22 YEARS The Noah’s Ark #28-29 (1068-69) 20 July 2015

Weekly Newspaper HIGHLIGHTS ÜáÛÛ³Ý î³å³Ý ß³μ³Ã³Ã»ñà (³Ý·É. / ýñ³Ýë.) Presidential Body Insists On Switch To Parliamentary Republic

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In This Issue Armenian electric utility fined Noyan Tapan Video Studio by regulators p.3 is offering professional video and photography for indoor Three Young Armenian Performers Chosen and outdoor events such as weddings, birthday parties, for Tchaikovsky Competition in official events, seminars and conferences. Tel: 060 27 64 62 Russia p.10 Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009 About Indian "Breakthrough Diplomacy" p.p.12-13 Noyan Tapan Printing House Davit Tonoyan: "We Should Upgrade Our is offering coloured and black and white offset and digital Relations with Georgia in Defense" p.13 printing of books, brochures, booklets, journals, etc with high quality and low prices Tel: 060 27 64 62 Golden Apricot: Ornella Muti, Nastassja Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009 Kinski and Other Guests Delighted p.20 20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 2 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS International Genocide Scholars Meet In Armenia The International Association of Some people often use the wording ular event. After having necessary discus- Genocide Scholars (IAGS) began a confer- "tragedy" when referring to genocide. But it sions, we have accepted that offer and plan ence of its members in Yerevan on July 8, is necessary that we always use the only to hold the forum once in two years, staring underscoring its strong support for greater correct characterization of the term - from 2016. international recognition of the 1915 "crime." Tragedy can often be the result of We hold that it will be better that the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey. a technological disaster, can be the result of global forum succeeds the years of your The five-day forum titled "Comparative a natural disaster and even the result of a association's conferences, thus providing Analysis of 20th Century Genocides" is contingency. All this is in stark contrast to your organization with a new platform to attended by some 180 scholars from around genocide, a carefully calculated, planned share your experience and knowledge with the world specializing in research of crimes and prepared crime, which has a clear tar- broader circles. I officially suggest that the against humanity and seeking the preven- get, a defined set of tools and an ideology International Association of Genocide tion of more such atrocities. based on xenophobia. Scholars become the co-founder, organizer President Serzh Sargsyan took part in And taking into account the multilevel and permanent participant of the forum the solemn opening ceremony of the 12th nature of that crime, it is very important that "Against the Crime of Genocide." Meeting of the International Association of the process of its characterization, preven- Dear partakers, Genocide Scholars (IAGC) titled tion, cessation, condemnation and impos- Hundred years have passed since the "Comparative Analysis of 20th Century ing an appropriate punishment is grounded Armenian Genocide, but nothing has been Genocides." on a comprehensive approach which builds forgotten. We have not forgotten the names The Armenian president delivered a on a multidisciplinary scientific foundation. of those intellectuals, scholars and human- speech. The meeting, which is devoted to We need historians, political scientists, ists in general, who used their minds and the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as well ethnographers, culturologists, international pens to shed light on the crime committed as to the 70th Anniversary of World War II law experts, psychologists and many other 100 years ago, thus not allowing its dis- and the Holocaust, was attended by IAGC specialists to carry out an effective struggle guise at the time. And it is no accident that President Daniel Feierstein, more than a against the crime of genocide, as well as to the pillar of gratitude is one of those four hundred leading experts in genocide and outline and take steps aimed at overcoming pillars upon which the Armenian Genocide adjacent fields, as well as by eminent scien- the effects of genocides. This is why this Centennial rests: we are obliged to all those tists from all over the world. platform of the International Association of scholars and public and political figures, Address by President Serzh Sargsyan Genocide Scholars is important. You have a who, ignoring all difficulties, spoke out and at the Opening of the 12th Meeting of the professional approach to that hellish phe- continue to speak out about the Armenian International Association of Genocide nomenon which faces humanity. Genocide. Scholars Unfortunately, throughout history, vari- It is crucial to us that the fact of the Honorable Mr. Feierstein, ous interests have often overshadowed the Armenian Genocide was mentioned during Dear participants of the 12th Meeting of imperative to prevent genocides, creating the mass performed by Pope Francis, in the the International Association of Genocide unpunished precedents in human chronolo- addresses of Russia's, France's, Serbia's and Scholars, gy and thus stimulating further manifesta- Cyprus's presidents who had arrived in It is an honor for me to greet you in tions of such behavior. It is no secret that Yerevan to take part in the commemorative Armenia and signal the start of this repre- science, too, has failed to avoid attempts to events, during the remembrance ceremony sentative meeting. I am proud that being hide crimes, present victims as criminals at Washington National Cathedral, in the people who survived genocide, the most and criminals as victims, or maybe it is historic address by German President terrific crime against humanity, we have more correct to say "anti-science." Joachim Gauck where he clearly spoke managed to revive and build statehood, and Hence, I have another reason to value about the German Empire's complicity, in today we have the opportunity to be at the the mission of this meeting and your many the documents adopted by Chile's, Brazil's, forefront of the fight against the crime of years' efforts aimed at restoring historical Australia's, Luxembourg's, the genocide. justice in science. We highly appreciate the Netherlands', Russia's legislatures, by It often seems that along with the devel- fact that your association recognized and Greece and Cyprus in the resolutions crim- opment of international law and the condemned the Armenian Genocide in inalizing that crime, in the resolutions of progress in political thought, humanity 2007. authoritative international organizations, should have already overcome the calamity Ladies and gentlemen, including the European Parliament, and caused by the crime of genocide. So many Of pivotal importance is, of course, the most importantly, left footprints in the times have been talked about the compo- broad involvement of social and political hearts of tens of millions of people who nents of this crime against humanity, and so circles in preventing crimes against human- express their solidarity for the Armenian many efforts have been made to character- ity, including genocides. Political figures, people's just struggle. ize, prevent, punish and condemn this cultural, ecclesiastical and academic cir- It is in this same context that I view crime, that it would seem that the "Never cles, civil society and the free media should your decision to hold your meeting in Again" slogan will reach its full realization. direct concerted efforts at that struggle. Yerevan in this important remembrance Unfortunately, today we continue to As part of the events to mark the year. witness promotion of genocidal actions, Armenian Genocide Centennial, Yerevan We are grateful to all of you for this xenophobic propaganda and fascist ideolo- hosted the first global forum "Against the unprecedented support and courage. gy. We can observe mass killings, manifes- Crime of Genocide" in April this year. The Dear guests, tations of violence, massacres, discrimina- forum was joined by around 600 delegates, We will continue our struggle for the tion grounded on religious, national and lin- journalists, ecclesiastical leaders and schol- prevention of genocides, for which will guistic distinctions, attempts to annihilate, ars. It was not directed towards any state or always need your support and advice. Our in whole or in part, separate groups, and tar- people; it was directed at the crime of geno- struggle is aimed at restoring our rights, and geting of cultural heritage and spiritual life. cide. we are grateful to all those who support us, It points out the fact that the internation- It was exactly the forum participants' at least to those who do not hinder us. I al fight against the crime of genocide must suggestion, and Mr. Feierstein approved it, wish the meeting a fruitful work, and I wish gather momentum, acquire a new meaning that Armenia should assume a leadership you pleasant days in Armenia. and use all possible platforms. role in that issue and make that forum a reg- Thank you.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 POLITICS The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 3 Armenian electric utility fined by regulators

Russian-owned company promised to country. On June 22 thousands of mostly deduct corresponding sums from their young protesters blocked a central Yerevan electricity bills for the next few years. avenue, demanding a cancellation of the Many of those home owners seeking unpopular measure. The nonstop demon- power supplies rejected the ENA's extra stration led President Serzh Sargsyan to charges, leading the PSRC to investigate announce on June 27 that his government the matter. Bibin told the commission that will subsidize the energy tariffs to ensure he rescinded his order on June 23 even that Armenians do not pay more for elec- though he believes that it was justified tricity for now. He also announced an given his company's grave financial situa- upcoming international audit of the ENA tion. "Is that right or wrong? That is cer- aimed at determining whether the compa- Just days after facing mass protests tainly bad for consumers," he said. ny's massive losses are the result of corrup- against an electricity price hike, Armenia's Robert Nazaryan, the PSRC chairman, tion among its employees. troubled power distribution network was rejected the explanation. "If you decide Serzh Sargsyan further hinted that the fined 60 million drams ($126,000) on July what is right and what is wrong, then why government could nationalize the ENA or 8 for what state regulators called a viola- are you dealing with this commission in help its Russian parent company, Inter tion of consumer rights. the first place?" said Nazaryan. "You can RAO, sell it to another firm. The Public Services Regulatory give yourself orders and ignore Armenia's Inter RAO denied on June 29 Russian Commission (PSRC) penalized the laws and regulations." press reports that it is already holding talks Electricity Networks of Armenia (ENA) Bibin was conspicuously absent from with potential buyers. The ENA spokes- utility for demanding earlier this year the PSRC's previous meeting on June 17, woman in Yerevan, Natalia Sarjanyan, reit- advance payments from residents of newly which resulted in a more than 17 percent erated that denial on Wednesday. built houses and apartment blocks needing increase in electricity prices in Armenia. Citing unnamed sources, the Yerevan access to electricity. The ENA had been pushing for a 40 per- newspaper "Haykakan Zhamanak" insisted The ENA's embattled chief executive, cent increase. Yet even the more modest earlier in the day that the ENA's sale to a Yevgeny Bibin, ordered such payments in price hike approved by Nazaryan's com- company owned by Russian-Armenian March in addition to regular connection mission was enough to trigger angry street businessman Samvel Karapetyan is immi- fees collected from new consumers. The protests in Yerevan and other parts of the nent.

