Category: 2018

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: www.westernprelacy.org


PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE
COUNTY

- READING OF PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL ON THE CENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC
OF ARMENIA IN PRELACY CHURCHES

        On Sunday, January 21, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange
County.
        On this day, the ?Year of Independence? Pontifical Encyclical of His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I dedicated to the centennial of the first Republic
of Armenia will be read in all Prelacy Churches.
        We invite our faithful to attend Divine Liturgy on this day to hear
the message of His Holiness and renew our allegiance to our nation and
homeland. 

***

BLESSING OF WATER ON THE FAST OF THE CATECHUMENS

        Sunday, January 21 is the eve of the Fast of the Catechumens, a fast
that is unique to the Armenian Church as it was established by St. Gregory
the Illuminator when the Armenian nation became the first nation to adopt
Christianity. The fast is commonly referred to as the Fast of St. Sarkis
since it coincides with the commemoration of the feast of St. Sarkis.
        The fast is three days long, from midnight on Sunday, January 21
until the morning of Wednesday, January 24.
        On Wednesday morning, a prayer service (khachahankisd) and blessing
of water will be conducted in Prelacy Churches during which faithful break
their fast by receiving Holy Communion and blessed water.  Please contact
your local parish for service time. 

***

PRELACY TO HOST BOOK PRESENTATION OF PROF. RICHARD HOVANNISIAN?S ?ARMENIAN
COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN: MUSA DAGH - DÖRT YOL -
KESSAB?

        On Thursday, January 25, 2018, a book presentation will be held at
the Western Prelacy ?Dikran & Zarouhie Der Ghazarian? Hall featuring Prof.
Richard Hovannisian?s ?Armenian Communities of the Northeastern
Mediterranean: Musa Dagh - Dört Yol ? Kessab.? The event is being held under
the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and is
organized by the Prelacy Cultural-Educational Committee. The book will be
presented by Prof. Richard Hovannisian. 
        The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a cultural program
and a reception to follow.

***

NAME-DAY CELEBRATION OF ST. GARABED CHURCH OF HOLLYWOOD

        On Sunday, January 14, 2018, on the eve of the Feast of St. John the
Baptist and Forerunner, the name day of St. Garabed Churches in Hollywood
and Las Vegas was celebrated with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh at St.
Garabed Church in Hollywood. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian assisted at the
altar. Executive Council members, sponsors, and Homenetmen members and
scouts were among the faithful in attendance. 
        Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate greeted and
congratulated the parish family on their name-day celebration. ?Through the
prayers of St. John the Baptist, who appeared in this world as a ray of
righteousness, have mercy on us Lord;? this excerpt from the hymn dedicated
to St. John the Baptist was the theme of the Prelate?s sermon. ?St. John was
the forerunner saint, the last and greatest of the prophets who, filled with
the Holy Spirit, enlightened mankind as a ray of integrity, righteousness,
and justice. He came to pave the way and introduce our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ to the world. He preached about the kingdom of heaven and the coming
of the Savior, was a guiding light of the truth, lived and served with
utmost integrity, and showed the way to draw near to God. He was the first
Evangelist, the first to spread the news of Christ?s salvific mission. He
lived a pious life, stood up to the inequity of the Pharisess and king
Herod, and defended righteousness at the cost of his life,? stated the
Prelate, and highlighted three points about St. John the Baptist?s unique
role in Christianity. First, he received the gift of the Holy Spirit even
before he was born, while the Apostles were to wait until Pentecost; second,
he was the first evangelist, who boldly proclaimed ?Behold! The Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world!? and as he baptized Jesus became worthy
of seeing the descent of the Holy Spirit and hearing the voice of the
Father; and third, he was the first martyr prior to the Ascension of Christ,
the first to give his life for righteousness. Thus, inspired by the day?s
message and celebration, the Prelate invited all to live and serve in the
example of St. John the Forerunner, with integrity and righteousness, and to
express our faith through action.
        At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, requiem service was held and
the blessing of madagh conducted by the Prelate. 
        The celebratory luncheon followed at ?Karapetian? Hall, during which
Mr. Kaloust Agopian, Executive Council member, was honored for his years of
service to the community through St. Garabed Church, Rose and Alex Pilibos
School, and the Raffi Romanian-Armenian Cultural Association. 
        The Prelate presided over the luncheon, which was attended by the
parish family, Catholicosate Central Executive member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian,
Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovagumian and members, church consecration
Godfather Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Veronika Karapetian, ARF-WR Central
Committee representative Mr. Garo Ispendjian, church new altar sponsor Mr.
and Mrs. Hagop and Haiguhi Daglian, representatives of the ARF ?Karekin
Njdeh? Gomideh, Pilibos and Postoian Schools, sister organizations and
compatriotic unions, sponsors and friends.
        Fr. Vicken welcomed the guests, after which the Prelate delivered
the invocation. Fr. Vicken introduced the day?s honoree, expressed gratitude
for his service and sacrifice, and invited Board of Trustees members to
present a plaque of commendation and appreciation to Dr. Kaloust Agopian. 
        The Prelate delivered his message commending the Pastor and Board of
Trustees and especially the honoree for his decades-long dedicated service,
and presented a Letter of Blessing which was read by Fr. Vicken. In the
Letter of Blessing, His Eminence lauded Dr. Agopian?s valuable contributions
through the Raffi Romanian-Armenian Cultural Association and his devoted
service to St. Garabed Church, Pilibos School, as a delegate and Executive
Council member, and commended his humble and exemplary service. 
        The event featured cultural performances by St. Garabed Church
Sunday School and Pilibos School students.
        The reception came to a close with the benediction by the Prelate.

