge) on Tuesday was
presented the President’s Award by the California Assn. of Museums.

In a ceremony at the state capitol, Portantino was recognized for his
support of the state’s museums and cultural institutions and for his
legislation backing the arts community.

Portantino said it was an honor to be recognized by state museums.

`The arts and creative industries are major drivers for California’s
economic future and yet, their budgets have been slashed to the bone
in these tight economic times,’ he said. `It used to be that arts were
a major part of everyday schooling. But that’s no longer true; arts
classes are always the first to go.’

He recently introduced Assembly Bill 1777 to establish funding for
nonprofit arts groups across the state. It would transfer 20% of sales
tax collected on arts-related businesses to the fund for distribution
by the California Arts Council.

Health tax credits to be explained

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that companies eligible
for new health reform tax credits can expect to receive notices
explaining the credits and encouraging them to take advantage of the
tax break.

The tax credit is especially important to getting the valley economy
moving again, Sherman said, and there are more than 15,000 area
companies that meet the criteria for the small business health reform
tax credit.

The credit is available to small businesses with 25 employees or fewer
who have an average annual wage of $50,000 or less with health
insurance. Companies with 10 or fewer employees and an average annual
wage of $25,000 or less get the maximum credit, which is 35% of what
the employer is paying for employee insurance coverage.

It is also available to small nonprofit organizations, and is worth up
to 25% of what the employer is paying for employee-insurance coverage.

The maximum credit rises to 50% in 2014, and to 35% in 2014 for nonprofits.

Officials push for freedom of press

The U.S. Senate Thursday unanimously passed the Daniel Pearl Freedom
of the Press Act, championed by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Mike
Pence (R-Indiana), and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut).

Schiff and Pence, both of whom lead the Congressional Caucus for
Freedom of the Press, introduced the House bill, calling for an annual
State Department report on the status of press freedom around the
world. Dodd introduced Senate Bill 1739 as a companion to the House
version that now goes to the president to be signed into law.

The legislation, which expands the examination of press freedom
worldwide in the State Department’s annual human rights practices
report, was named for the former Wall Street Journal reporter who was
kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Pakistan four months after the
Sept. 11 attacks on New York City.

The legislation requires the State Department to identify countries
where violations of press freedom occurred; determine whether
authorities participated in, facilitated or condoned the violations;
report actions governments took to preserve the safety and
independence of the media; and ensure the prosecution of those who
attacked or murdered journalists.

‘ Christopher Cadelago

ARMENIA’S PM PARTAKES IN THE SITTING OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY GROUP BUREAU

armradio.am
07.05.2010 11:39

The Armenian delegation led by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan is
participating in the sitting of the European People’s Party Group
Bureau that kicked off in the Czech city of Karlovy Vary on May 6.

The topics for the meeting include the challenges and perspectives of
the Eastern Partnership, the Europe 2020 Strategy and the creation
of jobs and the fight against organised crime, money laundering and
gambling on a European level.

Along with prominent members of the EPP Group, several high-level
European and Czech politicians and well-known experts participate in
the event.

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, welcomed Tigran Sargsyan,
Prime Minister of Armenia, and Aleksander Milinkievich, 2006 Sakharov
Prize Laureate and Leader of the Belarus Opposition. Mr. Daul noted
that "the EPP Group supports a partnership with the Eastern countries
and believes that such a partnership is based not only on business
contacts but on cooperation in the areas of freedom, democracy,
strengthening of the rule of law and cooperation in education or
culture policy."

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek MEP, will
take part in these discussions. Even in these times of global
economic crisis, it is of paramount importance to maintain supportive
relationships with anybody who shares the same values of human rights,
rule of law and democracy upon which the EU is based."

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and President of the
Christian-Democratic party of the Czech Republic, Cyril Svoboda,
are expected to deliver speeches at the event.

THEY WANTED THE STATUE TO BE VISIBLE

A1Plus.am
06/05/10

The Yerevan municipality has not permitted any construction at
"Student Park", as stated in the press release by Yerevan municipality.

"It is about upgrading and renovating the two old-fashioned pavilions
of the cafe that has been around since 1996."

Let us remind that a new movement has launched to demand the suspension
of construction at "Student Park".

According to the municipality’s press release, "the cafes built
next to each other occupied larger space. In addition, the park on
Abovyan Street and the statue of Victor Hambartsumyan were practically
invisible. A group of academics and scientists had raised the issue of
the statue’s visibility and renovation of the area during the opening
of Victor Hambartsumyan’s statue. Taking this into account, Yerevan
municipality has assigned the contractor to ensure the visibility of
Victor Hambartsumyan’s statue from Abovyan Street."

According to the assignment, the pavilions have been moved back 3
meters each due to which the width of the alley is now 10.5 meters
instead of the previous 4.5 meters. This ensures the statue’s
visibility and creates a sort of square. Let us also mention that
the volume and surface areas of pavilions have become smaller as a
result of reconstruction.

The altitude of the pavilion is now 4.30 meters instead of the
previous 5.30 meters. According to the confirmed plan, the pavilions
will be open in the summer and covered in the winter with mobile
glass windows. The company in charge of construction, "Elegant 5"
has agreed to renovate the area near the statue based on an agreement
with Yerevan municipality.

The tiled floor and rocks of the alley and area near Hambartsumyan’s
statue will be fully renovated, while the bushes and lawns will
be refreshed.

The plan for reconstruction has been developed and confirmed with
the exclusion of deforestation. The municipality has not granted
any permission for deforestation. As far as illegal deforestation is
concerned, the Ministry of Nature Protection is in charge of control
and application of sanctions."

The sketch for reconstruction is posted on Abovyan Street and clearly
shows that the park will have a new look after construction with a
renovated entrance.