Presidential Body Insists On Switch To Parliamentary Republic A state commission formed by ments. it can be sent to the parliament for President Serzh Sargsyan on July 15 pub- The proposed changes also stipulate approval. Armenian lawmakers are licized its draft constitutional amend- that the 131-member National Assembly expected to start debating it in September. ments envisaging Armenia's transforma- will be elected only on the party-list The Sargsyan administration is expected tion into a parliamentary republic with a basis. That would lead to the abolition of to put the amendments on a referendum largely ceremonial head of state not elect- 41 single-seat constituencies that have later this year or early next. ed by popular vote. been critical for Sargsyan's control of the Most Armenian opposition parties are The amendments reaffirm the com- parliament ensured through his categorically against the proposed switch mission's belief that the executive author- Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). to the parliamentary republic. They main- ity in the country must be fully vested in However, this change could be offset tain that Sargsyan is keen to stay in power the prime minister and their cabinet by another draft amendment mandating in another capacity after completing his formed by the parliamentary majority. the conduct of a second round of voting if second and final presidential term in The prime minister would also be no political party or bloc wins a clear par- 2018. empowered to pick the chief of staff of liamentary majority. The run-off parlia- At least two such parties, the Armenia's armed forces and would mentary vote would pit the two leading Armenian National Congress (HAK) and become their commander-in-chief in election contenders against each other. Zharangutyun (Heritage), have signaled times of war. The constitutional package needs to their intention to try to scuttle the consti- By contrast, the president of the be formally endorsed by Sargsyan before tutional reform with street protests. republic would be stripped of their presently sweeping powers. Under the Noyan Tapan Press-Center amendments submitted to Sargsyan, the Noyan Tapan Press Center holds different discussions, press confer- head of state would be elected for a 7- ences, round tables, teleconferences, seminars each week which year term by an electoral college com- are broadcast live on the Internet. We invite you to take advantage prising members of the Armenian parlia- of the Center, as well as to place your banner in our Press Room. ment and representatives of local govern- Tel: 060 27 64 62. Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 4 www.nt.am POLITICS Armenian Justice Minister Resigns

In a move which some observers link with a controversial constitutional reform planned by President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia's Justice Minister Hovannes Manukyan has unexpectedly stepped down after only 14 months in office. Sargsyan's office gave no explana- tions when it announced late on Tuesday a presidential decree relieving Manukyan of his duties. The announcement came less than a week after the minister went abroad on vacation. Manukyan, who has not yet returned to Armenia, did not comment on his res- ignation. He did not answer phone calls on Wednesday. all." headed Armenia's Court of Cassation Some Armenian media commentators A Dashnaktsutyun representative from 2005-2008. He is thought to have were quick to speculate that Manukyan insisted that a new power-sharing deal played a decisive role in the sensational resigned to pave the way for the appoint- with Sarkisian is "not on our agenda." He acquittal in 2006 of three soldiers ment as justice minister of a member of said the party has held no such talks with accused of murder. A lower court had the Armenian Revolutionary Federation the presidential camp. sentenced them to life imprisonment on (Dashnaktsutyun), a rare opposition party Some sources familiar with what human rights groups denounced as supporting the planned constitutional Manukyan's thinking suggested, mean- trumped-up charges. reform. while, the minister decided to quit In what was widely construed as a Representatives of both because he was upset with the fact that he demotion, Manukyan was appointed as Dashnaktsutyun and the ruling was not included in a presidential com- Armenia's ambassador in Georgia in Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) dis- mission tasked with drafting sweeping September 2008, shortly after praising missed the speculation. "What are constitutional amendments that would tens of thousands of opposition support- Dashnaktsutyun members to do with transform Armenia into a parliamentary ers who took to the streets of Yerevan in that?" said Vahram Baghdasaryan, a sen- republic. the wake of a disputed presidential elec- ior HHK figure. "I see no connection at Manukyan, 43, is a former judge who tion held in February 2008. OSCE Concerned About Criminal Case Against Armenian Journalist A senior official from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe expressed concern on July 16 at criminal proceedings launched against the editor of an Armenian media outlet critical of the government. The OSCE' Vienna-based representative on press freedom, Dunja Mijatovic, said the Armenian authorities should not prose- cute Kristine Khanumyan for her refusal to disclose the confiden- tial source of a story reported by her Ilur.am news portal last year. The report implicated the then police chief of Armenia's Shirak province in a violent attack on two young men. The Special Investigative Service (SIS) ordered Ilur.am as well as the independent newspaper "Hraparak" to disclose their anonymous sources, saying that is necessary for solving the case. Both publications refused to comply with the order backed by Armenian courts. Earlier this week, Khanumian was formally precisely defined national security concerns or protection of other charged under an article of the Armenian Criminal Code carrying overriding interests, the state should ensure full protection against heavy fines and up to two years in prison. any legal or administrative sanctions related to disclosure of the "Members of the media should not be held liable for publish- identity of journalists' sources." ing or disseminating information of public interest," Mijatovic "This principle is one of the basic requirements for the exis- wrote in a letter to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. "Unless tence of independent journalism and free media," added the letter information is legitimately classified as secret on the grounds of publicized by her office.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 POLITICS The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 5 Russian, Armenian PMs Discuss Yerevan Protests Armenia" and Russian-Armenian energy ties that have long been central to power generation and distribution in the South Caucasus state. It gave no details of that discussion. The statement added that Medvedev and Abrahamyan met tete-a-tete before being joined by senior officials from their governments, including Armenian Energy Minister Yervand Zakharyan, to explore ways of "further strengthening Russian- Armenian trade and economic relations." It reported no concrete agreements to that effect. Medvedev's office also said nothing about the results of the talks. A Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission on Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his visiting economic cooperation already discussed the situation with Armenian counterpart Hovik Abrahamyan discussed on July 9 Armenian electricity supplies in Yerevan on July 26, at the the fallout from dramatic street protests in Yerevan against an height of a nonstop demonstration there against the more than electricity price hike that was initiated by Armenia's Russian- 17 percent surge in energy tariffs. It agreed on the need for an owned power grids. emergency audit of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) Medvedev reiterated Russian concerns over the unrest in his that would determine whether the price hike was justified or opening remarks at their talks in Moscow publicized by his resulted from corruption within the power utility owned by press service. He said he and Abrahamian will look into "some Russia's Inter RAO group. issues of energy cooperation" between Armenia and Russia The commission's Russian co-chair, Transport Minister which are "relevant to the present day." Maxim Sokolov, also discussed the matter in separate talks with "And in general, I would like to hear your opinion about President Serzh Sargsyan and other senior Armenian officials. how events are developing in your country because the recent Sargsyan announced on June 27 that the Armenian government period was quite heated," Medvedev told Abrahamyan. "We are will subsidize the tariffs until the release of the audit's findings. closely watching what is happening in Armenia because you are The source of that subsidy remains unknown, with officials our neighbor, ally and close state, and we are certainly not indif- in Yerevan saying only that no funds will be diverted from the ferent to how events unfold in a friendly country." Armenian state budget for that purpose. This issue might have "Things are very stable in our country right now," replied been on the agenda of Thursday's Russian-Armenian negotia- Abrahamyan. "Armenia is making every effort to bolster its tions. allied partnership with Russia." Welcoming Abrahamyan in his office, Medvedev spoke of An Armenian government statement on the talks said the "certain proposals" submitted by the Armenian side ahead of the two men discussed "recent internal political developments in talks. He did not disclose them in his opening remarks.

Russian Troops In Armenia Inspected ing ranges in central Armenia. "The work of the commission will allow the SMD to objec- tively evaluate the state of combat readiness of the inspected troops and give the commanders and entire personnel of the Russian military base in Armenia more practical experience in accomplishing tasks set for them," added the statement. The Russian troops already held "command and staff exercis- es" at the two locations in April. Their aviation unit numbering more than three dozen MiG-29 fighter jets and Mi-24 combat hel- icopters also took part in those drills. Russia deployed the helicopters at Yerevan's Erebuni military The Russian military began on July 7 what it described as a airfield last year as part of a broader reinforcement of its military "sudden inspection" of its troops stationed in Armenia through presence in Armenia. It also modernized the MiG-29 jets stationed exercises that are aimed at evaluating their combat readiness. there. Russia's Southern Military District (SMD) said an ad hoc com- The Russian military presence has long been a major element mission headed by its deputy commander, Lieutenant-General of the South Caucasus country's defense doctrine. Armenian lead- Igor Turchenyuk, will inspect ground troops in Gyumri and war- ers say it is primarily needed for precluding Turkey's direct mili- planes and combat helicopters in Yerevan making up the Russian tary intervention on Azerbaijan's side in case of another war for military base in the country. Nagorno-Karabakh. Russian and Armenian soldiers practiced a A statement released by the SMD said those units will be put joint operation against an imaginary enemy codenamed on high alert and told to conduct unplanned exercises at two shoot- "Ottomania" when they last held joint drills in September 2014.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 6 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights ECONOMY EU drugs agency, National Security Council of Armenia step up cooperation The European Union and Armenia The agreement provides for an will cooperate more actively on monitor- exchange of technical expertise and ing the drug phenomenon in future, knowledge between the two bodies, the thanks to a Memorandum of co-sponsoring of technical meetings and Understanding (MoU) signed on July 16 the pooling of human and financial in Yerevan between the EU drugs agency resources to launch joint programmes. (EMCDDA) and the National Security The NSC will endeavor to present to the Council of Armenia (NSC). EMCDDA an annual report on the drug The agreement was signed by situation in Armenia. The EMCDDA, for EMCDDA Director Wolfgang Götz and its part, will facilitate training as well as NSC Chief of staff, Aram Tananyan. the exchange of experts and scientific Armenia - a country of the European research findings on issues of mutual Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) area - sub- interest. mitted a formal request for cooperation Both organizations recognize that with the EMCDDA in 2013 (1). This led enhance the partners' monitoring and information on the drugs phenomenon is to a green light from the EMCDDA knowledge base on the drug situation and an essential and indispensable instrument Management Board in July that year for responses to it, particularly through har- for drafting and implementing drug poli- the agency to negotiate the MoU with the monizing key indicators in areas of both cies and for assessing the impact of NSC. supply and demand. actions to reduce the problems originat- Today's accord - signed for an initial Special attention will be given to the ing from drug use and trafficking. period of five years and sealing coopera- regular exchange of information on the This cooperation takes place within tion between the two partners - will be appearance on the drug market and use of the EMCDDA's mandate for cooperation implemented through a joint work pro- new psychotropic substances, as well as with third (non-EU) countries in consul- gramme to be updated every three years. the technologies employed in their pro- tation with its Management Board and This programme will include steps to duction. the European Commission. Armenian agricultural exports surge in 2015