LAS VEGAS
        Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church in Las Vegas. Rev.
Fr. Arsen Kassabian assisted at the altar. A celebratory luncheon followed
at ?Koujakian? Hall.

***

ARF DAY CELEBRATION

        On Sunday, January 14, 2018, community leaders and members gathered
at Glendale High School John Wayne Performing Arts Center to collectively
mark the 127th anniversary of the ARF. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, attended. He was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom
Donoyan, Vicar General, clergy members, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe
Hovaguimian and members.
        The program began with the flag ceremony by the Homenetmen marching
band and color guard and anthems. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr.
Souzy Ohanian, AYF remarks by Ms. Patil Derderian, and ARF Western US
Central Committee remarks by Mr. Garo Ispendjian. The keynote speaker was
ARF Bureau member Dr. Viken Yacoubian.
        The celebration also featured performances by the Hamazkayin Ani
Dance Company, Ferrahian School Choir, Karnig Sarkissian, Tro Krikorian, and
the Edgar Hakopyan Band, as well as an in memoriam segment and a video
presentation on the AYF Juniors. 

***

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER BLESSING AND REDEDICATION OF THE ?HOVHANNES AND
HRIPSIME JIVALAGIAN YOUTH CENTER? IN PASADENA

        On Saturday, January 13, 2018, the Pasadena Armenian Center was
rededicated as the ?Hovhannes and Hripsime Jivalagian Youth Center? during a
special ceremony presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. Community benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian
sponsored the center in honor of Hoori?s parents. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks, the flag ceremony by
Homenetmen scouts, and national anthems. The Prelate, joined by St. Sarkis
Church pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, conducted the blessing ceremony, and
with the Melkonian family and the participation of ARF-WR Central Committee
Political Chair Mr. Avedik Izmirlian and ?Lernavayr? Gomideh representatives
presided over the unveiling of the new sign and ribbon cutting. 
        A dinner reception followed in the center?s hall. The Prelate
delivered the invocation, after which remarks were delivered by Mr. Manoug
Joukhajian on behalf of the organizing committee, Mr. Arman Baghdoyan on
behalf of the ?Lernavayr? Gomideh, and Mrs. Hoori Melkonian on behalf of the
sponsor family.
        The Prelate began his message by congratulating the community. His
Eminence alluded to the center rededication coinciding with the New Year on
the old calendar, the naming of our Lord according to our church calendar,
and the feast of St. John the Forerunner a few days later, the first feast
on our church calendar, and on this occasion congratulated Mr. Hovhannes
Jivalagian on his name day celebration. He noted that Mrs. Hripsime also
bears the name of a revered saint. ?These two saints and martyrs were
pioneers for the Christian and Armenian nation; it is my wish that this
center also be a guiding force for this community and especially for the
youth,? stated the Prelate. He concluded by blessing and commending Mr. and
Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian for their benevolence and utmost love and
reverence for their parents as evidenced by their latest sponsorship and
their prior sponsorship of the Burbank Youth Center?s ?Melkon and Angel
Melkonian Gym? in honor of Varant?s parents.
        The evening continued with musical entertainment. 