No underground structure?

Representatives of "We are the owners of this city" initiative and
the municipality held a three-hour discussion yesterday.

"After listening to the group’s arguments, the mayor promised to
prohibit future construction and exclude underground structures in
green areas of Yerevan. Although we did not reach a clear agreement
and there was no progress with respect to the issue related to the
park, we believe we sent the main message to the mayor," as members
of the initiative told "A1+".

ZAMAN. ERDOGAN TRAVELS TO BAKU TO DISCUSS KARABAKH ISSUE

Panorama.am
12:51 06/05/2010

Region

Turkey’s PM Rejep Tayip Erdogan is due paying visit to Baku soon,
Turkish Zaman reported. It’s supposed that the highlights of PM’s
negotiations are going to be Karabakh conflict and energy issues.

Further information about the date and time of the visit isn’t
officially reported, though it’s believed Turkish PM will travel
to Baku on April 17. The paper points that Erdogan pays his visit
after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pays official visit to Baku
on May 11-13.

"In the aftermath of Armenian-Turkish ties the tensed Ankara-Baku
communication seems to become active again," Zaman writes.

NO MASS SCUFFLE OCCURRED IN MOSCOW BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI SERVICEMEN

Panorama.am
18:00 06/05/2010

Politics

There was no clash between the Armenian and Azerbaijani militaries
who are in Moscow to participate in the parade May 9, Armenian Defense
Ministry spokesman Seyran Shahsuvaryan told Panorama.am.

Information as if mass scuffle occurred in Moscow on May 5 between
Armenian and Azerbaijani servicemen who arrived in the Russian capital
for participation in the Parade of Victory, was spread by Milaz.info.

The report said as if Armenian militaries addressed remarks to the
Azerbaijanis marching in the front.

"No such incidents have occurred, this information has nothing to do
with reality," Shahsuvaryan said.

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has also refuted the information spread
by Azeri media.

Remind that the Armenian servicemen left for Moscow to participate
in the parade dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory in Great
Patriotic War.

NEGOTIATIONS FOR DARCHINYAN-DONAIRE REMATCH COLLAPSE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 6, 2010 – 14:16 AMT 09:16 GMT

Elias Nassar, manager of WBC/WBA super flyweight champion Vic
Darchinyan stated that negotiations for rematch with Nonito Donaire
have collapsed. Nassar said the Donaire camp have failed to sign the
contract after six weeks and they are now back to square one. Vic
Darchinyan also stated he is disappointed in Nonito Donaire’s failure
to sign the contract. "We signed the deal two days into talks,"
said Nassar. "We were there waiting for Donaire to make up his mind
on what he wanted to do. It’s easy to point the finger at who didn’t
want the fight. It’s the party who doesn’t sign a contract."

Vic Darchinyan’s last six fights including, Christian Mijares,
Joseph Agbeko, Jorge Arce, Z Gorres and Dimitry Kirilov have taken
collectively two weeks in total to finalize and put to bed.

"Vic Darchinyan is not fighting junior flyweights like Nonito Donaire
to make a name for himself. We fight the best and we will continue
to fight the best."

Vic Darchinyan also voiced his disappointment.

"I’m the unified champion. I shouldn’t be waiting for Donaire. He
thinks I’m waiting six weeks for him to make up his mind. I want to
be a four or five division titlist, not wasting time for Princess
Nonito to figure out if he wants to fight.

"Nonito knows what will happen if we fight. I will knock him out. It’s
probably a smart move not to fight someone who will wreck your career,"
fightnews.com cited Darchinyan as saying.

AHMAD DAVUDOGLU: "TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY WILL NOT SIT FOR TALKS WITHOUT MENTIONING KARABAKH"

APA
May 6 2010
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. "Protocols signed with Armenia haven’t died. You may say
they have been put into refrigerator.

If you analyze the processes, you will see that our relations with
Armenia are better in comparison with the last year’s situation.

Relations with Azerbaijan are better", Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad
Davudoglu told journalist of Milliyat newspaper Taha Akyola on a
plane while leaving for Ukraine on May 5, APA reports. Akyola came
to conclusion that silent diplomacy would be pursued in accordance
with oral agreement between the sides within some months and there
wouldn’t be any statements alarming the public.

"Did you sit for talks without mentioning Karabakh problem", Akyol
asked Davudoglu. In his answer to the above-mentioned question,
the Minister gave an example of his dialogue with Deputy Chairman of
Jumhutiyyat Khalg Party, former ambassador Onur Oymen. He asked Oymen:
"You have worked at the Turkish Foreign Ministry for years. Dou you
believe that our ministry sat for talks without mentioning Karabakh
and 1915 events?". Oymen answered "No". To Akyol, Armenian occupation
and historical issues were discussed at secret negotiations with
Armenia held in Switzerland: "And why these haven’t been reflected
in the protocols? Davudoglu reminded the constructive ambiguity
method in diplomacy regarding this issue. Indeed, there are common
principles connected with Karabakh problem and historical debates in
the protocols.

Azerbaijan had worried about Turkey’s betrayal of Karabakh for pasting
April 24 danger. But Armenia waited that Turkey would perturb and
ratify the protocols after freezing the protocols – and not to take
any step in the direction of Karabakh problem. Armenia waited spoil
of US-Turkey relations. But none of these has been realized. "We have
managed the April 24 process well", said Davudoglu. "Silent diplomacy"
is being continued through more real ground.

Davudoglu said that there would be positive development in the
issue of protocols within some months and at the same time energy
agreement would be signed with Azerbaijan in the coming days: "The
Prime Minister will sign the agreement in Baku. There is confidence
between us in each issue".