After election win, Anastasiades tackles Cyprus bailout

February 25, 2013 By administrator

By Michele Kambas

NICOSIA | Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:13pm EST
(Reuters) – Cypriot president-elect Nicos Anastasiades, armed with a clear mandate from voters to protect the island from insolvency, said on Monday he was committed to reforms in return for a bailout.

The Conservative Anastasiades won decisive backing in a presidential election on Sunday for an aggressive approach to resolving the island’s worst financial crisis in four decades.

Anastasiades has promised a quick deal with foreign lenders and to bring Cyprus closer to Europe, in a shift from the policies of the outgoing Communist government that first sought aid from Russia before turning to the European Union.

“Long term prospects for Cyprus are excellent as we are committed to carrying out necessary structural reforms. We only need a helping hand now,” Anastasiades told Germany’s best-selling daily Bild, according to advance excerpts of an interview to be published in Tuesday’s edition.
Anastasiades, who says he will form a unity government, held consultations on Monday with the Democratic Party, a centrist party which supported his bid for the presidency.
There were persistent reports Michael Sarris, a former finance minister who successfully ushered Cyprus into the euro zone in 2008, would be appointed.
SMALL ISLAND, BIG PROBLEM

Eight months of talks on a bailout package have turned Cyprus, one of the euro zone’s smallest economies, into a big headache for the euro zone, triggering fears of a financial collapse that could reignite the bloc’s debt crisis.
Anastasiades will be sworn in on February 28, and fully assume duties on March 1. With state funds depleting rapidly and a 1.4 billion euro ($1.9 billion) debt maturing in June, he has little time.
In a joint statement on Monday, the French and German finance ministers said talks must begin with prospective lenders soon so a deal can be reached by the end of March.
Cyprus sought aid from the EU and the IMF last June, after a Greek sovereign debt restructuring saddled Cypriot banks with losses. It is expected to need up to 17 billion euros in aid – about the size of its entire economy.
“There is a pressing need to recapitalize our banking sector,” said Anastasiades in the Bild interview. “I agree with Germany and France that we should reach an agreement by March.”
Virtually all rescue options – from a bailout loan to a debt writedown or slapping losses on bank depositors – are proving unpalatable because they push Cypriot debt to unmanageable levels or risk hurting investor sentiment elsewhere in the bloc.

Although a draft bailout deal says banks may need “up to” 10 billion euros to recapitalize, a banking source said an asset review still under wraps has earmarked between 5.98 billion and 8.86 billion euros for banks.

With Cyprus’s fiscal needs at 7.0 to 7.5 billion over the next four years, the final bailout could reach 16 billion euros.

GERMAN WORRIES

German misgivings about Cyprus’s commitment to fighting money laundering and its strong financial ties with Russia – which has already extended a 2.5 billion euro loan to the nation – have further complicated negotiations.

Known for his no-nonsense style and impressive access to European policymakers such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Anastasiades took 57.5 percent of the vote in the run-off election, 15 points ahead of his anti-austerity Communist-backed rival Stavros Malas.

“Money laundering is a global problem and no country can remain immune to this problem. However I believe the comments about Cyprus are wrong and exaggerated. We have gone through proper checks,” Anastasiades said.

The island was ready to agree to further inspections by international or European committees and take on board proposals for improvement, he said.

Cyprus has been shut out of international capital markets for almost two years, with the outgoing administration resorting to heavy borrowing from state-owned corporations to pay public sector salaries.

Yet prices on the island’s internationally traded bonds have rallied in recent weeks. The quoted yield on a Cypriot 10-year benchmark bond has fallen to an 18-month low of 9.45 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

An Armenian injured due to Damascus shelling

February 24, 2013 By administrator

17:03, 23 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: A shelling orchestrated in Syrian capital Damascus left more than two hundred victims, an Armenian inclusive on February 21 . Young Armenian Ara Halagyan has been injured; Syrian Armenian Nazaret Elmagyan told Armenpress. In the words of Elmagyan, the young man was immediately taken to hospital, fortunately currently his condition is stable and his life is out of danger. Three clashes were held in Damascus on February 23 which resulted in the death of 53 people, 235 people were wounded.

arabic.rt.com web site reports one of the clashes was hosted in the nearby territory of Baas party building in Saba Bahrat square, the second was in Rukn ad Din and the third in Brze district. Syrian SANA agency informs security forces succeeded to prevent another explosion. The terrorist was arrested; one ton blast device deployed in a car over was neutralized.

According to UN data over 70 thousand people were killed during 23 months lasting clashes in Syria, including four dozen Armenians.

Raffi Hovannisian meets with residents of Armenia’s Gyumri

February 24, 2013 By administrator

February 23, 2013 | 19:36

YEREVAN.- February 18 is a day of “greetings’ revolution”, presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian said addressing the residents of Gyumir, Armenia’s second largest city.

