Syrian-Armenian family establishes a dental laboratory in Yerevan

March 18, 2013 By administrator

11:28, 18 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 18, ARMENPRESS: Syrian-Armenian Vahan Chaghlasyan, dentist- dental technician by profession has decided to establish a dental laboratory in Yerevan jointly with his wife. In an interview with Armenpress, our compatriot stated he was engaged in similar activities in Aleppo before the break up of known clashes. Vahan Chaghlasyan and his wife had a dental laboratory in Aleppo and were managing it, yet they had to leave it and move to Armenia. They are currently living in Yerevan, and are busy with establishment of their business in Homeland.

The Syrian-Armenian family has exerted much efforts, their laboratory is scheduled to operate soon. Initially they have encountered some difficulties because of the lack of both shelter and job. Later they made up their minds to establish their own business in Armenia; their goal will sooner be called into life.

The Syrian-Armenian couple as well as had a chance to move to the United States, yet preferred to come to Armenia. They adhere to the opinion that the Armenians should live and create in their Homeland. They are decisive to never leave Armenia and give birth to their future children in Armenia too.

Steve Bell on the Iraq war, 10 years on – video

March 16, 2013 By administrator

Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell takes us through some of his work at the time of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and shares his views on the decisions made by George Bush and Tony Blair. He explains how he represents the reality of ‘shock and awe’. Cartoons are often seen as a low art form which is generally humorous, says Bell – but much of his Iraq war work is grisly

I visit Armenia as a close friend – Julio Iglesias (world concert tour)

March 16, 2013 By administrator

YEREVAN.- World famous singer Julio Iglesias has arrived in Armenia within the framework of world concert tour.

This is his first visit Armenia, he told reporters on Saturday, pointing at long history of friendly relations between Armenian and Spanish nations.

“I have many Armenian friends. I have met thousands of Armenians for the last 45 years. They are spreading your culture all over the globe. So, my visit is not a visit of a foreigner but of a close friend. I never sing in the place which I dislike. I was happy to come here and will sing with pleasure,” he said during the press conference.

Asked about possible cooperation with Armenian musicians, he recalled that had been friends with Charles Aznavour. He sang with Aznavour dozen times and considers French singer his elder brother.

Although Iglesias did not share opinion of reporters that he is adored by women, famous singer confessed to loving women very much.

“I think women feel when men love them.”

Julio Iglesias said he had already asked what Armenians’ favorite song is and what song he could perform during the Monday concert.

“Having experienced revival at a young age, I have become realistic. I set a goal and go for it,” singer said, adding that he is not a dreamer.

Sharing his first impressions on arriving in Armenia, he said that he, and his team thought Armenians are very nice people.

“I have never been to Armenia, but I know the country, thanks to my friends. There is a kind of melancholy in Armenians’ eyes. This reminds me of my homeland. Melancholy is a sister of vulnerability and when a person is vulnerable, it speaks of his heroism.”

Julio Iglesias started his world tour on February 24 from Guatemala. Then he went to Russia, and Ukraine.

New Pope urged Turkey to recognize Genocide in 2006

March 14, 2013 By administrator

Seven years ago, the newly-elected Pope Francis urged Turkey to unconditionally recognize the Armenian Genocide, Asbarez reported.

During events marking the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Buenos Aires, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio urged Turkey to recognize the Genocide as the “gravest crime of Ottoman Turkey against the Armenian people and the entire humanity.”

On Wednesday, after what is viewed as a short conclave, white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel heralded that a gathering of Catholic cardinals picked a new pope, choosing the first pontiff from the Americas to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The 76-year-old pope will be called Francis, the 226th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first member of the Jesuit order to lead the church and the first none-European pope in more than 1,200 years.

“I would like to thank you for your embrace,” the new pope, dressed in white, said from the white balcony on St. Peter’s Basilica as thousands cheered joyously below. “My brother cardinals have chosen one who is from far away, but here I am,” reported the New York Times.

“Pray for me, and we’ll see each other soon,” the pope told the crowd of more than 100,000 gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

Nagorno Karabakh’s freedom celebrated on Capitol Hill

March 14, 2013 By administrator

The Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce (R-CA), joined with fellow members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus and the visiting Minister of Youth and Culture from the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, Narine Aghabalyan, in a bipartisan Capitol Hill celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh democracy and freedom movement.