***

PRELATE WELCOMES ARS HOLLYWOOD ?MAYR? CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS

        On Wednesday, January 17, 2018 ARS Hollywood ?Mayr? Chapter board
members paid a visit to the Prelacy to convey their New Year well wishes to
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom
Donoyan, Vicar General, joined in the visit.
        The guests expressed their well wishes to the Prelate and clergy for
a prosperous year filled with new achievements and invited His Eminence to
their centennial celebration on March 4 at St. Garabed Church?s ?Karapetian?
Hall and on March 17 at De Luxe Banquet Hall.
        The Prelate blessed and commended the members? faithful service,
noting that he has followed the chapter?s endeavors since he began his
service in the Western Prelacy. He wished them continued successes in all
future endeavors and presented new ?I confess with faith? prayer books to
the guests.

***

MEMBERS OF THE ARMENIAN ECCLESIASTICAL BROTHERHOOD PAY ANNUAL NEW YEAR VISIT
TO THE PRELACY

        On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, members of the Armenian Ecclesiastical
Brotherhood paid their annual visit to the Prelacy to convey their New Year
and Christmas well wishes to H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
and keep him abreast of their forthcoming activities. His Eminence was
joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and Very Rev. Fr.
Muron Aznikian, Religious Council Chair.
        The discussion centered on general issues concerning the community
and youth strengthening ties between the church and faithful. The guests
thanked the Prelate for his ongoing guidance and support of their endeavors,
while His Eminence commended the members for their faithful and valuable
service.
        At the conclusion of the visit, guests received copies of the
Prelacy?s latest religious publications. 

***

CALIFORNIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATE ELENI KOUNALAKIS VISITS THE PRELACY

        On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed the visit of diplomat Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S.
Ambassador to Hungary and presently candidate for Lieutenant Governor of
California in the November 2018 election. Ambassador Kounalakis was
accompanied by Mrs. Maria Mehranian, President of Armenia Fund Western
Region, and Ms. Christina Kegeyan, Southern California campaign Finance
Director.
        Following introductions, the Prelate gave the candidate an overview
of the Southern California Armenian-American community and the Prelacy?s
endeavors and mission, while Ambassador Kounalakis outlined her diplomatic
service, her work with the Greek Orthodox Church and diverse community
endeavors.
        The Prelate commended ambassador Kounalakis? service and conveyed
his best wishes for continued successes in all of her endeavors.  

***

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION ARMENIAN STUDIES
DEPARTMENT VISITS THE PRELACY

        On Friday, January 12, 2018, Dr. Razmik Panossian, Executive
Director of the Gulbenkian Foundation Armenian Studies Department, paid a
visit to the Prelacy where he met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar
General, Executive Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Board of Regents and
Prelacy Armenian Language Revitalization Committee member Dr. Hasmig Baran,
and Armenian Language Revitalization Committee member Mr. Jora Manoucherian.
        Dr. Panossian was in Los Angeles for a three-day workshop the
Gulbenkian Foundation had organized for principals of Armenian day schools
with the aim of making language instruction more successful.
        After an exchange of pleasantries, the Prelate lauded the Gulbenkian
Foundation?s vast contributions in the advancement of Armenian language
instruction and the preservation of our mother tongue. His Eminence also
gave an overview of the Prelacy?s publications, which encompass Armenian
language, history, and Armenian Cause textbooks as well as religious and
cultural books, and spoke on the concerns which gave rise to the Armenian
Language Revitalization Committee and its planned projects. 
        Dr. Panossian thanked the Prelate for the meeting and expressed his
readiness to assist the Prelacy?s endeavors relating to education and
language preservation.
        The meeting also offered the opportunity for the exchange of ideas
and brought about agreement on a number of preliminary projects. 