Exports of Armenian agricultural year on year, the official figures show. main market abroad. products soared by more than 55 percent Armenian apricot production col- They will also be facilitated by a in physical terms in the first half of this lapsed from almost 90,000 tons in 2013 Russian ban on food imports from the year, reflecting a bumper harvest of apri- to just 8,000 tons in 2014, owing to a United States and Europe which Moscow cots and other fruits, according to official devastating spring blizzard. Agriculture imposed last August in retaliation for statistics released on July 6. Minister Sergo Karapetyan predicted last Western economic sanctions. On the Data from the Ministry of Agriculture month it will surpass the 2013 level this other hand, export revenue from shows that Armenia exported just over year thanks to very favorable weather Armenian farming output will be dragged 40,000 metric tons of fruits and vegeta- conditions. down by last year's sharp depreciation of bles, up from 25,700 tons in the same Karapetyan said that Armenia's recent the Russian ruble. period last year. accession to the Russian-led Eurasian Although the Ministry of Agriculture Apricots accounted for more than Economic Union (EEU) paved the way did not estimate the monetary value of one-third of this figure. Their first-half for "large-scale exports" of apricots and the agricultural exports, the rapid growth sales abroad were up more than tenfold other agricultural produce to Russia, their of their physical volume is certain to boost Armenia's overall agricultural out- put. With agriculture generating roughly one-quarter of Gross Domestic Product, that could in turn reflect positively on the country's broader macroeconomic per- formance. The Armenian government has insist- ed in recent weeks that the domestic economy will continue to grow this year despite spillover effects of a recession in Russia. The International Monetary Fund, for its part, has forecast zero growth for the country in 2015.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 ECONOMY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 7 Armenia Hails Iran Nuclear Deal the paper, according to the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Armenian government data shows that the volume of Armenian-Iranian trade stood at a relatively modest $290 million last year, accounting for less than 5 per- cent of Armenia's overall foreign trade. Armenia also uses Iran as a transit route for its trade with other Middle Eastern states and China. The long-standing sanctions have hampered the implementation of Armenian-Iranian energy projects such as the $350 million construction of a big hydroelectric plant on the Arax river sepa- rating the two countries. Yerevan and Tehran also plan to build a new high-volt- Armenia promptly welcomed on July Official Yerevan reacted just as quick- age transmission line that will enable 11 a historic international agreement to ly and positively when Iran, the U.S., the Armenia to export much more electricity curb neighboring Iran's controversial European Union, Russia and China to the Islamic Republic and import larger nuclear program, expressing hope that it worked out the main parameters of the volumes of Iranian natural gas. will help to deepen Armenian-Iranian deal in early April. The final deal envis- These projects have repeatedly fallen commercial ties. ages a gradual lifting of crippling interna- behind schedule not least because of seri- Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian tional sanctions imposed on Iran because ous Armenian government restrictions issued a special statement shortly after Iran of its alleged efforts to develop nuclear imposed, under Western pressure, on cash and the United States and five other world weapons. operations between Armenian and Iranian powers hammered out a final nuclear deal The Armenian ambassador in Tehran, banks. after marathon negotiations in Vienna. Artashes Tumanyan, also underlined Close relations with Iran have long "This long-awaited agreement is an Yerevan's strong interest in the lifting of been a matter of national consensus in important achievement that will help to the sanctions in an interview with the Armenia, reflecting the landlocked coun- strengthen international and regional sta- Iranian newspaper "Donya-e Eqtesad" try's unresolved conflicts and closed bor- bility and cooperation," Nalbandian said. given ahead of the Vienna accord. "The ders with two other Muslim neighbors: "We are hopeful that it will give a further economic situation in the whole region Azerbaijan and Turkey. Iran as well as boost to the expansion of Armenia's eco- would fundamentally change and obvious- Georgia have been Armenia's sole con- nomic cooperation with friendly Iran and ly Armenia too would take advantage of duits to the outside world ever since its the implementation of bilateral projects." new favorable conditions," Tumanyan told independence. Indian Government okays signing of agriculture agreement with Armenia

tion of an Inter-Governmental agreement between India and Armenia, on cooperation in the field of Agriculture, the Business Standard reports. This Agreement will promote cooperation through short and medium term programs, within the framework of the joint activ- ities mentioned in the agreement. The Biennial Work Plan will be drawn up by mutual agreement between the two parties to give effect to the objectives of the agreement. The agreement will pro- vide for a Joint Working Group for agricultural cooperation which shall be responsible for elaborating Biennial Work Plans. The Joint Working Group shall identify areas and forms of coop- eration, and shall coordinate their implementation. The Joint Working Group shall meet periodically and alternatively in India and Armenia. India's Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri The agreement will promote understanding of best agricultur- Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for signing and ratifica- al practices in the two countries and will be mutually beneficial.