“Nagorno Karabakh is all about freedom. Freedom was the inspiration for the Nagorno Karabakh democracy movement back in 1988. Freedom has been the cornerstone of this proud Republic’s remarkable growth over the past quarter century. And, today, twenty-five years later, freedom remains the key to finding a peaceful and democratic way to finally bring an end to Azerbaijan’s aggression,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We would like to thank Minister Aghabalyan for joining with us today, and to all our Congressional friends, from both sides of the aisle – including, of course, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and our new Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, Michael Grimm – for celebrating the awesome power of freedom, for America, for Artsakh, and for all the peoples of the world.”

The event, hosted by the Congressional Armenian Caucus in the historic Cannon Building, featured a keynote address by Minister Aghabalyan, remarks by Chairman Royce, comments by the two Co-Chairmen of the Armenian Caucus, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY), a moving speech by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), and messages by Congresswomen Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA). Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) welcomed Minister Aghabalyan to the event, and participated in the evening’s celebration. Staff representing over two dozen Congressional offices also participated.

In her remarks, Minister Aghabalyan explained that: “The Nagorno Karabakh Republic is a legal state, which was created through the free expression of the democratic will of the people of Karabakh, and it is, in fact, the non-recognition of this state that contradicts international laws and norms. Our unrecognized status prevents the full realization of the rights of the people who live in Artsakh. It is appropriate to cite the words of the third President of the United States, an outstanding public figure, Thomas Jefferson: ‘Everything is changeable in the world except the natural rights of people.'”

Rep. Grimm, the newly announced Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, reflected on the growing international support for Karabakh’s independence. “If history has furnished any conclusion, it’s that Nagorno Karabakh’s assertion of independence is hardly a fleeting or temporary desire, it’s actually an ancient and salient aspiration that must be part of any permanent resolution if the avoidance of future conflict is going to be a serious goal,” explained Rep. Grimm. “And I believe that realization is gaining increasing traction in the international community for it is the only realistic solution to resolve the dangerous status quo of Azerbaijani and Armenian border guards locked in a stand-off with that fragile 1994 ceasefire square in their cross-hairs.”

Rep. Pallone concurred, noting that “There are those on the other side that keep insisting that somehow the principle of self-determination should not be supreme – and it should always be. . . Karabakh is an independent republic, it should be recognized as such. Any ultimate negotiation through the OSCE Minsk Group or through any other means has to provide for the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, either to remain as an independent country or to join with the Republic of Armenia, if that’s how they see fit.”

Chairman Royce and Representative Schiff both reminded attendees about Azerbaijan’s pardon, praise, promotion of convicted axe-murderer Ramil Safarov, who killed Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in his sleep during a NATO Partnership for Peace English-language training program in Hungary.

“It’s been entirely too long, and too many people have died since Nagorno Karabakh voted for independence,” said Chairman Royce. “We believe it is time for peace. We believe it is time for the angry rhetoric to cease.” Condemning the Safarov scandal, Chairman Royce noted, “You can only have peace when you have sincerity of intent on both sides. And what we are asking is that there be a reflection on the actions that Azerbaijan took to elevate, and commemorate and celebrate the murder of another human being by an axe-murderer.”

“Safarov’s rapturous welcome in Baku is testament to the degree of anti-Armenian hatred that is being incited in contemporary Azerbaijan. That a man, who nearly decapitated a comrade, in his sleep, could be treated as a national hero is so inexplicable and appalling, it vindicates the concern of many Armenians that the forced imposition of Azeri sovereignty over the free people of Artsakh would result in a blood bath,” stated Rep. Schiff, who went on to call for the zeroing out of all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. “By cutting off military aid to Azerbaijan, the U.S. can signal its disgust with the Safarov affair but also remind Aliyev that the U.S. will not tolerate any acts of aggression against Armenia or Artsakh.”

In her address, Rep. Eshoo stressed that: “This milestone for the people of Nagorno Karabakh holds particular meaning for me as an Armenian American. Nagorno Karabakh has faced much difficulty in its history, but its continued push for growth and democracy demonstrates the determination of its people to progress beyond intolerance and violence.” Rep. Speier’s message underscored Nagorno Karabakh’s progress, noting that: “the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh have fought back against attacks on their institutions, their livelihoods, and their very right to exist, and against all odds they have succeeded in creating a democratic society with a vibrant culture and an enduring respect for the pursuit of peace and justice.”

Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Tatoul Markarian and the Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in Washington, DC, Robert Avetisyan both offered policy-driven remarks on the part of their government. ANCA Executive Director shared the Armenian American community’s enduring support for Artsakh’s national and democratic aspirations, as manifested through a broad array of federal and state-level advocacy initiatives undertaken by the community to support and sustain the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Ambassador Markarian, in his speech, said that: “By revising reality and cultivating anti-Armenian hatred, Azerbaijan is seeking to prepare the moral ground, both domestically and internationally, for restarting the war against Nagorno Karabakh.” He went on to explain that, “Azerbaijan is just buying time for preparing a new war, which underscores the urgency of the recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh’s independence by the international community.”