***

                                        Friday, January 19, 2017

Sarkisian's Pick For Next Armenian President Announced


 . Emil Danielyan


Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian (R) meets with Armenian Ambassador
to Britain Armen Sarkissian in Yerevan, 19Jan2018.

President Serzh Sarkisian officially confirmed on Friday that he wants
a former Armenian prime minister currently serving as Armenia's
ambassador to Britain to succeed him as head of state in April.

Meeting with Ambassador Armen Sarkissian (no relation), he said the
governing board of his ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK)
unanimously accepted late on Thursday his proposal to nominate the
prominent diplomat for the post of president of republic.

Sarkissian, who has lived in London for nearly three decades, did not
immediately accept the nomination. He said he needs to hold
consultations with major political parties, civic groups, prominent
intellectuals and "business circles" before making a "final decision."

"And if I make a decision [to accept the nomination] after those
meetings I will strive to perform the duties of Armenia's president
with honor and to live up to the confidence which I have heard from
you and your party comrades and which I hope to also hear from other
fellow citizens," added the 64-year-old former scholar.

The end of Sarkisian's decade-long presidency on April 9 will complete
Armenia's transition to a parliamentary system of government. It means
that most of the presently sweeping presidential powers will be
transferred to the prime minister and his cabinet.

Also, the next president will be elected by the parliament, rather
than popular vote, as has been the case until now. The ruling HHK
controls the majority of seats in the National Assembly. It is
therefore in a position to install Sarkisian's pick for the next
president.

The outgoing president, who could remain in power as prime minister,
said earlier this week that his successor should be a renowned but
politically inexperienced individual who speaks foreign languages and
has "broad connections" in Armenia and its worldwide Diaspora.

In remarks publicized by the presidential press office, he clarified
on Friday that the next president must be "politically prepared and
hardened but not politicized." "He must be able to organize dialogue
between various political forces and, if necessary, ease tensions
between various strata of the society," he said, adding that Armen
Sarkissian fits the bill.

"You are an acclaimed scholar, you held the post of Armenia's prime
minister, you have a great deal of diplomatic experience, and this is
the reason why we have seriously considered your candidacy," Serzh
Sarkisian told the ambassador.

The president also expressed hope that should he decide to accept the
HHK offer Sarkissian would try to win the backing of the three other
political groups represented in the National Assembly. Those are the
HHK's junior coalition partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation,
Gagik Tsarukian's alliance and the opposition Yelk bloc. Yelk fielded
its own presidential candidate late last year.

A physicist and mathematician by education, Armen Sarkissian worked at
the Cambridge University when he was appointed as newly independent
Armenia's first ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1991. He served as
prime minister for four months in 1996-1997 before being again named
ambassador in London.

His second ambassadorial stint was cut short in 1999 by then President
Robert Kocharian. Sarkissian stayed in London and went on to work as a
senior advisor to major Western corporations such as BP, Alcatel and
Bank of America. He also founded and ran the Eurasia Center of a
Cambridge University business school from 2001-2011. He was appointed
as Armenian ambassador to Britain for a third time in 2013.

Sarkissian, who is thought to have made a big fortune in the UK in the
2000s, has rarely commented on political developments in Armenia. He
said on Friday that Armenia is now entering a "period of big changes"
that should turn it into a "more democratic country."



Government Reports Strong Growth In 2017


Armenia - Workers at a new textile factory in Yerevan, 5Oct2017.