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Price:1.000.000 USD Š3003.Sayat-Nova str, 5/3, 105sq.m, 2bedrooms, negotiable Š3576.Avan, Tsarav Akhbyur /near Botanical gar- stone building, capitally repaired. Price: Negotiable Š2155.Mashtots ave., 3storied building, 540sq.m., den/, Land-560sq.m., 4 storied building-560sq.m., Š1560.Northern Ave., Newly built,10/3, 130 sq.m., each floor-180sq.m, window glasses,parking. 4 bedrooms, 4bathrooms, a kitchen, office, capitally 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired,climate Price:3.600.000 USD repaired, heating system, swimming pool, garden, 2 control, parking. Price: Š2020.Hr. Kochar str., car parking. Price: 850.000 USD 400.000 USD. Land-300sq.m,1st line, Š3606.Avan, Tsarav Akhbyur/near Botanical gar- Š2818.Northern Ave., 4storied building, den/, Land-1000sq.m.,3 storied building- Newly built, 3rd floor, 1080sq.m.,each floor- 750sq.m.,6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 120sq.m, 2 bedrooms,2 270sq.m, h-3.6m,with- capitally repaired, heating system swimming pool, bathrooms,capitally out divisions, parkings, 3 garden, sauna, 2 car parking. Price-1.500.000 USD repaired, heating system, Ac, access. Price:1.400.000 Š3574.Blur, Land-779sq.m.,2 storied building- furnished. USD negotiable 720sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, study, capitally Price:400.000USD Š1986.Cascade, Land repaired, heating system,sauna swimming pool, gar- Š1156.Komitas Ave., 1000sq.m. 3storied den. Price: 2.000.000 USD Hambardzumyan str. 5/3, building1200sq.m., Š3590 Blur, Barbyus str., Land-450 sq.m.,4 sto- 110sq.m, 2 bedrooms, capi- unfinished, parking. ried building-470sq.m.,3bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, tally repaired, heating sys- Price:1.000.000 USD. capitally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. tem, kitchen is furnished. Š2167.Sayat Nova str., Price: 680.000 USD Price: 150.000 USD nego- newly built, 38sq. m, Š3651.Blur, Barbyus str., Land-900sq.m.,5 storied tiable. capitally repaired. Price: building-800sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, capi- Š2949.Aram str., Newly 200.000 USD tally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. built, 1st floor, 143 sq.m, 2 bedrooms, zero state, Š2175.Tumanyan str, Ground and 1st floorof the Price:1.700.000 USD. Price: 2000 USD per sq.m. building, 600sq.m, ground floor300sq.m, 1st floor- Š3401.Antarayin str, Newly built, land-700sq.m, 3 Š2300.Northern ave., Newly built, 6/2, 130 sq.m., 220sq,m, basement-80sq.m, - 1st line, zero level, 2 storied bld-690sq.m, 5 bedrooms, capitally repaired. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating entrances, facade-15m, 4 window glasses, capitally Price: 1.300.000 USD system, AC,parking. Price: 400.000 USD. reapired, heating system, AC, Price: 3500 USD per Š3712 Cascade Newly built, land-450sq.m, 4 sto- sq.m, ried bld-600sq.m, zero state. Price: 550.000 USD 3 ROOMS Š2172. Isahakyan str, 92sq.m, 1st line, 7 degrees above zero level, facade-9m, 2 window NEWLY BUILT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS Š3046.Amiryan str., Newly built, 9/9, 81sq.m.,with- glasses, h-3.20m, 2 halls, cabinet, bathroom, capital- out divisions. Price:Negotiable. ly repaired, heating system. Price: 450.000 USD Š74.Cascade, Verin Antarayin. 136-315 sq m.,walls Š3012.Aram str, Newly built, /7th floor, 136sq.m, 3 plastered, electricity, water, gas, euro windows,no bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating exploitation fees. Price:1200 USD per sq.m, parking system, AC, parking, facing to bulvar, Price:300.000 LANDS -15.000 USD. USD negotiable. Š2122.Davitashen, 1800 sq.m., water, gas, electrici- Š107.Monument, Verin Antarayin. inhabited, 8 Š2998.North Ave, Newly built, 9/6, 181sq.m, 3bed- ty, possible to sell separately 600 sq.m., and 1200 floors, gas, windows, street view -1000 USD per rooms, capitally repaired, climate control, parking, sq.m. Price: 150 USD per sq.m. sq.m., city looking -1500 USD per sq.m., parking - 4 Price: 700.000 USD Š2121.Demirchyan str., 1338 sq.m.,building per- million USD preliminary. Š2682.Aram Str., Newly built,13/6 187sq.m., 3 bed- mits. Price: 2million USD. Š87.Sayat-Nova str., 21 floors, 3 bedrooms -188 rooms,2 bathrooms, 2 open balconies, capitally rea- Š2013.Cascade. 1000 sq.m. building permits, first sq.m., 199 sq.m., Price 1900 USD per sq.m., 2 bed- paired,heating systen, 2AC, 2 garages, view to gar- line, gas, water and electricity possibilities. Price rooms have a beautiful sight - 117 sq.m., 120 sq.m., den. Price: 550.000 USD negotiable. 460.000USD 124 sq.m.,Price: 1700 USD per sq.m., climate con- Š2958.Pushkin str., 5/2, 140 sq.m., stone building,4 Š1402.Hr. Kochar Str., 1100 sq. m.,facade -25 m. trol, gas. bedrooms,capitally repaired,heating system. Price: Price negotiable. Š93.Kievyan str., Given to the operation in October Negotiable. Š2090.Lori region, close to Stepanavan, Gyargyar 2011, 16 floors, walls plastered, windows, exterior Š2895.Northern Ave., Newly built, 3rd floor, village, 6 hectares, forest 2 hectare has building per- doors, h -3, 15 m, gas,parking. Price: 1500- 300sq.m,3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,capitally repaied, mits, 3 water source, electricity. Price: 100.000USD. 1600USD per sq.m,parking-12 000 USD. Possible climate control, AC. Price: negotiable Š2406.Avan, Mher Mkrtchyan block, 1000 sq.m., with mortgage, for 13 years term. Š2802.Amiryan str., Newly built,8/4, electricity, gas, water, the district is inhabited. Price: Š94.Masiv. 3floors,8 flats,each flat has 3 bed- 166sq.m,3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,capitally repaired, 30USD per sq.m rooms, 210 sq.m., parking. Price: negotiable. central heating,AC,security system. Price:320.000 Š2310.Monument, Babayan str, 1000 sq. m, Š130.Antarayin str., 34 flats, 110-275 sq.m., 4 USD. facade-25m, privatized, Price:350 USD negotiable penthouses-200-275sq.m,available sevices-car Š1104.Komitas Ave., Aram Khachatryan str., 5/2, Š2107.Monument, 2400sq.m, building permits, wash, cleaning service, garbage removal service, 125sq.m.,stone bld, h-2.75m.,3 bedrooms, office, 2 building project. Price: 400 USD per sq.m. parking. Price: Negotiable bathrooms, old repair, gas, garage. Price: 130.000 Š2413.Ashtarak roadway, 1000sq.m, building Š131.Busand str., commercial, office and resi- USD permits, building project. Price: Negotiable dential areas, penthouse, available sevices-car Š2836.Pushkin str., 4/4,5, 400sq.m., 3 bedrooms, 3 Š2414.Demirchyan str. land-750sq.m., building wash, cleaning service, garbage removal service, bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, AC. permits. Price:750.000 USD. parking. Price: Negotiable Price: 460.000 USD.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 FOR RENT The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 9 YOUR CHOICE IS OUR CHOICE www.mrealty.am (010) 564631 (010) 562181 [email protected] 12 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan, Armenia Price: Negotiable. capitally repaired, heating system, sauna, gym, fur- 1 ROOM Š2310 Busand str., Newly built, 190sq.m, 3bed- nished, swimming-pool, garden. Price: 4.000 USD rooms, 3bathrooms, capitally repaired, furnished, negotiable. Š2037.Baghramyan str., 5/2, 60sqm, 1 bedroom, parking. Price: 2500 USD Š1142.Djrvej, Bagrevand community. Land-1000 euro repaired, gas, heating system, AC, modern fur- Š2316 Northern Ave, Newly built,6th floor, sq.m., 3 storied bld.-700 sq.m., 5 bedrooms, 5 bath- nished,equipped. Price:negotiable 227sq.m.,4bedrooms, 2bathrooms, guest toilet, cap- rooms, pantry, playing room, capitally repaired, no Š2189.Vardanants str., Newly built,24/12, 90 sqm, itally repaired, furnished,parking. Price:2500 USD furniture/ can be furnished, if necessary /garage for 1 bedroom, capitally repaired, furnished, equipped. Š2303 Hanrapetutyan str Newly built, 9/5, 2 cars. Price: 4 000 USD. Price: 1000 USD. 165sq.m, 3bedrooms,1bathroom, 1 guest toilet. cap- Š1293.Nork-Marash, Land-1100sq.m,2 storied bld- Š2099.Sayat-Nova Ave., 12/6, 1 bedroom, capital- itally repaired, furnished, parking. Price: 2000 USD 520 sq.m, 6 bedrooms,5 bathrooms, capitally ly repaired,gas, heating system, AC, furnished, Š2286.Sose str, Newly built, 12/2, 154sq.m, 3bed- repaired, heating system, AC, swimming pool, gar- equipped. Price:600 USD. rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally reapired, furnished, den.Price7.000 USD Š1972.Northern ave., 8/4, 80sq.m.,1bedrrom, 2 equipped. Price: 1700 USD Š327. Nork-Marash, Land-500sq.m.,4 storied bathrooms, open kitchen, capitally repaired, climate Š2257.Northern Ave., Newly built, 17/16, 160 building-600 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, capi- control. Price: 1200 USD sq.m.,3 bedrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, tally repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, Š2171.Tumanyan str., Newly built, 5th floor, 94 AC, parking. Price: Negotiable swimming pool, garden, sauna, 2 car parking. Price- sq.m., 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, capitally repaired, Š2021.Teryan Str., Newly built,9/8,9, 245 sq.m., 4 4000 USD central heating, furnished, equipped. Price: 1000 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,capitally repaired, heating Š1306. Tsarav Akhbyur /near Botanical garden/, USD system, furnished. Preliminary price: 3500 USD. Land-1000sq.m., 3 storied building-750sq.m., 6 bed- Š2367.Northern ave., Newly built, 9th flloor, 98 Š2005.Northern Ave., Newly built,8/8, 130 sq.m, 3 rooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, capitally repaired, sq.m., capitally repaired, heating system, furnished bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating heating system swimming pool, garden, sauna, 2 car equipped. Price: Negotiable. system, furnished, parking. Price: 2200 USD. parking, with or without furniture. Price:6000-8000 Š1723.Northern Ave., Newly built,8/4., 170 sq.m 3 USD negotiable bedrooms,3 bathrooms, open kitchen, capitally Š1288. Tsarav Akhbyur /near Botanical garden/, 2 ROOMS repaired, furnished, equipped. Price: 2000 USD. Land-560sq.m., 4 storied building-560 sq.m., 4 bed- Š1981.Vardanants Str., Newly built, 14/14, 140 sq rooms, 4bathrooms, a kitchen, office, capitally Š2302 North Ave, Newly built, 11/4, 137sq.m, m,3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, swim- 2bedrooms,2bathrooms,capitally repaired, furnished, heating system, AC, 3 open baconies, furnished, ming pool,garden, 2 car parking. Price: 5000 USD parking. Price: 2000 USD equipped,parking. Price: 2000 USD. Š1197. Blur, Land-779sq.m.,2 storied building- Š2295 North Ave., Newly built,16/15, Š1793.Teryan str., Newly built, 8th floor, 260 720sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, study, capitally 173sq.m.,2bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,capitally sq.m.,3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study, capitally repaired, heating system, sauna swimming pool, gar- repaired, furnished. Price:5000 USD repaired, climat control, parking, unfurnished (possi- den. Price:8000 USD Š2290 Bayron str., Newly built, /5th floor, 220sq.m, ble to furnish), Price: 3500 USD. Š1312. Blur, Barbyus str., Land-450sq.m., 4 sto- 2bedrooms, study, open kitchen, 2 bathrooms, capi- Š1720.Amiryan str., Newly built,16/10, 179 sq.m, 3 ried building-470sq.m., 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, tally repaired, climate control,furnished, parking. bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, central capitally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. Price: Price: 4000 USD heating, AC, cellar- 25sq.m, with or without furniture, Negotiable Š1780.Amiryan str, Newly built, /13th floor, 82 parking, Price 3000 USD negotiable Š1317. Blur, Barbyus str., Land-900sq.m.,5 storied sq.m, 2 bedrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, Š2195.Northern ave., building-800sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, capi- AC, furnished, equipped. Newly built, 3rd floor, tally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. Price: Price: 1700 USD nego- 300sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 4 Negotiable. tiable. bathrooms, 2 kitchens, cap- Š1323.Monument, Babayan str, Land - 400 sq.m, 3 Š942.Teryan str. 4/3, 130 itally repaired,climate con- storied bld-300sq.m, each floor-100sq.m, 4 bed- sq.m.,2 bedrooms, capitally trol, AC, parking. rooms, 4 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating sys- repaired, heating system, Price:5000 USD tem, AC, furnished, equipped. Price: Negotiable furnishred, equipped. Price: Š2261.Hin Yerevantsi, 1500 USD. /North Avenue/, Newly Š1950.Buzand/Mashtots PREMISES built, 10/3, 124sq.m., 2 area. Newly built,8th floor, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 163 sq.m.,2 bedrooms, 2 Š2049.Teryan str, ground floor+basemnet, 1st capitally repaired, heating bathrooms, capitally line, 200sq.m, repaired. Price: 6.000 USD system, AC, furnished, repaired,climate control, Š1693.Malatia-Sebastia 4 storied building, equipped, parking. Price: furnished, open balcony. 1200sq.m, each floor-300sq.m, 2 separate 1700 USD Price: 2500 USD. entrances, climate control, 2 elevators, basement, Š2084.Tumanyan str., 4th Š1681.Northern Ave., Newly built,6/2,130 sq.m.,2 parking. Price: 15USD per sq.m. floor, 200sq.m, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating Š1526.Byuzand str., 5/semi-basement, 170 sqm., repaired, climate control, parking. Price:5000 USD system, AC,parking. Price: 2000 USD. 4-5 degrees below zero level,window glasses, cellar Š2252.Northern ave, 7th floor, 350 sq.m., 3 bed- Š1535.Busand str., Newly built, 7/4, 82sq.m,2bed- - 50 sq.m.,6 rooms, the largest is 30 sq.m., 2 rooms, 4 bathrooms, study, open balconies, capitally rooms, capitally repaired, heating system, AC, park- entrances, 2 lavatories. Price 2000 USD per month, repaired, climate control, parking. Price Negotiable. ing, furnished, equipped. Price: Negotiable. negotiable. Š2089.Northern ave., Newly built,8/6, 120sq.m.,2 Š1408.Zarobyan str., /parallel to Baghramyan bedrooms,2 bathrooms, capitally reapired, climate PRIVATE HOUSES str./, 2 storied building,600 sqm. ground floor- hall control, furnished, equipped. Price: 2500 USD and kitchen,1st floor 5 rooms, bathroom, open bal- Š1738.Amiryan str., 8/8, 159sq.m.,2 bedrooms, 2 Š1335 Baghramyan str., Land-200sq.m, 3storied cony, capitally repaired, gas, heating system,park- bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, park- bld-300sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 3bathrooms,capitally ing. Price: Negotiable. ing. Price: Negotiable repaired, furnished. Price: 3000 USD Š1462.Teryan str., 3 storied building, 800 sq.m., Š1951.Busand str., Newly built, 13th floor, Š1336 Aygedzor, Land-1000sq.m, 2 storied bld- capitally repaired, AC, parking, Price: 10.000 USD. 122sq.m, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally 240sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathroosm,capitally Š1945.Mashtots Ave., 5/1,2, 140sq.m., window repaired, climate control. Price: 2500 USD repaired, furnished. Price:2000 USD glasses, capitally repaired, AC. Price: 8000 USD Š1406.Sayat Nova ave., 7/3, 110sq.m., 2 bed- Š1337 Davtashen Land-406sq.m,3 storied bld- Š1943.Tumanyan str., Ground floor of the build- rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally reapired, heating sys- 306sq.m, 4bedrooms, 2bathrooms, capitally ing, 265sq.m.,1st line, capitally repaired, heating tem, furnished, equipped. Price: Negotiable repaired, furnished. Price:3900 USD system, cellar. Price: 7000 USD Š2109.Northern ave., Newly built,10/4, 137sq.m, Š1323.Monument, Babayan str, Land-400sq.m, Š1868.Tumanyan str., Ground floor of the build- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, central 3storied bld-300sq.m, 4bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, ing, 220sq.m.,1st line, facade-55m.,capitally heating, furnished, equipped, parking. Price: 2000 capitally repaired. Price: Negotiable repaired, h-5m., cellar. Price: 15.000 USD. USD. Š1248.Aygedzor, Land - 1021 sq m ,3 storied bld. - Š2087.Northern ave., Ground floor of the build- Š2243.Buzand str, Newly built, 17/4, 125sq.m, 2 501 sq.m., 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, capital- ing, 100sq.m,1st line, zero level, capitally repaired, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating ly repaired, central heating, AC, sauna, boiler room window glasses. Price: Negotiable. system, AC, furnished, equipped. Price: 2000 USD garden, swimming pool, garage, alarming system, Š2033.Abovyan str, 388sq,m, Ground floor of Š Amiryan str, Newly built, 14/5, 120sqm, 2 bed- security system. Price: 8000 USD. the building, 3 degrees above zero level, windoq rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating sys- Š999.Aygedzor, Land -1000 sqm, basement + 2 glasses, h-3m.,basement-235sq.m, capitally tem, AC, partly furnished. Price 2000 USD floors- 310 sqm, capitally repaired, 4 bedrooms, 4 repaired, heating system, AC. Price: 15.000 USD bathrooms, newly furnished, equipped, sauna, Š2031.Vardanants str, 500sq.m, ground floor of swimming-pool. Starting Price: 5000 USD. the building, 2 entrances, facade-20m, window 3 ROOMS AND MORE Š1094.Noy block, Land-450sqm, 2 storied building glasses, without divisions, ,basement-250sq.m, - 220sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally Price:8000 USD Š2347 Teryan str. Newly built, 10/8, 320sq.m, repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, swim- Š2027.Sayat Nova str, 95sq.m, ground floor of 3bedrooms, office, 3 bathrooms, capitally repaired, ming pool, garden. Price: 2000USD. the building, 2 entrances, 7 degrees above zero furnished. Price: Negotiable Š1195.Nork, Armenakyan str., Land - 2000 sq.m, level, 4 window glasses, capitally repaired. Price: Š2277.Kievyan str. duplex, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath- 4 storied bld.-520 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 4bathrooms, 4.000 USD rooms, capitally repaired, with or without furniture.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 10 www.nt.am SOCIETY Andrey Shcherbak: "All the Conditions to Hold Tchaikovsky Competition One Day Here in Yerevan Exist" Three Armenian performers will participate in the 9th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Youth in December’15 in Novosibirsk of Russia