U.S. Ambassador: Azerbaijani law enforcement violates rights of detained activists

March 13, 2013 By administrator

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar made a statement in connection with the last protest in Baku, noting that the law enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan had violated the rights of the detained activists.

According to the Azerbaijani news agency “APA”, in the statement of the U.S. Ambassador was expressed the attitude towards the last protest held on March 10 in Baku: “I have seen media reports that authorities arrested several youth activists in the days preceding the March 10 public demonstration in Baku’s Fountain Square. Then, contrary to internationally recognized standards, the authorities had three of these activists give televised confessions for alleged crimes.”

The ambassador of the United Stated said that police used water cannons and rubber bullets to break up groups of peaceful participants in the protest. “I am confident that Azerbaijan can reach its great democratic and economic potential, but only if the government respects the right of peaceful protest, promotes the rule of law, and engages in a meaningful dialogue with citizens to address legitimate public concerns,” he said.

According to the Azerbaijani news agency “Turan”, the three activists of “NIDA” who were arrested on the eve of the rally of March 10 are pressed. Thus, parents of the arrested refused to have the service of the independent legal lawyers. Lawyer Asabali Mustafayev does not exclude that this was due to the pressure of the investigation.

“Turan” reminds that activists of “NIDA” Bakhtiyar Guliyev, Shaheen Novruzlu and Mamed Azizov were arrested on the evening of 7 March and MNS accused them of possessing “Molotov cocktails” and drugs. On March 9, these activists were put under arrest for 3 months. On March 9 at the evening video footage of interrogations of the arrested activists were shown on the Public Television of Azerbaijan. They confessed saying that members of the organization were going to show a “violent resistance to the police.”

However, members of the Board of NIDA held a press conference expressing confidence that the prisoners are under pressure and at the same time denied claims of plans of violent methods of struggle.

On March 10, in Baku, a mass protest against the deaths of soldiers in the army in non-combat situation was held. The rally was dispersed by the police; at least 60 people were detained. According to the opposition party “Musavat”, detainees were beaten and gassed in the bus. Baku police also detained a number of parents of soldiers who were dragged on the asphalt. On the eve news agency “Turan” provided information that the authorities were going to use LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) during Sunday’s protest in order to disperse the demonstrators.

Source: Panorama.am

Standoff over Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint – US Intelligence Chief

March 13, 2013 By administrator

March 13, 2013 | 14:06

The standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint, says the report issued by director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

“The standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Armenian-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint. Heightened rhetoric, distrust on both sides, and recurring violence along the Line of Contact increase the risk of miscalculations that could escalate the situation with little warning,” the report says.

As regards Georgia, the report mentions that the victory of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party in the October 2012 parliamentary elections, offer new hope for easing bilateral Russian-Georgian tensions.

“However, after nearly a decade of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement party rule, Georgia faces a challenging political transition and an increased risk of domestic political instability,” the report says.

Armenians Protest California Senate-Hosted Azerbaijani Delegation

March 13, 2013 By administrator

SACRAMENTO—Calls for Karabakh freedom were heard across the California State Capitol yesterday as Armenian Americans from throughout the state converged to protest an Azerbaijani Parliamentary and State Oil Company (SOCAR) delegation visit to the CA State Senate, reported the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region.

“The California State Senate is a great seat of American democracy, and certainly no place for grandstanding by representatives of Aliyev’s dictatorial regime,” said ANCA External Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan. “The California Armenian community looks forward to speaking with each and every legislator in the upcoming weeks and at the annual April 15th advocacy event to present the true face of Azerbaijan and strengthen the bonds between the Golden State, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.”

California State Assemblymen Katcho Achadjian (R), Adrin Nazarian (D), Jim Patterson (R) and Scott Wilk (R) joined the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and ANCA-WR led protest, which included broad participation by the United Young Armenians (UYA), local Armenian Student Associations, the ANCA Sacramento, St. James Armenian Church Pastor Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian and a cross section of the burgeoning Armenian community in the State’s Capital. ANCA and AYF Chapters in Southern California, the San Francisco – Bay Area and Central California had bused in activists from the across the state.

“I am proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with Assemblymembers Nazarian, Wilk, and Patterson and Armenian Americans from throughout the State to protest the Azeri government’s aggression and efforts to use its oil wealth to purchase international legitimacy,” said Assemblyman Achadjian. “I would also like to thank ANCA-WR and AYF for helping organize the event.”