Armenia's economy grew by around 6.7 percent last year after
stagnating in 2016, the Finance Ministry said on Friday.

Finance Minister Vartan Aramian and other senior ministry officials
presented preliminary macroeconomic data for 2017 at a meeting with
Prime Minister that focused on the economic situation in the country.

The Armenian government had forecast a 3.2 percent growth rate for
2017 more than a year ago. It revised that target upwards to 4.3
percent in September.

In its World Economic Outlook released in October, the International
Monetary Fund said that Armenian growth will reach 3.5 percent. For
its part, the World Bank said earlier this month that the Armenian
economy was on course to expand by 3.7 percent in 2017.

According to a government statement on Friday's meeting, the Finance
Ministry leadership attributed the 6.7 percent growth estimate to the
better-than-expected performances of the services and construction
sectors. It also cited a 7.3 percent rise in the government's 2017 tax
revenue and a 13.4 percent surge in cash remittances from abroad.

Karapetian told the ministry officials that 2018 will be an "extremely
important" year for the domestic economy. "This year we must lay the
groundwork for long-term sustainable growth and [growing] capital and
other spending," he said, according to the statement.

In its policy program approved by the Armenian parliament in June,
Karapetian's cabinet committed itself to achieving an annual growth
rate of around 5 percent in 2017-2022. The program describes rising
exports as "the key engine" of that growth, saying that the government
will strive to facilitate Armenian manufacturers' access to Russia,
the EU and other foreign markets.

Official statistics show that Armenian exports soared by 23.5 percent
in 2017.



Tsarukian In No Rush To Back Presidential Candidate


 . Astghik Bedevian


Armenia - Businessman Gagik Tsarukian attends a meeting between
President Serzh Sarkisian and Armenian parliament leaders in Yerevan,
12Jan2018.

Armenia's second largest parliamentary force led by businessman Gagik
Tsarukian was in no rush to endorse on Friday a presidential candidate
nominated by the outgoing President Serzh Sarkisian's Republican Party
(HHK).

A senior member of the Tsarukian Bloc, Naira Zohrabian, said it will
wait and see whether the potential candidate, Armen Sarkissian,
accepts the nomination. "We will formulate a position when Armen
Sarkissian makes a final decision," she told RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am).

Tsarukian earlier did not rule out the possibility of throwing his
weight behind an HHK presidential candidate. He also said that his
bloc, which claims to be in opposition to the government, will not
field a presidential candidate of its own.

Armen Sarkissian told the outgoing president earlier on Friday that he
needs "some time" to decide whether to accept the nomination. He said
he will make that decision after holding consultations with leaders of
Armenia's main political groups.

Under the Armenian constitution, the parliament must choose the next
president of the republic by March 10, one month before the end of
Serzh Sarkisian's final term. A presidential candidate has to be
backed by a three-fourths and two-thirds majority of lawmakers in
order to win in the first and second rounds of voting respectively.

A simple majority of votes is enough to win the presidency in the
third round. The HHK has such a majority in the National Assembly.

Nevertheless, Serzh Sarkisian stressed the importance of
multi-partisan support for his preferred successor. He said he
therefore hopes that Armen Sarkissian would win outright in the first
round.

In that case, Sarkissian would need the backing of at least 79 members
of the 105-seat parliament. The ruling HHK and its junior coalition
partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun),
control 65 seats between them, compared with 31 seats held by the
Tsarukian Bloc.

Dashnaktsutyun's parliamentary leader, Artem Rustamian, also made
clear that his party has yet to decide whether to vote for Armen
Sarkissian. Still, he spoke highly of the man currently serving as
Armenia's ambassador to Britain.

"We have known Mr. Sarkissian and have had relations with him for a
long time," Rustamian told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am).

The opposition Yelk alliance, the fourth group represented in
parliament, moved to field its own presidential hopeful, Artak
Zeynalian, late last year. The constitution stipulates that only those
individuals who are endorsed by at least 27 deputies can run for
president. Yelk holds 9 parliament seats. It appears to have failed to
win the Tsarukian Bloc's support for Zeynalian's candidacy.



