RPA, ARF Sign Agreement on Political Cooperation

22 YEARS The #7 Noah’s Ark (1095) 29 February 2016 Published Since 1993

Weekly Newspaper HIGHLIGHTS ÜáÛÛ³Ý î³å³Ý ß³μ³Ã³Ã»ñÃ (³Ý·É. / ýñ³Ýë.) RPA, ARF sign agreement on political cooperation

Armenia - The ruling Republican Party and Armenian Revolutionary Federation sing a power-sharing agreement, Yerevan, 24 Feb 2016

see page 3

In This Issue Tigran Sargsyan, Nursultan Nazarbayev Noyan Tapan Video Studio discuss EEU development p.5 is offering professional video and photography for indoor RA, UN sign agreement on Customs Facilita- and outdoor events such as weddings, birthday parties, tion in Humanitarian Assistance p.7 official events, seminars and conferences. Tel: 060 27 64 62 Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009 Bundestag to vote on new Armenian Genocide bill before April 24 p.10 Russian-Turkish relations can be impro- Noyan Tapan Printing House ved when RA border the Armenia p.15 is offering coloured and black and white offset and digital The New Thermal Energy Accumulators Cre- printing of books, brochures, booklets, journals, etc with ated by Armenian Engineers can promote high quality and low prices Tel: 060 27 64 62 the Development of Armenia's Economy p.20 Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009 29 February #7 (1095) 2016 2 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights Conflicts impede sustainable development, Armenian FM This is a reality. But there is another reality as well. Some protracted or frozen conflicts may continue for decades on the territories inhabited by people whose aspira- tions to achieve sustainable development goals are as legitimate as for anyone else. Pending settlement to the final legal status of certain territories, particularly those which are subject of negotiations under Statement by Edward Nalbandian, and self-determination of peoples, can agreed format of conflict resolution, should Foreign Minister of Armenia at the enormously contribute to the prevention not be used as an excuse to violate the UNDP 50th Anniversary Ministerial efforts. If there is anything that history legitimate right of the people to develop- Meeting teaches us, is that there is a direct linkage ment. After all, "Leave no one behind" Preventing Violent Conflict, Building between the brutal hindrances of the right- commitment is not about invoking a justi- Peaceful Societies ful exercise of human rights and violent fication for exclusion but finding ways for Ladies and Gentlemen, conflicts. Usually the countries, which are inclusion. The international community The UN Charter guides the member disrespecting the fundamental right of peo- should find ways to ensure involvement of states to take effective collective measures ples to self-determination, are also grossly the people from conflict areas in the inter- for the prevention of threats to peace. Over violating human rights. national cooperation aimed at achieving the years the concept of prevention has In its Agenda 2030 the international sustainable development goals. The opera- been gradually and effectively occupying community has once again reaffirmed the tion of the international organizations and an important space in the international inter-connection between sustainable agencies, such as the UNDP and others efforts of building peace and security. development, peace, human rights and the also should not be anyhow restricted for However, conflicts continue to emerge and rule of law. The UNDP, with its extensive the people of the conflict areas. many of them turn violent with increasing- presence in the field has been duly recog- It is important to transform the chal- ly higher human cost, consuming signifi- nized within the UN system as an impor- lenge imposed by conflicts to an opportu- cant resources of the international commu- tant contributor to the function of preven- nity of establishing positive agenda of part- nity and thus attracting stronger focus to tion and early warning. Identifying, report- nership including through genuine confi- the improvement of the prevention capabil- ing and reacting to deteriorating human dence building among parties to the con- ities. rights situations is amongst the key func- flict. All people have universal aspiration It goes without saying that the unam- tions of the field missions to detect early for security and development. Common biguous implementation of the internation- signs of fueling instability. economic or environmental projects al commitments, in particular those Ladies and gentleman, among parties to the conflict can entail first enshrined in the UN Charter on developing The link between global security and steps towards building trust and confidence friendly relations among nations based also development is beyond doubt. Conflicts and what is more important, a common on respect for the principle of equal rights may impede the sustainable development. vision of peace. Perspectives of Armenian-Austrian cooperation discussed at the President's Office President Serzh Sargsyan held con- The President reminded that Austria was sultations on February 26 on Armenian- one of the first to respond after the devas- Austrian relations, the ongoing programs tating earthquake of 1988. and the perspectives of development. President Sargsyan said Austria is Arman Kirakosyan, Armenia's extremely important to us for its rich Ambassador to Austria and the country's experience of development in the fields representative to a number of internation- of information technologies, medicine, al organizations accredited to Vienna, tourism and infrastructures. presented a report. "I think we have good chances of "Austria is a friendly country, a devel- increasing the Austrian investments in could provide wide opportunities as a oped country and we are building our Armenia, especially in the field of indus- member of the Eurasian Economic relations, taking note of the joint historic try, as there are a number of powerful Union," the President said, adding that path., i.e. we develop our relations on the companies in Austria investing in differ- "we are ready to create favorable condi- basis of firm historic grounds," he said. ent countries of the world, and Armenia tions for any serious investor."