Assemblyman Nazarian concurred, noting, “Twenty-five years after Azerbaijan’s attacks against innocent Armenians in Sumgait and the subsequent pogroms in Baku, Kirovabad and Maragha, threats and aggression against Armenia and Artsakh continue. Welcoming representatives of Aliyev’s repressive regime sends all the wrong messages to Baku, interferes with broader U.S. calls for democratic reforms in Azerbaijan, and undermines international efforts toward a peaceful resolution of regional issues.”

The Azerbaijani delegation included four parliamentarians and three representatives of SOCAR. Bay Area State Senator Leland Yee reportedly walked off the Senate floor in protest, when a brief ceremony was held in honor of the Azerbaijani parliamentarians. Diamond Bar Republican Bob Huff introduced the group, praising Azerbaijan’s democratic tradition, followed by remarks by delegation leader Samad Sayadov, who offered glowing praise of the “shared values” between California and Azerbaijan.

“Just one day before their CA State Senate visit, the Aliyev regime used water-canons and rubber bullets to disperse a peaceful demonstration in Baku,” said AYF member, Sevag Tchekidjian. “Those certainly aren’t the values and democratic tradition that California or anyone in the U.S. should be sharing or condoning.”

Later in the evening, several CA State Senators hosted a dinner with their Azerbaijani guests and high-priced Azerbaijani government lobbyists at the Sutter Club, where the Armenian American protest took place. State Senators Marty Block (D), Bill Emmerson (R), Ted Gaines (R), Ted Lui (D), Fran Pavley (D) and Board of Equalization member George Runner and his wife, former Senator Sharon Runner, were reportedly seen entering the Sutter Club during the Azerbaijani Delegation event.

The April 15th ANCA-WR Advocacy Day will be an opportunity for Armenians across the Great State of California to attend the annual Genocide commemoration and speak to their legislators about issues that are of concern to the Armenian American community, including the Azerbaijani delegation visit to the Capitol. This year, participants will also be able to see a month long exhibit featuring inventions by Armenians who have contributed to the thriving California culture. For more information, and to register, visit: http://www.itsmyseat.com/ancawr

Swedish-Armenians met Turkish president with flying posters urging to recognize Armenian Genocide

March 12, 2013 By administrator

12:29, 12 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. On March 11 the Swedish-Armenians met the President of Turkey Abdullah Gül, who paid a visit to Sweden, with flying posters with the following inscription: “Turkey, Recognize the 1915 Genocide!”

As reports “Armenpress” citing “Asbarez” periodical, the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden have organized that unique action. At the moment when the reception ceremony for Gül and the rest of the Turkish delegation launched at the Swedish Royal Palace, posters calling on Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Turkey in 1915 appeared in the heaven over the central region of Stockholm.

The President of Turkey Abdullah Gül paid an official three-day visit to Sweden. Abdullah Gül had a meeting with the Swedish King Carl XVI. He will also meet the Chairman of the Swedish Parliament, and a number of other higher officials of the country.

Azerbaijan has arrested participants of event organized by OSCE

March 11, 2013 By administrator

On Saturday, police of Binagadi district of Baku burst into “AF Hotel” in Novkhani village and began to arrest young activists, participants of the training conducted by the OSCE Baku office.

Police accused the participants of being oppositionists and of getting prepared for the rally in Baku, the public relations secretary of European Movement Azerbaijan Parviz Azimov told Turan News Agency.

In the youth leaders training representatives of both opposition and ruling party “Yeni Azerbaijan” attended. Police placed the participants of the training, about 20 people, including members of the ruling party, into the car with flashing lights, and drove to Binagadi Police Department. At the same time, the foreign trainers were also almost arrested, and were released at the last moment.
Only after the intervention of the OSCE Baku office management, who contacted with the Interior Ministry, young people returned to the hotel.

On February 12, in Khachmas, activists of Election Monitoring Center and democracy training and Institute of Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Javid Nabiyev and Gunay Ismayilov were detained. The reason for the detention was the training held by Election Monitoring Center at Sahil hotel. Under the pressure of the police the owner of the hotel refused to provide a place for the event.
When the organizers tried to hold the event in the office of the American organization IREX, the police appeared there as well and kicked the participants out. Ismailova was involved in the project as a trainer, and the police told her that they were accused of disobeying the police and of invasion of premises of other people. According to the civil society, the police fabricate the evidence of the “witnesses”, including the owner of an office rented by IREX.

Source: Panorama.am