By Gourgen James Khazhakian people from Armenia have participated in dren will return with laurels. " Chief Correspondent the International Tchaikovsky Competition, Director of State Youth Orchestra of reminding as an instance Sergey Armenia Anna Ter-Hovakimyan said it was Three Armenian performers will take Smbatyan’s (currently the Founding Artistic great honor for them to come up with a con- part in the 9th International Competition for Director and the Principal Conductor of the cert of the Armenia finalists of the Tchai- Young Musicians after P.I.Tchaikovsky to State Youth Orchestra of Armenia - NT) kovsky International Youth Competition. be held on December 5-15 in the Russian play in Japan years ago, that, in his own During the press conference the paral- City of Novosibirsk. This was announced words, was "a very interesting one". lels were taken between the Aram on July 7 at the Yerevan Komitas Chamber According to Mr Shcherbak, "they in Japan Khachatourian and Tchaikovsky interna- Music Competition at a news conference. remember Sergey, and later he became a tional competitions. It was especially They are Arthur Grigoryan (piano), prominent musical figure." By the way, stressed that Yerevan Khachatourian Con- Andranik Aghajanyan (cello) and Diana Sergey Smbatyan, as a performer (violin) test winners had become later the laureates Adamyan (violin); all the three are the who took part in the Tchaikovsky Youth of the International Tchaikovsky Competi- Yerevan Tchaikovsky Music School stu- Competition once, has been invited to be a tion. So, the 9th Aram Khachatourian dents. jury member of the 9th Competition to be International Competition (2013) winner, The Competition is organized by the held in December in Novosibirsk. cellist Andrey Ionita (Romania) has won Association of the International Tchaikovs- Citing another talented young Armenian the 15th International Tchaikovsky Compe- ky Competition Stars and the Interstate De- cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan who became tition held recently. In turn, the Khachatou- velopment Corporation (“MKR”). Inter- the Tchaikovsky Youth Competition winner rian Competition’12 winner violinist Pavel state Development Milyukov this year won the 3rd Corporation Deputy Di-rec- Prize at the Tchaikovsky tor General Sergey International Com-petition. Demensky began his speech Andrey Sherbak noted that with the following words: both the Khachatourian and "It is perhaps a symbolic Tchaikovsky Competitions are to thing that we have gathered raise the young talents to musical in the Hall named after elite heights. For example, cellist Great Komitas (the founder Narek Hakhnazaryan who won of the contemporary the Khachatourian Contest, and Armenian classical music later the Tchaikovsky Competiti- who suffered mentally after on, is a world-class star already. being an eye-witness of hor- "I think this wonderful partner- rors of the Armenian ship between the two competi- Genocide 1915 in Ottoman tions will be very fruitful," said Empire), the great art of Mr Shcherbak. According to who has proved to be above common opinion of the speakers, his life tragic circumstances the fact that the winners of the ... His music, being based on Khachatourian International the pure Armenian folk Competition become laureates of melodi-es, encompassed the Tchaikovsky Competition, is elements of both the European and the years ago and went on to become the adult one more evidence of the Khachatourian Russian music as well, and I wish the young contest winner several tears later, Andrey Competition’s high level. The talents participants of the Tchaikovsky Intl Shcherbak stressed that the Competittion revealed at the Khachatourian Competition Competititon to contribute in future to the for the Young was a "foundry" for the same become a world famous musicians within world music as much as the Great Komitas name competition for their older friends . years. It was noted it was not accidental that and Tchai-kovsky did... " He expressed hope that the both Khachatourian and Tchaikovsky com- As Mr Demensky said, the Tchaikovsky Memorandum of Cooperation between the petitions were members of the World Fede- Competition for Young Musicians is usual- Association of the International ration of International Music Competitions ly done remotely, via examining by the Jury Tchaikovsky Competition Stars and the (WFIMC). audio/video recordings of the applicants Yerevan Tchaikovsky Specialized Music After the press conference at the around the world wishing to participate in School to be signed just after the news con- Chamber Music Hall concert of the the selection, and only a few cities, - Paris, ference will become a basis for further sup- Armenia finalists of the 9th International Seoul, Shanghai, Minsk and Yerevan were port for the projects being realized in Tchaikovsky Youth Competition was held. chosen for live auditions. He explained the Armenia, and, why not, probably one day Arthur Grigoryan (piano), Andranik Agha- choice of the capital of Armenia by the the Tchaikovsky Competition will be held in janian (cello) and Diana Adamyan (violin) "spotless reputation enjoyed by the Yerevan where, according to speaker, all the as well as the soloist Hayk Kazazyan (vio- Armenian music school and education in necessary conditions for it exist. lin) played with the State Youth Orchestra of the entire world." Martoun Kostandyan, Tchaikovsky Armenia conducted by the SYOA Founding Director General of the Association of Music School Director, said: "These stu- Artistic Director and the Principal International Tchaikovsky Competition dents are the laureates of international com- Conductor Sergey Smbatyan. The concert Stars Andrey Shcherbak, calling petitions. I am confident that the coopera- was organized by the State Youth Orchestra Armenians and Russians "forever intermar- tion between Armenia and the Tchaikovsky of Armenia and sponsored by the MKR ry nations", said that many times young Competition will go on, and that our chil- Media Armenia.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 POLITICS www.nt.am 11 Court Finds Armenia & Azerbaijan Guilty: Baku Hides Loss, Declares Victory pensation. $210,000 in non-monetary damages, in In March 2010, after years of inactivity, addition to non-specified legal fees. the Court forwarded both cases to the Acknowledging "the exceptional Grand Chamber of the European Court of nature" of the two cases, the Court did not Human Rights, consisting of 17 judges make a final determination on awarding from Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, compensation or "just satisfaction." The Ruling simultaneously on the Sargsyan Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Grand Chamber asked the Armenian and vs. Azerbaijan and Chiragov vs. Armenia Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Azerbaijani governments and the respec- cases, the European Court of Human Rights Monaco, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, tive applicants to submit their "written decided on June 16, 2015 that Armenia and Spain, and Ukraine. The Grand Chamber's observations on the matter" within 12 Azerbaijan had violated the rights of decisions are final and not subject to appeal. months, and "to notify the Court of any refugees who had fled during the Karabagh A decade after the these cases were first agreement that they may reach." (Artsakh) conflict. filed, the Grand Chamber issued two iden- In my opinion, the European Court's Azeri government officials, however, tical judgments on June 16, 2015, finding parallel decisions were aimed at pressuring misled their citizens, declaring that that both Armenia and Azerbaijan had vio- the two governments to expedite a negotiat- Azerbaijan had won and Armenia had lost. lated the rights of each other's refugees. In a ed settlement that would resolve all out- Here are the details of both court cases: lengthy document of 221 pages, including standing issues, including rights of On April 6, 2005, six Azerbaijani Kurds the two verdicts and the dissenting and con- refugees. filed a joint complaint against Armenia curring opinions, the Court ruled that the One of the most significant, yet unex- with the European Court. They claimed to 20-year long peace negotiations did not free pected outcomes of these court cases were have been forced to flee their homes during the two governments from their responsi- the two written opinions - 25 pages each - the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in 1992, bility to protect the rights of hundreds of by Judge Paulo Pinto de Albuquerque of after Armenian troops took over the Lachin thousands of refugees. The Grand Chamber Portugal and appended to the court's ver- region which separated Armenia from noted that there are over 1,000 individual dicts, in which he presented a strong legal Artsakh. The Azerbaijani refugees alleged applications pending before the Court, filed case for Artsakh's independence: that Armenia had violated their rights under by Armenians and Azerbaijanis displaced "Whenever a part of the population of a the European Convention on Human during the Artsakh conflict. State is not represented by its government Rights: 1) protection of property, 2) right to The six Azerbaijani applicants claimed and the human rights of that population are respect for private and family life, and 3) they had suffered $9 million in monetary systematically infringed by its own govern- right to an effective remedy. damages and $330,000 in non-monetary ment, …the victimized population may On August 11, 2006, Minas Sargsyan damages. They further estimated their legal have recourse 'as a last resort, to rebellion filed a similar complaint against Baku in expenses to be around $65,000 as of against tyranny and oppression,' to use the the European Court of Human Rights. He October 2013. The Azerbaijani applicants' powerful formulation of the preamble of charged that Azerbaijan had violated his representatives requested that an expert be the Universal Declaration of Human rights, the same ones claimed by the six appointed to evaluate the total damages Rights." The Judge also wrote that when a Azerbaijani refugees, since he too was their clients had incurred. State systematically abuses the human forced to flee in 1992 from his native vil- On the other hand, the Armenian appli- rights of a seceding population, it is lawful lage of Gulistan in the Shahumian region, cant Minas Sargsyan had requested the for another State to take military action in controlled by Azerbaijan. restitution of his property, including the favor of the seceding population, after the Both parties asked that their property right of return to his home. He claimed latter has established control of its territory rights be restored and demanded fair com- $415,000 in monetary damages and and declared its secession.

Azerbaijan bans Russian opera singer Lyubov Kazarnovskaya The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan Kazarnovskaya has said she's proud has banned Lyubov Kazarnovskaya, a to be in the same list with Montserrat Russian opera singer after she recently Caballe. "Nagorno Karabakh is a splen- took a trip to Nagorno Karabakh. did place, and I took young interns there. "Lyubov Kazarnovskaya's name will There will never be pace on the planet as be included in the list of 'unwanted' per- long as there is aggression. sons," Foreign Ministry spokesman There, in Karabakh people do not Hikmat Hajiyev told RIA Novosti. want war. They want peace, they want to The Opera singer visited Stepanakert give birth to children and hear the sounds last week, where she held a master class of music," she told the Russian News at the musical college. Service.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 12 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY India's Foreign Policy - Building on the Legacy of Non-Alignment or Pursuing World Power Status?