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 3 RPA, ARF sign agreement on political cooperation The ruling Republican Party of Ashotyan, is neither about a post-election served as education minister in the past, Armenia (RPA) and the Armenian coalition or a pre-election bloc, but con- replaced Armen Ashotyan, an HHK Revolutionary Federation (ARF, cerns "long-term cooperation" that pro- deputy chairman who signed the agree- Dashnaktsutyun) have formally agreed on ceeds from the party's national ideologies ment on behalf of the ruling party. political cooperation that will also give and shared statesmanship and follows The ARF was part of several coalition- ARF members representation in the changes in the Constitution that have been al governments in Armenia since 2003. Armenian government. advocated by both forces. The last time it participated in the RPA- An agreement on such cooperation Under the current power-sharing deal dominated government was after the 2008 was signed by deputy chairman of the the ARF has got three ministerial posts in disputed presidential election. The party RPA Armen Ashotyan and representative the government. espousing the national and socialist ideol- of the ARF Supreme Body Aghvan Artsvik Minasyan was appointed as ogy, however, quit the government a year Vardanyan at the Presidential Palace on minister of economy, while two other later over the Sargsyan administration's February 24. prominent Dashnaktsutyun members, policy of rapprochement with Turkey. President Serzh Sargsyan, the leader Davit Lokyan and Levon Mkrtchyan, will As an advocate of a parliamentary of the RPA, and another senior ruling take over as ministers of local government form of government, the ARF was among party member, Prime Minister Hovik and education respectively. Dashnaktsut- the political forces that backed the rele- Abrahamyan were present at the signing yun representatives will also run the vant constitutional reform initiated by ceremony, as were the ARF's Armen northwestern Aragatsotn and Shirak Sargsyan and approved in last year's refer- Rustamyan and Hrant Markarian. provinces. endum. Since then, the ARF has also The document, according to Levon Mkrtchyan, who has already as sought a role in implementing the reform. Vardges Gaspari freed after protests Government officials have denied any political motives behind his arrest. They have also said that they will not intervene in the high-profile case. Armenia's Court of Appeals, meanwhile, ordered the investigators to release Gaspari from custody pending a lower court verdict on the case. The maverick activist was set free before attending a fresh hearing in his trial later on Friday. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Gaspari said that he continues to consider the Armenian police "murderers" because of their role in the 2008 post- Amid growing uproar from opposi- Nubarashen prison. Investigators' deci- election violence in Yerevan, which left tion leaders, civil society members and sion to subject him to a psychiatric exam- ten people dead and dozens of others independent media, an Armenian court ination earlier this week only added to the wounded. ordered on Friday the release of a promi- outrage. nent activist who frequently stages lone Around two dozen members of the protests against the government. Armenian parliament signed a petition The Iranian-born activist, Vardges demanding his immediate release. Gaspari, was arrested on February 19 for Several youth activists lay down on the allegedly shouting abuse at the judge pre- ground in front of the presidential admin- siding over his ongoing trial on charges istration building in Yerevan on of insulting a police officer. Law-enforce- Wednesday and Thursday, imitating ment authorities also cited Gaspari's fail- Gaspari's trademark method of protesting ure to attend court hearings in the trial. against government policy. Police officers have had to literally carry him from his home to a court house in Yerevan ahead of every hearing. Noyan Tapan Press-Center Gaspari's arrest was condemned as Noyan Tapan Press Center holds different discussions, press confer- politically motivated by critics of the ences, round tables, teleconferences, seminars each week which Armenian government. They reacted are broadcast live on the Internet. We invite you to take advantage angrily after he claimed to have been of the Center, as well as to place your banner in our Press Room. assaulted by cellmates in the city's Tel: 060 27 64 62. Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 4 www.nt.am POLITICS Russia not hiding its military-technical cooperation with Armenia, Moscow tells Baku Russia dismissed on February 25 Azerbaijani protests against its decision to sell $200 million worth of more Russian- manufactured weapons to Armenia. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said on February 24 that it has sent a protest note to Moscow in connection with the arms deal that will be financed with a $200 million Russian loan allocated to Yerevan last year. "We have already made it clear to the Azerbaijani side through diplomatic chan- nels that Russia is bound by an alliance with Armenia and is developing with it military-technical cooperation among other things," said Maria Zakharova, the the region," she added, according to the The latest Russian-Armenian arms Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman. TASS news agency. deal has been construed by some analysts "This is a well-known fact, and we are Zakharova appeared to allude to the as a Russian attempt to placate the managing that cooperation without hiding fact that Russia has sold more than $4 bil- Armenians. it, in a transparent and open manner. We lion worth of mostly offensive weapons to The Russian government disclosed late hope that Azerbaijan will show under- Azerbaijan in the last several years. Those last week a long list of items which the standing for this fact," Zakharova told a arms deliveries prompted criticism from Armenian military will be able to acquire news briefing in Moscow. Armenia's government, political parties with the Russian loan by the end of 2017. "We carry out any supplies of weapons and media. Some of them have accused They include devastating multiple-launch to Armenia as well as friendly Azerbaijan Moscow of thereby undercutting Armenia, rocket systems, flamethrower systems, with a meticulous consideration of the Russia's main regional ally, in the dispute anti-tank rockets and communication need to maintain the balance of forces in with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. equipment.

No political prisoners in Armenia, says Dashnak leader after the arrests and prosecution of Dashnak members in the 1990s Armenia has not had political prisoners according to Council of Europe standards. "It is not parties' criteria that decide whether a man is a political prisoner. There are five criteria adopted by the Council of Europe, which should be used in the assessment. It is unbiased specialists who are to make the assessment, there is no giving assessments out of political considerations," said Rustamyan when asked to evaluate the status of maverick anti-government protester Vardges Gaspari, who was taken into custody a week ago on charges of allegedly insulting police officers and a judge. Opposition groups in Armenia, however, consider Gaspari and a number of other opposition and civil figures arrested and prosecuted recently, to be political prisoners. National Assembly Human Rights and Public Affairs The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF, Committee Chairman Elinar Vardanyan has launched a collec- Dashnaktsutyun), which signed an agreement on political coop- tion of signatures in the parliament for the appeal to a higher eration with the ruling Republican Party of Armenia on judicial instance for Gaspari's release pending trial. February 24 and for two days has been formally considered to Later on Friday a court in Yerevan reportedly made a deci- be a governing party, believes that there are no political prison- sion to set Gaspari free. ers in Armenia. Earlier, newly elected Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan also During a press briefing at the National Assembly on appealed to the prosecutor general to launch an inquiry into alle- February 26, ARF faction head Armen Rustamyan said that gations of torture against the 59-year-old activist.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 POLITICS The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 5 Arman Tatoyan elected as new Human Rights Defender waiting, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, but also the nominally opposition Prosperous Armenia and Orinats Yerkir parties. Also voting for Tatoyan was Nikol Pashinyan, an outspoken opposition law- maker who set up a new party last year. Pashinyan said during a parliament debate on Monday that Tatoyan should be given a chance to prove his declared commitment to human rights. But other opposition deputies rejected the choice of Andreasyan's successor. One of them, Zaruhi Postanjyan, branded Tatoyan as an "advocate of the government." Her colleagues representing the oppo- The National Assembly voted over- Andreasyan was publicly attacked by sition Armenian National Congress whelmingly on February 23 to appoint several HHK parliamentarians in October (HAK) made similar claims when they Armenia's new human rights ombudsman when he presented the National announced that they will boycott the par- nominated by President Serzh Sargsyan's Assembly with an annual report on the liament vote on the new ombudsman. Republican Party (HHK). work of his office. He denounced the Tatoyan, 34, was careful not to reveal Arman Tatoyan, who served as a harsh criticism as a smear campaign his immediate objectives or pass judg- deputy minister of justice until now, was ordered by an unnamed government- ment on a number of controversial arrests backed by 96 of the 131 members of the linked individual. and imprisonments of opposition Armenian parliament. He was sworn in The ruling party, which enjoys a com- activists. "I need time to clarify many for a six-year term immediately after the fortable majority in the parliament, has issues and figure out my priorities," he vote. denied forcing him to resign. told reporters after his election. "I cannot The position has been vacant since its Under Armenian law, Tatoyan needed make evaluations at this point." previous holder, Karen Andreasyan, at least 79 parliamentary votes in order to Tatoyan similarly skirted opposition unexpectedly stepped down on January become ombudsman. His candidacy was deputies' questions about the existence of 12. He gave no clear reasons for the backed by deputies representing not only political prisoners in Armenia during move. the HHK and its coalition partner-in- Monday's debate. Tigran Sargsyan, Nursultan Nazarbayev discuss EEU development Tigran Sargsyan has assumed the presidency of the Board at a hard time for world economy and added that "it's diffi- cult to find ways of growth under these conditions." The President said, however, he has no doubts connected with the ultimate usefulness of the Union, especially con- sidering that a number of countries are willing to join EEU or create free trade zones. The President of Kazakhstan noted that the membership in the integration union envisages not only the use of Chairman of the Board of the ment of the Eurasian Economic Union, opportunities, but also the need to invest Eurasian Economic Commission Tigran deepening of economic relations with in its development. Sargsyan had a meeting on February 25 third countries and the common strategy Chairman of the EEU Board voiced with the President of Kazakhstan of the EEU member states on the global confidence that Kazakhstan would give a Nursultan Nazarbayev. market were discussed. new impulse to the development of the Issues related to the current develop- Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that Union during its presidency of the EEU.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 6 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights ECONOMY Dashnak Minister vows action against monopolies Artsvik Minasyan, the newly appointed economy minister affiliated with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), on February 25 pledged to fight against monopolies widely regarded as a major hurdle to faster economic growth in Armenia. He acknowledged at the same time that liberalizing lucrative sectors of the Armenian economy controlled by powerful individuals will not be an easy task. "We are going to take actions in this direction that will be in tune with the European Union's anti-trust legislation and will help to create market-based competitive conditions in our country," Minasyan told RFE/RL's Armenian service after attending his first cabinet meeting in Yerevan. Minasyan said a set of "actions in this area that will be presented soon" but declined to elaborate on them. He also cautioned: "I want to remind you that Armenia's economy … is now classified In a joint declaration on their power-sharing deal signed on as a blockaded economy. In blockaded economies it is much eas- Wednesday, Dashnaktsutyun and the ruling Republican Party of ier to set up and solidify monopolies than to break them up." Armenia (HHK) promised, among other things, to pursue an Some lucrative forms of business in Armenia, notably imports "active ant-trust policy." Many analysts in Yerevan are skeptical of fuel and foodstuffs, have long been controlled by large compa- about this pledge, saying that President Sargsyan has long been nies belonging to government-linked