Armenian Opposition Supporters Rally Against Price Hikes


 . Karlen Aslanian


Armenia - Leaders and supporters of the opposition Yelk alliance hold
an anti-government demonstration in Yerevan, 19Jan2018.

The opposition Yelk alliance rallied hundreds of supporters in Yerevan
on Friday to protest against recent increases in the prices of fuel
and some foodstuffs which it blames on government policies.

The price rises were caused, in part, by new tax legislation mandating
higher excise duties on fuel, tobacco and alcohol. The cost of
gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas used by most vehicles
in Armenia rose by over 10 percent immediately after it went into
force on January 1.

Yelk leaders demanded that the authorities reverse the higher taxes
when they addressed the crowd before it marched through downtown
Yerevan, chanting "Reduction!"They said that the price hikes are
increasing poverty in the country.

"We are saying no to price hikes and demand a reduction of the tax
rates that led to the higher prices of basic products," said one of
them, Nikol Pashinian. "We are demanding price and tax cuts."

Pashinian repeatedly urged Armenians to take to the streets in larger
numbers and heighten the pressure on the authorities. But speaking to
reporters, he downplayed the relatively poor attendance at the protest
and said the Yelk campaign will gradually gain momentum. The outspoken
oppositionist claimed that Yelk will soon hold "the biggest and most
decisive rally in Armenia's history."

Another Yelk leader, Aram Sarkisian, insisted in a speech that the
opposition bloc will pull larger crowds in March and April after many
Armenians feel the impact of the higher prices more acutely. The next
Yelk rally is scheduled for February 5.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetian downplayed that impact when he
answered questions from Yelk leaders on the parliament floor on
Wednesday. He insisted that consumer price inflation in Armenia
remains low. Karapetian also defended the increased tax rates, saying
that the government needs more revenue to boost its expenditures and
repay foreign loans.

For his part, President Serzh Sarkisian held on January 10 an
emergency meeting with senior state officials to discuss ways of
mitigating socioeconomic consequences of the price hikes. Sarkisian
also initiated parliamentary hearings on the issue which will be held
on Tuesday.

Other, more radical opposition groups refused to join Friday's
protest, saying that Yelk is not campaigning for regime
change. Pashinian rejected that criticism. He said that the opposition
cannot seriously threaten the authorities' hold on power without
forcing them to scrap the rate hikes first.



Press Review



"Zhamanak" discusses growing indications that Armenia's ambassador to
Britain, Armen Sarkissian, will become the next president of the
republic. The paper dismisses as an oversimplification a widely held
belief that Serzh Sarkisian wants his successor to be a weak and
"easy-to-manage" figure. "It is hard to imagine that Armen Sarkissian
needs to end his activities abroad to work as a figurehead president
in Armenia," it says. "Sarkissian's appointment is a further
indication that what is happening in Armenia is a transformation of
the existing pyramid-shaped internal political system into a more
multi-layered and complex system."

"Aravot" hopes that the choice of Armen Sarkissian heralds the start
of major changes within the ruling elite. The paper says that that
elite mostly consists of thuggish individuals at present.

"Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" claims that Serzh Sarkisian wanted to make
Armenia "part of the Russian Empire" when he decided in 2013 to seek
its entry into the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). To that
end, it says, he decided to "eliminate the institution of the
president" and "create a de facto one-party system" where all major
decisions are made by his coterie. "Serzh Sarkisian has successfully
accomplished that by changing the constitution," writes the
pro-opposition daily.

"Zhoghovurd" reports that Armenia's public debt continued to rise in
2017, reaching $6.77 billion in December. "Note that a large part of
this debt -- $6.17 billion -- is the government's debt," the paper
says. "Karen Karapetian's government is no different from the previous
ones. In order to solve current day-to-day issues his government too
takes new loans, leaving it to Armenia's citizens to repay them."

(Tigran Avetisian)


Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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