By Gourgen James island nation traumatised by a brutal India to the Republic of Armenia Dr. Khazhakian internal conflict – a bright example of Suresh Babu when in his foreword to a Chief Correspondent India's influence used to heal the commemorative publication "India New Journalist Emeritus wounds of a neighbouring nation); vis- Vision New Vigour" dedicated to the of Armenia its to India by Xi Jinping (the first-ever 65th anniversary of the Republic Day of by an incumbent President of China) India and issued by the India-Armenia and Barak Obama – the latter has Friendship NGO he writes the follow- Trying to come up with a compre- become the first-ever foreign leader ing: hensive analysis of the foreign policy of who stood in the same row with the “… Under the visionary guidance the government of India since Mr India’s President and Prime Minister and leadership of Prime Minister Modi Narendra Modi took office is a chal- receiving military defile on the recent and the External Affairs Minister Mrs. lenging task which cannot be success- Republic Day, 26 January 2015, the first Sushma Swaraj, India has achieved a fully tackled in a modest newspaper visit of PM Modi outside the subconti- breakthrough in the foreign policy front. article. nent - to Japan - the list goes on and on. Both of them have held Summit level However, even a brief outline of the The External Affairs Minister is meetings with almost all world leaders energetic efforts spearheaded by the indefatigable - her visits are difficult to and have participated in all major mul- External Affairs Minister Mrs Sushma enumerate. And we must not forget tilateral gatherings within a span of six Swaraj may prove useful for all those President Pranab Mukherjee - he invit- months”. watching with inter- We need not est the steadfast rise point out that all of the Asian giant. those contacts, and What should we many more besides, expect from the always bring tangi- biggest democracy ble benefits in the of the world? form of economic Mrs Swaraj development, cultur- wrote in her al enrichment, scien- address-preface to tific cooperation and the recent publica- improved interna- tion on the India’s tional situation. new government’s The Indian lead- foreign policy enti- ership promote tled “Breakthrough Indian (millenia-old diplomacy”: "Revi- and legendary) cul- talising traditional ture worldwide, from ties, resettling making the UN to strategic relations and reaching out to ed the Governor General of Australia, declare June 21 "International Day of Indians abroad have been primary to made state visits to countries as far Yoga" to jointly, with China, publishing India's diplomatic efforts". apart as Norway and Finland, on the one "Encyclopaedia of Cultural Contacts". As the External Affairs Minister hand, and Vietnam, on the other. Indian Govt has been strengthening points out, the symbolic first visits after According to some forecasts, by furthermore contacts with Indian dias- the Prime Minister took office were 2050 GDP of the BRICS quintet mem- pora (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas) world- made to Bhutan and Nepal, India's ber-states will overwhelm half of the wide, and we believe, in spite of all the northern neighbours and traditional total world GDP, so its significance difference between their and our – the friends. “Neighbours First” – that is could not be underestimated by the new Armenian diaspora, first of all in terms the New Mantra of India. leadership of India: At the last BRICS of size, experience exchange between After that the Prime Minister and the Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil the two nations on this matter could be External Affairs Minister (not to men- they’ve established a USD 100 billion mutually beneficial. tion other officials) participated in a contingent reserve arrangement for Keeping ties with its long time tradi- relentless drive, dealing with both bilat- short-term liquidity, and the Indian to be tional partner Russia, India’s new Govt. eral and international issues, from sup- the first President of the USD 50 bn develops cooperation with the US: dur- porting statehood for Palestine to inau- New BRICS Development Bank with ing PM Modi’s visit to Washington last gurating a railway in Sri Lanka, linking headquarters in Shanghai. year US-India vision statement Colombo with Jaffna in the north (a feat And it is a quite difficult thing not to “Chalein Saath Saath” – “Forward unimaginable even a couple of years agree with Ambassador Extraordinary Together We Go” has been achieved, ago, bringing together two parts of the and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of with expected bilateral trade five-fold

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 SOCIETY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 13 growth, - from the current USD 100 bil- New Delhi, and recent abrupt termina- intentions really are - are the Indians lion to USD 500 billion. tion of long and detailed talks for pur- trying to steer clear of the conflicting It includes development of three chase of 126 French-made jet fighters world powers, as they did when they Smart Cities in India with the help of for the Indian Air Force. were launching the Non-Aligned US companies; Proton Accelerator What could that mean? We hasten to Movement, or are they striving to Project with Fermilab and Indian mem- smooth the analysts' brows – Indian achieve the world power status them- bership in the Thirty Meter Telescope negotiators are patient and tough, the selves - has a very simple answer. consortium; Inter-Agency WG to speed decade-long saga of India buying a Both. In the world where regional up deployment of US-origin nuclear Russian-built aircraft carrier is the conflicts and failed states are like local reactors in India; And a joint working proof, if any were needed. The French fires threatening to spread and engulf group to be constituted for collaboration asked a high price and wanted to safe- the globe, India cannot prosper and on Mars exploration. guard jobs at home, while the Russians bring prosperity, education, health care And the last, but not the least, not at managed to fix a suitable price and and advancement to all Indians. India all: framework Agreement for India-US agreed that helicopters will be built in needs peace and stability in global defence cooperation to be renewed for India. terms. When the Indian government further 10 years. Perhaps the French might follow suit pushes for localized manufacture of the And as far as we’ve touched upon and complete the deal to mutual satis- goods it wants to import, be it high- defence issues, the following seems an faction? Why are Indians unwilling to speed trains or jet fighters, they pursue interesting thing: splash out the money? a twin goal of uplifting the economy by Experienced defence analysts are In our view, PM Modi's drive to creating high-skilled jobs and ensuring pondering the significance of the plans eradicate poverty still affecting every India's security. for assembly of up to 400 Russian heli- fifth Indian explains many, if not all, Very good job, but we need not copters in India per annum, announced efforts of the Modi government. And expect anything else from an ancient in the wake of Vladimir Putin's visit to thus the question as to what India's culture embracing the future. First Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan: “We Attach Importance to the Upgrading of Our Defense Cooperation with Georgia” On July 16, within framework of a tion. The Georgian Defense Minister views on the latest developments in working trip to Georgia, First noted that military education was one the region. At the end of the meeting, Deputy Minister of Defense of of priority directions of bilateral Mr Tonoyan extended Armenian Armenia Davit E.Tonoyan met with cooperation with Armenia. “In Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan’s Georgian Defense Minister Mrs Brussels, I had the opportunity to invitation to his Georgian counterpart Tinatin Khidasheli. meet with my Armenian colleague, Tinatin Khidasheli to visit Armenia. The Armenian delegation includ- Minister Seyran M. Ohanyan and to Requested by The Highlights to ed Deputy Chief of the RA Armed agree on establishing relations with comment on their visit to Georgia, Forces General Staff Lieutenant- new formats and new ways of coop- Mr Tonoyan told that the Armenian General Enriko Apriamov, Chief of eration. This visit aims to deepen side, outcoming of the general secu- the Defense Ministry Defense Policy cooperation between our military rity situation and realities in the Department Levon Ayvazyan as well educational institutions, in order to region, has been attaching impor- as other high-ranking officials. exchange experience and knowl- tance to the upgrading of bilateral During the meeting, the parties edge”,– said the Georgian Defense cooperation with Georgia in defense discussed issues of bilateral coopera- Minister. The parties also exchanged area to a higher level.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 14 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY Lonely tale of Nagorno-Karabakh By Mary Boland in Stepanakert The Irish Times