individuals. Economists say relying on influential "oligarchs" for political support and will the resulting lack of competition in those sectors translates into hardly agree to act against them. disproportionately high prices. As recently as on February 3, Minasyan's predecessor as econ- A World Bank survey released in 2013 said that oligopolies omy minister, Karen Chshmarityan, rationalized the existence of control 20 percent of economic activity in Armenia, making it the business monopolies in the country. "The government has not most monopolized economy in the former Soviet Union. World fought and will not fight against monopolies," Chshmarityan said. Bank officials have repeatedly called on the Armenian govern- "Our legislation and policies are aimed instead at tackling abuse of ment to create a level playing field for entrepreneurs in all sectors. monopolist positions." PicsArt calls for U.S.-Armenia Tax Treaty Photo-editing, collage and drawing app, PicsArt -a Yerevan- based company with more than 250 million installations, or down- loads, serving a global community of 65 million - has joined a growing list of corporations and Congressional leaders in calling on the Obama Administration to help facilitate the growth of Armenia's burgeoning tech sector commerce with the United States by negotiating a bilateral Double Tax Treaty, reported the Armenian National Committee of America. In a letter sent to President Obama last week, PicsArt Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder Artavazd Mehrabyan explained that "PicsArt and the many other IT start-ups in Armenia represent the cutting edge of U.S.-Armenia economic growth, driving the expansion of commercial partnerships and further reinforcing the enduring bonds of friendship that have long drawn together the Armenian and American peoples." He went on to note that "to ensure serious, sustainable progress over the long term - we need to remove barriers to bilateral cooperation and put in place a clear legal framework for continued economic growth. through a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), A central element of such an effort must be a modern Tax Treaty which was adopted in May, 2015, and a modern Double Tax that eliminates the threat of double taxation of corporations, Treaty. investors and individuals that have business activities in both juris- Other firms in support of these common sense measures dictions." include: Ameria Banking Group, Prudence Legal Advisory and PicsArt, which has offices in both Yerevan, Armenia and San Counseling, Baker Tilley Armenia, Synergy, Tufenkian Heritage Francisco, California, joins technology and global business lead- Hotels, Altacode, Leda Campus LLC, Levon Travel, Unicomp, ers Microsoft, FedEx, NASDAQ, Marriott, Grant Thornton and Synopsys, Megerian Carpet, National Instruments, Mentor host of U.S. and Armenia firms who have been on record for years Graphics, First Mortgage, Geoteam, Hylink, LC Distribution, and supporting stronger bilateral economic relations efforts, including Linkgard Systems.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 ECONOMY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 7 In August of last year, senior ANCA officials met with U.S. legal uncertainty that deters potential U.S. investors, diverts Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to press for a new U.S.-Armenia investment flows and disadvantages American businesses seeking Double Tax Treaty. The current treaty governing double taxation to invest in the Republic of Armenia. issues between the two countries is the 1973 U.S.-U.S.S.R. Tax U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) Treaty, an outdated forty year-old accord. The lack of an updated have appealed to Treasury Secretary Lew to begin negotiations for double tax treaty between the United States and Armenia creates new Double Tax Treaty to address these concerns. Car importers hail Armenia, UN sign agreement government move to on Customs Facilitation in scrap VAT on vehicles Humanitarian Assistance from EEU According to Armenia's car importers, the abol- ishment of a 20-percent value added tax (VAT) levied from cars imported from Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) member states will boost the field's further development. A couple of weeks ago, EEU Minister of Integration and Macroeconomics Tatiana Valovaya said that that Armenia's 20-percent VAT charged from physical persons importing cars from EEU member states is contrary to the EEU legal framework. After that, Armenia's car importers