Addressing the crowd, Hovannisian said the residents of Gyumri stated they are responsible for the votes and will never sell them. He noted that although previous authorities announced their contribution to renovation of Gyumri, destroyed after the 1988 devastating earthquake, nowadays the city remains a disaster area. Hovannisian promised to tackle the problems and create new jobs in a year.

Answering to the calls to overturn the regime, Heritage party leader said he respects Serzh Sargsyan.

“But we are the opposition, we will have enough courage to express gratitude to the first, second and third presidents and tell them the new time has come when power belongs to the people,” he emphasized.

He also announced the rally planned for Sunday in Yerevan, noting it will take place regardless of whether the demonstration will be authorized or not. “If they try to block roads heading to Yerevan, I will take it into account and come here again.”

Armenian youth of France informs Parisians and tourists about falsifications of Azerbaijani propaganda

February 24, 2013 By administrator

“Nazarbek”, the youth organization of Social Democratic (Hnchakyan) Party in France conducted a campaign to inform the public about falsifications of the Azerbaijani propaganda. In one of the tourist centers of Paris, in Montmartre, activists handed out leaflets and flyers to tourists and those interested, which were reflecting the real information about Aghdam events taken place in 1992, called “Khojalu” by the Azerbaijani side.

Today the “House of Azerbaijan” held an action in Montmartre, in Paris, near the Church of the Sacre Coeur by launching balloons with the names of the victims of the events taken place in Aghdam.

On February 26, 1992, during the war in Karabakh, around 200 to 300 people (according to Human Right Watch, and 600 according to the version propagated by Azerbaijan) were killed in unknown circumstances near the city of Aghdam. They have been deliberately withheld by the Azerbaijani authorities in the midst of the military actions. Population of the village of Khojalu, which was one of the firing points shooting at the blockaded Stepanakert (among five others) was kept in the village for months by force and was not evacuated by the authorities of Azerbaijan deliberately, in order to use them as human shields later.

Residents of Khojalu coming out through the humanitarian corridor, that the self-defense forces of NKR had left open, freely passed more than 10 km and reached the Aghdam city controlled by the Azerbaijani troops. Later, not far from the positions of Azerbaijani troops dead bodies of the villagers were found. The exact death toll remains unknown as the official Baku publishes data contradicting each other. Parliamentary Commission investigating the tragic death of the civilians at Aghdam city was dissolved by the order of Heydar Aliyev, the investigative materials are kept secret.

Construction of Memorial Park in the City of Pasadena scheduled to end on the eve of Armenian Genicide 100th anniversary

February 23, 2013 By administrator

16:30, 23 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: Construction works of Memorial Park located in USA California state, city of Pasadena are set to start in 2014 and end in 2015 on the eve of April 24. As Armenpress reports, Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee states, the Memorial will be constructed and maintained entirely with private funding. Armenian communities in the Diaspora is one of the strongest Diaspora communities. It’s important to ensure that there is a public space of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Last year community leaders came together and formed the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee to establish and maintain a public memorial of the Armenian Genocide within the City.

The Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee received 17 submissions for the design of the Memorial and an independent 3 judge panel unanimously selected the design by Pasadena Art Center Environmental Design student Catherine Menard.

The central feature of Menard’s memorial’s minimalist design a carved-stone basin of water straddled by a tripod arrangement of three columns leaning into one another is a single drop of water that falls from the highest point every three seconds, each tear drop representing one life lost. Over the course of one year, 1.5 million tears will fall into the pool, the estimated number of victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Congressman Frank Pallone congratulates Artsakh people on Liberation Movement anniversary

February 23, 2013 By administrator

Congressman Frank Pallone has issued a congratulatory message to Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan on the 25th anniversary of the National Liberation Movement.

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to congratulate you, the people and government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh on the 25th anniversary of the National Liberation Movement. During these several days 25 years ago your people raised their voice for freedom and dignity and in opposition to any government that rules by despotism.

Artsakh’s path was challenged by various ordeals and your nation refused to allow these obstacles to break your will and determination. The tragedy of Sumgayit and the violence that occurred in other Azerbaijani cities 25 years ago proved the virtue of Nagorno Karabakh’s choice to preserve its people’s unique identity by establishing a sovereign democracy. I offer my sincere congratulations and praise to the republic as you continue your efforts to strengthen your democratic system of governance. I also reaffirm my commitment to stand with the people of Artsakh in their struggle towards international recognition. I look forward to the day when Artsakh will take its deserved place in the community of nations.

Armenian election campaign was free and open – UK Minister for Europe

February 22, 2013 By administrator

February 22, 2013 | 15:00

UK Foreign Office Minister of State David Lidington, who serves as Minister for Europe, responded to the Armenian Presidential election that was held on Monday. Commenting on the vote, Lidington said it marks another step forward in democratic development.