The blue-and-white bird-like structure of Nagorno- Karabakh's airport perches in the Caucasus Mountains like a shining, defiant emblem of national pride. The departures screen lists an international flight to Yerevan, the Armenian cap- ital. Members of the airport's 120 staff stand by to pass luggage through the latest model X-ray machine. Authorities at the facil- ity, which cost $20 million (€18 million) to rebuild, say it has sophisticated satellite navigation technology. However, there are no passengers - and no aircraft. The flight to Yerevan is aspirational; the only way to get there remains a six-hour drive through the mountains. The reason: any flights that land at or leave this airport will come under fire from Azeri troops. town Stepanakert, where the president, Bako Sahakyan, faces a As a self-proclaimed republic recognized by no country in lonely challenge on the international stage. As a member of the the world, Nagorno-Karabakh considers itself a nation under Commonwealth of Unrecognized States, Nagorno-Karabakh siege. Located within Azerbaijan's official borders but run by shares a bond of mutual recognition with the club's three other ethnic Armenians, the landlocked enclave was the subject of a similarly troubled adherents: South Ossetia, Abkhazia and devastating war between 1991 and 1994, which cost some Transnistria. 30,000 lives and displaced a million people. "Our primary goal is to be integrated into the civilised and Nagorno-Karabakh has kept its de facto autonomy; but international community," says Sahakyan, a balding, ruddy man Azerbaijan maintains its claim to it. in his 50s. Shoot down Far from the front lines The airport, destroyed in the war, reopened four years ago. The president is sitting in the boardroom of his presidential "In 2011 we wanted to start flights, but our neighbors intervened palace overlooking the significantly renamed Renaissance - they said they would shoot down our aircraft," says Dmitri Square in the reconstructed capital, with its wide avenues, cafes Atbashyan, head of the state let's civil aviation authority. and fashionable shops. At this comfortable distance from the The threats are not exaggerated. Last year three military per- front lines, it's hard to imagine that a low-level war is unfolding. sonnel died after Azeri troops shot down their helicopter. Troops "Being unrecognized always forms the basis of our poli- from both sides have died in sporadic clashes on the border, in cies," he says. "But you must know that everything we do as breach of a 1994 Moscow-brokered ceasefire. part of our state-building - our legislation, law enforcement, With a wry sense of humor and a glint behind his aviator judicial system, our elections - are all established and operated sunglasses, Atbashyan is proud to show off the little-used air- according to international standards. What we have to do is port - and tout its advantages as a flying school, in which les- restore historical justice." sons involve close-range sorties safe from gunfire. "You can get For Sahakyan, this means righting Moscow's 1923 designa- your pilot's license here for $6,000 [€5,400]; in the US it will tion of Nagorno-Karabakh as an autonomous region within cost you $31,000. And we have some of the best pilots." Soviet Azerbaijan. "This entity was itself created artificially As if on cue, instructor Samuel Tavadyan, an ex-military when it was forcefully incorporated into Azerbaijan." man, starts up a small Zenith plane and takes off. He shoots into The conflict dates back further, to rivalry between the the sky, then ducks, weaves and does hairpin bends reminiscent Christian Armenians and Muslim Turkic Azeris who populated of scenes from a Warner Bros cartoon. After landing, he jumps the area for centuries. out and walks away as though he has parked a car. Nagorno-Karabakh means "highland black garden", but The airport's staff are kept on the payroll and all systems locals call it Artsakh, or "strong fortress". It is nonetheless remain running "because with such sophisticated machines, it deeply connected to and dependent on neighboring Armenia. Its would be too expensive to turn them off", says Atbashyan. He citizens, more than 95 per cent ethnic Armenians, hold stresses that every aspect of the facility complies with interna- Armenian passports, speak Armenian and use the Armenian cur- tional standards, so it should therefore be possible to operate it rency, the dram. And Armenia's 11 million-strong diaspora is a normally. significant source of funds. "The UN Declaration of Human Rights grants everyone As Sahakyan concedes, it is not easy to run a nation at war freedom of movement," he says. "This shouldn't depend on the over its very existence. status of the country of that person." "Of course we think we have to settle this issue with our No UN member state recognizes this enclave of some neighbor," he says. "We want to discuss, we want to negotiate. 147,000 people, despite its national flag, government, public Unfortunately, the other side is rejecting our proposals." institutions, army and police force. In the eyes of international The centuries-old rivalries behind this decades-old conflict law, it is a country that doesn't exist. are far from resolved. This country that doesn't exist will likely This reality is ever present a few kilometres away in down- remain in limbo for some time yet.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 SOCIETY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 15 100 LIVES Opens Nomination Period for New $1 Million Global Humanitarian Award honor those who risk their own safety tion, or livelihood to help others to survive because of a heightened sense of humanity and thrive," said Aurora Prize Co-Chair and responsibility and support life-saving Elie Wiesel. "What distinguishes this Prize causes in a tangible way." from others is the legacy this award will The Aurora Prize is the philanthropic create through investing in the organiza- vision of Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan tions that inspire acts of humanity." and Ruben Vardanyan, the co-founders of Mr. Clooney will present the inaugural 100 LIVES, an initiative expressing grati- Aurora Prize to the winning recipient dur- tude to the individuals and institutions ing a ceremony to be held April 24, 2016 in whose heroic actions saved Armenian lives Yerevan, Armenia. during the Genocide 100 years ago. 100 Nominations can be submitted from LIVES seeks to share remarkable stories of July to October 1, 2015 at 100 LIVES Co-Founders Noubar saviors and survivors and celebrate the www.100Lives.com/Prize Afeyan, Ruben Vardanyan and Vartan strength of the human spirit. Together they About 100 LIVES Gregorian stand with Aurora Prize are seeking to build a humanitarian move- The Aurora Prize has been developed Selection Committee Co-Chair George ment by drawing attention to the issues as part of the 100 LIVES initiative, which Clooney at the March launch event pledge faced by the world's most vulnerable and is rooted in the inspiring stories of courage wall. reward individuals and organizations that and survival in the Armenian Genocide. Nominations are open for the Aurora work to address those issues in a substan- The Armenians who survived did so Prize for Awakening Humanity, a new tial and consequential manner. because of the courage displayed by others. annual international humanitarian award to "Sadly, tragic issues and events contin- A century later, 100 LIVES seeks to be given to a person or a group of people ue to plague the world's populations," said express gratitude, to share remarkable sto- who put themselves at risk to enable others Aurora Prize Co-Chair George Clooney. ries of survivors and their saviors, and to to survive. From July to October, a desig- "This Prize seeks to draw the world's atten- celebrate the strength of the human spirit. nated portal on www.100Lives.com/ Prize tion to some of the remarkable efforts The actions of 100 LIVES will help to will allow individuals to submit inspire others to stop, to think about nominations for candidates they those who have helped them during a believe have overcome great per- crisis, and to express gratitude by sonal challenges to make an excep- doing something in return. tional impact on preserving human About the Aurora Prize for life and advancing humanitarian Awakening Humanity causes. The Aurora Prize for Awakening To evaluate the submitted nom- Humanity is a new global award that inations, the Aurora Prize has gath- will be given annually to people who ered together an acclaimed group of put themselves at risk to enable oth- people to serve on its Selection ers to survive. Committee, including Nobel Recipients will be recognized for Laureates Elie Wiesel, Oscar Arias, the exceptional impact their actions Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; have made on preserving human life former President of Ireland Mary being undertaken to help save the world's and advancing humanitarian causes, hav- Robinson; human rights activist Hina most vulnerable from humanitarian crises ing overcome significant challenges along Jilani; former Australian Foreign Minister happening around the globe." the way. Every year the winners will be and President and CEO of the International The winner will be honored with a honored with a $100,000 award as well as Crisis Group Gareth Evans; President of US$100,000 award, as well as a the unique ability to continue the cycle of the Carnegie Corporation of New York US$1,000,000 grant to be donated to a giving by nominating an organization Vartan Gregorian; and Academy Award- charitable organization that inspired their which inspired their work and is consistent winning actor and humanitarian George work. This is consistent with the spirit of with the spirit of the Prize, for a $1,000,000 Clooney. All of them are accomplished in a the Prize and allows the recipient to contin- grant. diverse range of fields, but are united in ue the cycle of giving. Nominations may The Aurora Prize is designed to further their commitment to the principles of span a broad range of sectors in the non- the causes that motivate people to risk their humanitarianism. profit field, including economic develop- health, freedom, reputation or livelihood "We are calling for nominations of less- ment, public health, law, government and by voluntarily carrying out acts that enable er known yet inspirational stories of education. others to survive and thrive. courage and intervention," said Aurora "The Aurora Prize is designed to make The Aurora Prize will be awarded Prize Co-Founder, Ruben Vardanyan, an a real difference to the causes that motivate annually on April 24 of each year in Armenia-born philanthropist. "We want to people to risk their health, liberty, reputa- Yerevan, Armenia.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 16 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY Beauty hidden in plain sight, the historic Armenian Church of Madras Tamil Nadu of The News Minute presents a photo essay about Armenias in India. In the 7th and 8th centuries, groups of merchants from a small land called Armenia, far beyond the Hindu Kush mountain range started coming in to India to sell silk, muslin, spices, timber and precious stones. Through the several centuries that followed, these traders formed small settlements in different parts of the country from Kerala to Kolkata, and from Agra to Madras. By the 17th century, there was a sizable population of their people in Madras, now Chennai, and the street where most of them lived, came to be known as the Armenian Street. Armenia is an ancient mountainous country in Eurasia, sur- rounded by Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia. It is one of the oldest Christian civilizations, and in the 4th century AD, it became book called Vorokayt Paratz. It is considered the first draft of the the first officially Christian state in the world. It is believed that constitution of Armenia. Noah's Ark came to rest on the Ararat Mountains in Armenia after Since this church is built on a cemetery, hundreds of flat graves the flood waters receded. with beautiful carvings and inscriptions in the Armenian script are The Armenian Street is home to the Church of St. Mary, India's scattered all around the church under blooming frangipani and oldest Armenian Church. Stepping into the serene and almost flame of the forest trees. In some places, it is difficult to move deserted church, it is impossible to believe that it stands in the around without stepping on them. While the other graves are flat middle of the noisy Georgetown area of Chennai. The church had and at ground level, a raised one in the garden adjoining the church its origins in a simple wooden structure built on a plot of land is clearly special. This one belongs to Rev. Harutiun Shmavonian, granted to the Armenian community by the British East India and as a tribute to his publishing career, an open stone book repre- Company. A proper church was built in 1712, but it was destroyed senting his Azdarar adorns his grave. in a French siege in 1772, and was then rebuilt in its present loca- There are almost no Armenians in Chennai now, and if you go tion - the grounds of an Armenian cemetery. A three-storey bell to the church today, chances are that you'll be the only visitor. tower stands next to the church, and has three pairs of enormous Regular service is not held, but the church is open to visitors from bells dating back to the 18th century. The bells weigh about 150kg 9am to 2:30pm on all days. It is maintained by the Armenian each, and one pair was forged in London by the same foundry that Church Committee in Kolkata, which still has a small population the Big Ben came from. of Armenian Christians. The Marmalong Bridge across the River Adyar, in the bustling Photos by Madhumita Gopalan Saidapet area, was built by an Armenian merchant called Khojah Woskan. It is locally known as the Maraimalai Adigalar Bridge now. Woskan also built the steps leading to the church at St. Thomas Mount. Another distinguished member of the Armenian community in Madras was Shahamir Shahamirian. He was a pearl merchant by profession, but he set up the first Armenian printing press in Chennai. He played a big role in the movement for an independent Armenia even from faraway Madras. Along with a group of Armenians called the Madras Group, he came up with a vision for a free and democratic Armenia. It was published in his

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 SOCIETY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 17 RZA & System Of A Down's Shavo Odadjian release new album

Genocide. I knew about the black man's struggle in America from slavery to civil rights to whatever we still go through, but you think that that struggle is just personal. You don't realize, 'Oh, wow, the Asian brothers went through a struggle. The Armenian brothers went through a struggle. Now the Pakistani and the brothers in the Middle East is going through a lot of struggle based on situations.' Right? So, I became aware and that helped connect us," RZA told The Rolling Stone. "That led to our second song, which is called 'Fabricated Lies' and is about the Armenian Genocide. He [Odadjian] gave me a couple of books as well, but I was moved by the struggle enough that I wrote a verse," he said. Speaking about the first-ever concert System of A Down System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian has released a played in Armenia on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the collaborative album with Wu Tang Clan's RZA, The Rolling Armenian Genocide, Odadjian said that it was an emotional Stone reports. experience. The duo had first announced their project, Achozen (pro- "We played two-and-a-half hours, 37 songs. We played out- nounced "a chosen"), in the mid-2000s, around when Odadjian side to 100,000 people; there was no spot for people to even pit. was hyping an ill-fated online music community called It was pouring rain, lightning going on. I cried onstage a few urSession. But other than the release of a few tracks ("Deuces," times. It was emotional to think that I was that age, that they "Salute/Sacrifice"), the group seemed to fall by the wayside. were like little me's, my little kids. And we're in our country, but Now, eight tracks of the act's spacey, lushly textured hip-hop it's their country because they live there and we are giving them are available with the purchase of a limited-edition portable what they've only see on the Internet, live. From grandparents speaker, the Boombotix Boombot Pro. to three-year-olds were there, standing in the rain watching this "We both come from struggle. We come from oppression. I crazy band. But it was just amazing and I don't think that it can didn't know Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity ever be duplicated unless it was a 200th anniversary. It was per- as its national religion. And I didn't know about the Armenian fect. Everything perfectly fell into place," said Odadjian. Company founded by Kirk Kerkorian to produce film on Armenian Genocide

Pictures managers Eric Esrailian and Anthony Mandekic, with "Hotel Rwanda" director Terry George helming from a script he wrote with Robin Swicord. The story is set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, which was dissolved in 1922, with shooting in Portugal and the Canary Islands scheduled for the fall. Mike Medavoy ("Black Swan") is producing for his Phoenix Pictures banner with Esrailian, Ralph Winter ("X-Men") and William Horberg ("Milk"). The script centers on a love triangle with a medical student, an American journalist based in Paris and a beautiful and sophisticated woman. Bale will play the reporter, and Isaac will portray the student, who's conflicted by old-world traditions. Bale was last seen in "Exodus: Gods and Kings" and stars in two completed Terrence Malick titles - "Knight of Cups" and Tracinda Corp., the holding company founded by the late "Weightless." Isaac will be seen in "Star Wars: The Force Kirk Kerkorian, has unveiled production company Survival Awakens" and "X-Men: Apocalypse." Pictures with the Christian Bale-Oscar Isaac drama "The Longtime Kerkorian attorney and spokesperson Patricia Promise" as its first project, Variety has learned exclusively. Glaser said, "Survival Pictures was born out of Kirk Kerkorian's Survival is described as telling stories of "perseverance, unwavering dedication to telling inspiring human stories for endurance and the inextinguishable fire of the human spirit" to audiences around the world. 'The Promise' will be a wonderful reflect Kerkorian's values. Kerkorian, who bought and sold love story and will open the door to the championing of human MGM and United Artists three times, died on June 16 at the age rights. This film fulfills a longstanding dream for Mr. of 98. Kerkorian, who was thrilled to participate in the development "The Promise" will be produced and financed by Survival and casting process."