appealed to the president and the government of the country to abolish VAT levied from cars imported from the EEU member states. On February 25, Armenia's government approved legislative changes concerning not charg- On 26 February, 2016, the Model Customs Agreement between ing VAT on cars imported from the EEU countries. United Nations in Armenia and the the UN and member states includes After the law is passed by the National Ministry of Emergency Situations in recommended measures to expedite Assembly, individuals importing cars will not pay Armenia signed the Customs customs clearance procedures, the 20-percent VAT. Facilitation Agreement, a bilateral including simplified documentation Chairman of the Drivers' Defense League Tigran agreement allowing the expedition and inspection procedures, the tem- Hovhannisyan told media that this will make possi- of the import, export and transit of porary or permanent waiving of ble to import newer cars at more reasonable prices relief consignments and possessions duties and taxes on imports, as well from the Russian market. of relief personnel in the event of as clearance arrangements outside "The Russian market is competitive. There is disasters and emergencies. This official working hours and loca- domestic production and there are popular car man- marks a major step forward in tions. ufacturers from the United States, Japan and South strengthening preparedness and a The agreement signed today will Korea. pioneering initiative for others in allow aid consignments, including In addition, we will import up to five-year-old the region. search and rescue teams, search dog cars from the Russian market at more affordable Armenia's vulnerability to natu- teams and mobile medical units, prices due to the depreciation of the dollar in ral disasters led the Government to high technology emergency com- Russia," he said. prioritize the rapid deployment of munication equipment and other Hovhannisyan said that new cars have filter sys- international aid in emergency situ- emergency relief items a speedy tems, whereas cars imported from Georgia, which ations by lowering customs barriers. import / export and transit into the are from 15 to 20 years old, mostly do not have The negotiations between the UN country in the event of a disaster them. and the Government of Armenia requiring external assistance. "I want [our country] to get out of the Georgian started in 2013. To date, similar Such agreements along with market, due to the Eurasian Economic Union, and it agreements have been signed with vital information shared by natural will be better for us to develop our own domestic the governments of Belarus, authorities enable UN agencies, market," he said. Bhutan, Dominican Republic, intergovernmental, governmental The chairman of the Drivers' Defense League Honduras, Liberia, Mali, Moldova, and non-governmental organiza- added that car prices in Armenia are sure to drop due Nepal and Uzbekistan. tions as well as other humanitarian to this decision. Developed by the United actors to quickly contact appropriate As an example, he said that a week ago a Nations Office for the Coordination National Customs Authorities to Mercedes produced in 2015 sold for $30,000, but of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in bring in relief consignments for sav- now without the VAT it would cost about $24,000 to 1994 and approved by the World ing lives and reducing the suffering $25,000. Customs Organization in 1996, the of the affected people.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 8 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights FOR SALE YOUR DEAL IS OUR DEAL www.mrealty.am (010) 564631 [email protected] 12 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan, Armenia (010) 562181 130.000 USD electricity, gas, water, the district is inhabited. Price: 1 ROOM 2836.Pushkin str., 4/4,5, 400sq.m., 3 bedrooms, 30USD per sq.m 3 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, 2107.Monument, 2400sq.m, building permits, 1696.Tumanyan str., 5/4, stone bld, 1 bedroom, AC. Price: 460.000 USD. building project. Price: 400 USD per sq.m. h-3m, capitally repaired, heating system. Price: 2990.North Ave., Newly built, 11th floor, 2413.Ashtarak roadway, 1000sq.m, building 160.000 USD. 295sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, capitally permits, building project. Price: Negotiable 1440.Northern Ave., Newly built, 3rd floor, 110 repaired, climate control, parking. Price: 2414.Demirchyan str. land-750sq.m., building sq.m., 1 bedroom, h-3m,euro repaired, heating sys- Negotiable. permits. Price:750.000 USD. tem, ,furnished,parking,. Price: 350.000 USD. 1715- Sayat Nova Ave., 5/4, 70sq.m, stone bld, h-4m, 1 bedroom, capitally repaired, heating sys- PREMISES PRIVATE HOUSES tem. Price: 110.000 USD 1680- Mashtots Ave., 5/4, 68sq.m, 1 bedroom, 1789.Charents str. Land-1270sq.m,5 storied 3739.Nork Marash Land- 2000sq.m, two sepa- old repair, possibility of gas. Price: 86.000 USD. building, each floor-400sq.m.,basement, capitally rate houses, total bld-600sq.m,capitally repaired, 1674. Abovyan str., 2nd floor,70sq.m., 1 bed- repaired, parkings. Price:4.000.000 USD nego- swimming pool, sauna, guard house. 