“The Armenian Presidential Election on 18 February marked another step forward in Armenia’s democratic development. The campaign was free and open and voter turn-out on polling day was good. I expect that the final result, when confirmed, will reflect the choice of the Armenian voters.

“I welcome the International Election Observation Mission’s preliminary report which concluded that the elections were characterised by a ‘respect for fundamental freedoms’ but also noted deficiencies in election administration and instances of political interference. I look forward to seeing the Mission’s final report and encourage the Armenian Government to respond constructively to any recommendations it might make.

“The British Government looks forward to working with the Armenian Government to promote the economic reforms which will underpin Armenia’s efforts to forge a stronger relationship with the EU,” David Lidington said.

Bulgaria’s Borisov accuses Turkish politician of murder plot

February 21, 2013 By administrator

SOFIA

Outgoing Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov speaks to the lawmakers in the parliament in Sofia on February 21, 2013. AFP PHOTO / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV

Bulgaria’s outgoing prime minister, who resigned shockingly yesterday, accused the Bulgarian Turk party leader of plotting an assassination attempt on his life.

Speaking from the parliamentary rostrum just minutes after Parliament accepted with overwhelming majority the resignation of his government, Boyko Borisov said the leader of the country’s Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedom (HÖH), Ahmet Doğan, wanted him dead, citing a document from the intelligence of a foreign country. Doğan was subjected to an armed assault attack Jan. 19 while on stage addressing delegates of his party.

“The intelligence agency of a partner country has provided documents, which clearly show that there were preparations for an assassination attempt on my life,” Borisov said in a short and emotional speech.

Borisov directly accused Doğan as being the mastermind behind the assassination plot and called on Parliament to form an ad hoc committee to make public the classified document, Bulgarian news agency reported.

In a response to Borisov’s claims, HÖH member Lütvi Mestan said his party would not be a part of such depression, Anatolia news agency has reported. He also claimed the party was planning to put bloody incidents on a scene, according to reports they have indicating that.

Karabakh celebrates anniversary of National-Liberation Movement

February 21, 2013 By administrator

February 20 marked the 25th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Liberation Movement. On February 20, 1988, reflecting the will of local population, Karabakh’s legislature petitioned Soviet leadership bodies of Azerbaijan and Armenia to transfer the autonomy from Soviet Azerbaijan to Soviet Armenia, aiming to correct Stalin’s self-willed decision of 1921.

“Our nation’s struggle against foreign yoke, nearly seven decades of persistent violence and oppression was at the very basis of the 1988 Movement”, said President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on this occasion.

25 years ago, Karabakh’s aspirations were fiercely opposed by the central Soviet authorities, who tried to suppress the first truly democratic movement in the crumbling USSR. Moscow deployed Soviet troops along with Azerbaijani militia to instill fear and signaling crackdown.

In response to peaceful manifestations in Stepanakert, well-organized Azeri mobs attacked and murdered hundreds of ethnic Armenians in towns and villages throughout Azerbaijan, including Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad (former Armenian Gandzak).

By 1991, Azerbaijan launched a full-scale military aggression against Nagorno Karabakh’s demand for freedom, killing thousands and destroying Armenian towns and villages. Resolution 128 by the US Senate (May, 1991) condemned “indiscriminate use of force” by Azerbaijan against “innocent children, women, and men in … communities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and in Armenia”. (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c102:S.+Res.+128:)

However, Armenians could defend their houses on the battlefield, and eventually forced the aggressor into a ceasefire, which was signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Republic in May of 1994.

Since then, NKR has been developing as an independent democracy, with effective government and well-functioning civil society.

“All of us, the whole nation will do everything possible for continuous strengthening of our independent statehood that has been reached at such a high price. It is an exclusive value without which it is impossible to think about the immortality and development of the Fatherland and the native people,” President said on the occasion.

Source: Panorama.am

Australian MP raises Genocide issue in Federal Parliament

February 21, 2013 By administrator

February 21, 2013 – 12:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander OAM, MP, has delivered a powerful speech on the Armenian community in Parliament.

During this statement, Alexander praised the life of Mr. Jacques Baran, an Armenian-Australian who was awarded City of Ryde Citizen of the Year in recognition of his years of service to the Bennelong community. In recounting the life of Mr. Baran, Alexander recounted the impact that the Armenian Genocide had on Mr. Baran, ANC Australia reported.

He said: “The acts of Genocide committed against the Armenian people in the early 20th century caused them to scatter across the globe, creating many obstacles in the perpetuation of their unique culture.”

ANC Australia Executive Director, Vache Kahramanian praised the comments and thanked Alexander for again raising this important issue.

“It is a sad reality that Armenian’s fled their ancestral homelands due to the genocide. Mr. Baran’s story is all too common amongst our community. Mr. Alexander has been a strong advocate on all issues of importance to the Armenian-Australian community and we thank him for his ongoing support,” Kahramanian said.

ANC Australia extends its warm wishes and congratulations to Mr. Jacques Baran for his achievements.