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 18 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights Cypriot-Armenian project to help boost computer literacy in Artsakh schools With the aim of helping boost com- puter literacy in Artsakh schools, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund's Cypriot affiliate has initiated and sponsored the establishment of computer classrooms at five secondary schools in the Karvachar area, by donating six computer systems as well as computer furniture to each of the schools. The government of Artsakh has given the project additional support by funding the complete renovation of the computer classrooms. The beneficiaries of the project com-

prise the William Saroyan School (city of ers, especially at school. Karvachar), J. Jlavyan School (Nor Verin Sebouh Tavitian, chair of the Shen village), S. Erumyans School (Nor Hayastan All-Armenian Fund's Cypriot Brajur village), V. Nazaryan School (Nor affiliate, said he's delighted that the small Getashen village), and P. Ghevondyan Armenian community of Cyprus was School (Yeghegnut village). The five able to help enhance the learning experi- schools have a total of close to 300 stu- ence of Artsakh schoolchildren. "I'm sure dents. As Zhora Sargsyan, principal of they will take good care of their new the P. Ghevondyan School, stated, today computers and enjoy using them to it would be hard to imagine the life of broaden their knowledge and skills," children and teenagers without comput- Tavitian stated. Knesset Speaker calls for recognition of Armenian Genocide The Knesset must do the moral thing ceremony in April, but Israel does not for- and recognize the Armenian genocide, mally recognize the Armenian Genocide, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said at a in hopes that it can repair ties with Turkey, Knesset Education, Culture and Sport which perpetrated it. Committee meeting Wednesday, the Education, Culture and Sport Jerusalem Post reports. Committee chairman Ya'acov Margi "I visited one of the Armenian memo- (Shas) said "we are aware of the diplomat- rial sites and it is very hard to ignore what ic sensitivities, but we overcame them and I saw there," Edelstein recounted. "I the time has come for the government to expect that I and the Knesset behave do so, too." appropriately so that we can make deci- Margi called for the government to sions according to the moral standards of a recognize the genocide and for the democratic state." Knesset plenum to make a historic deci- The Knesset Speaker explained that sion in keeping with Jewish values. change in our relations with Turkey or many governments do not recognize the "Ignoring [the Armenian genocide] Azerbaijan." atrocity, while their parliaments clearly do. will bring the next genocide," MK Zehava Foreign Ministry representative Oded "I will try to promote the issue and I Gal-On (Meretz), who initiated the meet- Yosef said that Israel has ties with hope that MKs will know the right way to ing along with MK Nachman Shai (Zionist Armenia and cooperates with the country vote in the moment of truth," he stated. Union), said. in many projects, but the international Twenty-two countries recognize the Shai, who attended the memorial cere- debate as to whether there was a genocide 1915 massacres as a genocide, including mony in Armenia, said: "We want to be in or not is a political one about semantics. Canada, France and Germany, but not the the international arena with countries that Gal-On responded: "It would bring US. respect morals. Israel, the state of the honor to Israel to recognize the Armenian The Knesset sent a delegation to the Jewish People, must recognize what hap- genocide. It was a tragedy, but the word Armenian government's 100th anniversary pened to the Armenians. Nothing will tragedy is not enough."

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 19 Russian tycoon moves to Karabakh A controversial Russian businessman, al incentive for his departure." who had become one of the first Soviet Ayrapetov said on Monday that his multimillionaires, appears to have settled client has moved to Karabakh because he in Nagorno-Karabakh with his family has a "good rapport with many respected after reportedly fleeing Russia for reasons persons in Armenia." "Besides, all those that are not entirely clear. values which he has applied to his German Sterligov, 48, seemed to con- Sloboda in recent times have already been firm on Tuesday his surprise relocation to put into practice in Nagorno-Karabakh," the Armenian-populated territory. He said he told the "Moskovsky Komsomolets" he will explain it at a news conference in daily. Karabakh on July 13. Sterligov reacted to the Russian press Sterligov rose to prominence in 1990 reports on Tuesday through his personal when he founded, together with several page on a Russian social media platform, other Russian entrepreneurs, the Soviet V Kontakte. He posted a picture of him- Union's first commodities exchange at the self riding a donkey in a village and age of 24. It served as a launch pad for a married Russians willing to work there as wrote: "I just came down from the moun- financial empire with offices in London farmers or craftsmen. Later in 2008, he tains, surfed on the Internet and got and New York which he built in the fol- resumed his entrepreneurial activities in stunned." lowing years. Moscow, setting up a trading and finan- "I am scheduling a news conference Sterligov subsequently became known cial services company. for next Monday," he said. "The venue -- as a deeply religious man with hardline The Russian media reported over the the blooming garden of Nagorno- nationalist views and extreme hostility to weekend that the eccentric tycoon wear- Karabakh, the ancient Armenian town of science and technology, which he accuses ing a big bushy beard is again selling off Shushi. Dear journalists, arrange assign- of destroying humankind. He tried unsuc- his assets and has left Russia for ments [to Karabakh] and you'll learn the cessfully to run for the Russian presiden- Karabakh together with his family. truth." cy in 2004 after failed bids to become "He was forced to leave the country by Sterligov also posted a Karabakh cell- mayor of Moscow and governor of the serious circumstances," the Interfax news phone number for the "accreditation" of vast Krasnoyarsk region in Siberia. agency quoted an aide to Sterligov, Polina reporters willing to cover the news con- In 2004, Sterligov abandoned much of Sirota, as saying. "It's not bandits, it's a ference. his wealth to move deep into the Russian higher level," she added without elaborat- The Azerbaijani government, mean- countryside and live a traditional peasant ing. while, condemned Sterligov's "illegal visit lifestyle there with his wife and five chil- Some media outlets in Moscow to the occupied territory of Azerbaijan." dren. As he explained to the BBC after- claimed that Sterligov fled Russia to An Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry wards, he wanted to escape "the merce- avoid prosecution in connection with spokesman told haqqin.az that his name nary atmosphere, the envy and the hustle" incriminating testimony that has been will be added to an official list of foreign- of Moscow. given against him by two Russian ultrana- ers banned from visiting Azerbaijan.He Four years later, Sterligov founded in tionalists jailed for politically motivated said Russian and other journalists cover- central Russia the Sloboda rural com- killings. Sterligov's ethnic Armenian ing Sterligov's press conference without mune that offered free housing, healthcare lawyer, Artur Ayrapetov, suggested that Baku's permission will also be placed on and other public services to young and this "slander" provided only an "addition- the blacklist. Artsakh President visits London On 6 July the Artsakh Republic dele- Armenian community of Great Britain gation headed by President Bako plays an active role in the life of both the Sahakyan arrived in Great Britain for a UK, the Diaspora and the historic working visit. Homeland. On 7 July President Sahakyan had a The President expressed gratitude to meeting in the capital of Great Britain with the community's representatives for their the members of the Armenian Community patriotism and devotion to the nation. Council and discussed issues related to the Ambassador extraordinary and development of ties between the local plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenian community and Artsakh. Armenia to the United Kingdom and On the same day the Head of the State President provided information about life Northern Ireland Armen Sargsyan, met with the representatives of the in Artsakh, its accomplishments and the Primate of the British diocese of the Armenian community of Great Britain at existing issues snd responded to the raised Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop London's St. Yeghichè Armenian Church. questions. Hovakim Manukian and other officials In a warm and friendly atmosphere the According to Bako Sahakyan, the partook at the meeting.

20 July #28-29 (1068-1069) Š 2015 20 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights The12th Golden Apricot International Film Festival: Honorary Guests Ornella Muti, Nastassja Kinski and the Jury Members Delighted with the Armenian Hospitality By Gourgen James Khazhakian

Members of the jury of the XII Golden Apricot International Film Festival (GAIFF) delighted with Armenian hospi- tality. At a July 19 press conference, they expressed their gratitude for the wonderful days in Yerevan and interesting festival program. People’s Artist of Armenia, Director and Founder of the GAIFF Haroutyun Khachatryan thanked the jury for their work. "The festival, unfortunately, ended. I say "unfortunately" because it was a Holiday… I always wait for the end to have a rest, but as soon as this is over, I am seized with sadness. Needless to say that a work remains yet - it is necessary to pre- pare for the Fest program films display in Dulgheru (Romania) said a visit to 1,600 film submissions from 105 coun- the Marzes of Armenia. I thank all the win- Armenia was her old dream. "A few years tries. 76 films were selected for competi- ners". According to Armenpress, ago, I was fascinated by (the great film- tion programs, from which 12 films were Khachatryan said that many have post- makers) Sergey Parajanov and Tengiz considered in the International Feature, 13 poned their flights to spend more time in Abuladze. I really wanted to get to know - in the International Documentary, 17 - in Yerevan. your culture. And my Armenian dream has the Armenian Panorama and 34 films - in A member of the Feature films jury come true… Armenians are very deep peo- the Apricot Stone Short Film competitions. Alin Tasçiyan (Turkey) noted that half of ple, "- she said. The geography of the competing films the films could be awarded with prizes. A bunch of star guests, first of all - two included 26 countries. The main (feature "We chose the one around which there was cinema-divas Ornella Muti and Nastassja films) jury Chairman was Robert general agreement. We all make decisions Kinski, interesting movies, a long-awaited Guédiguian (France). peaceful and happy…I wanted only to see and intense week (12-19 July) - that was Notably, from the very first (2004) an Armenian film in the competition… " XII Golden Apricot… GAIFF until the current its General Jury member of the "Armenian The closing ceremony was held on 18 Sponsor is VivaCell-MTS, Armenia’s lead- Panorama" Bijaya Jena (India) also July at the Moscow Cinema Theatre. ing telecom operator (Founding GM Ralph thanked the Festival. "Society attended by During a solemn ceremony the winners Yirikian). more than active. The halls were jam- were awarded the prizes. The award-win- See the most interesting details of the packed. This shows the great love of the ning films screening was held on the July 12th Golden Apricot in The Highlights Armenian public to the cinema", - she said. 19th. next issue. FIPRESCI jury member Helen This year the Fest received around Acknowledgement: Armenpress

President of the NT Media Holding: E-mail: [email protected], URL: www.nt.am The Noah’s Ark Tigran Harutyunyan Address in 28 Isahakian Str., Yerevan, 0009, RA. Editor-in-Chief of the Media Holding: Tel.: (+374 60) 27-64-62 Gayaneh Arakelyan Armenia: (+374 60) 27-64-61 HIGHLIGHTS Director of the Weekly: Address in Masion De L' Armenie, Paris 17e - 95 Marina Harutyunyan Bld. Gouvion, France. Weekly Newspaper, Since May 4, 1993. France: The publisher: NT Holding LTD. Chief Correspondent:Gourgen Khazhakian Tel.: (+33) 01 43 59 66 72 Circulation: 1500 print copies and Proofreader: Susanna Mkrtchian Address in 1146 E. Lexington Dr., #112, Glendale, CA, USA, 91206. 15.600 copies by e-mail list in PDF format ISSN 1829-0604 USA: Registration certificate and the date: 273.110.00512, 15.12.1995 Tel.: (+1 818) 646 10 72

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