2 car parking, room, capitally repaired, heating system. Price: tiable garden. Price: 950.000 USD 135.000 USD 1598.Komitas, Nairy Zaryan str., 1000 sq.m., 3348.Blur, Barbyus str. Land - 800 sq.m, 3 sto- 1698-Aram str., Newly built, 14/5, 62sq.m, 1 working restaurant,1st line, capitally repaired. Price: ried bld.-700 sq.m, 4bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, capi- bedroom, capitally repaired, AC, security system, negotiable. tally repaired, climate control. Price: 1.2 million parking. Price: 120.000 USD. 1603.Northern Ave., Ground floor of the build- USD ing, 160 sq.m.,zero 3146.Aygestan, Land-500 sq.m., 5 storied bld- level, window 765 sq.m.,each floor-180 sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 5 2 ROOMS glasses. Price: bathrooms, study, capitally repaired, hjeating sys- 2.600.000 USD. tem,elevator. Price: 2.300.000 USD. 3003.Sayat-Nova str, 2035.Tumanyan 3583.Nork-Marash, Land-1100sq.m,2 storied 5/3, 105sq.m, 2bedrooms, str., Ground floor bld-520sq.m,6 bedrooms,5 bathrooms, capitally stone building, capitally of the building, repaired,heating system, AC, swimming pool, gar- repaired. Price: Negotiable 220sq.m.,1st line, den. Price:1.350.000 USD. 1560.Northern Ave., facade-55m.,capi- 3432.Aygedzor, Land - 1021 sq m ,3 storied bld.- Newly built,10/3, 130 tally repaired, h- 501 sq.m., 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, capi- sq.m., 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- 5m., cellar. Price: tally repaired, central heating, AC, boiler room rooms, capitally Negotiabel garden, swimming pool, sauna, garage, security repaired,climate control, 2013.Tumanyan system. Price:1.000.000 USD parking. Price: 400.000 str., Ground floor 3606.Avan, Tsarav Akhbyur/near Botanical gar- USD. of the building, den/, Land-1000sq.m.,3 storied building- 2818.Northern Ave., 265sq.m.,1st line, 750sq.m.,6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, Newly built, 3rd floor, capitally repaired, capitally repaired, heating system swimming pool, 120sq.m, 2 bedrooms,2 heating system, garden, sauna, 2 car parking. Price-1.500.000 USD bathrooms,capitally cellar. Price: 3574.Blur, Land-779sq.m.,2 storied building- repaired, heating system, 1.300.000$ nego- 720sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, study, capital- Ac, furnished. tiable ly repaired, heating system,sauna swimming pool, Price: 400.000USD 2012.Mashtots garden. Price: 2.000.000 USD 1156.Komitas Ave., Ave., 5/1,2, 3590 Blur, Barbyus str., Land-450 sq.m.,4 sto- Hambardzumyan str. 5/3, 140sq.m.,window ried building-470sq.m.,3bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 110sq.m, 2 bedrooms, cap- glasses, capitally capitally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. itally repaired, heating system, kitchen is furnished. repaired, AC. Price: 1.100.000$ negotiable Price: 680.000 USD Price: 150.000 USD negotiable. 2155.Mashtots ave., 3storied building, 3651.Blur, Barbyus str., Land-900sq.m.,5 sto- 2949.Aram str., Newly built, 1st floor, 143 sq.m, 540sq.m., each floor-180sq.m, window ried building-800sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, zero state, Price: 2000 USD per sq.m. glasses,parking. capitally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. 2300.Northern ave., Newly built, 6/2, 130 Price:3.600.000 USD Price:1.700.000 USD. sq.m., 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, 2020.Hr. Kochar str., Land-300sq.m,1st line, 3401.Antarayin str, Newly built, land-700sq.m, heating system, AC,parking. Price: 400.000 USD. 4storied building, 1080sq.m.,each floor-270sq.m, 3 storied bld-690sq.m, 5 bedrooms, capitally h-3.6m,without divisions, parkings, 3 access. repaired. Price: 1.300.000 USD 3 ROOMS Price:1.400.000 USD negotiable 3712 Cascade Newly built, land-450sq.m, 4 sto- 1986.Cascade, Land 1000sq.m. 3storied build- ried bld-600sq.m, zero state. Price: 550.000 USD 3090 Dzorap Newly built, 190sq.m, 2 bed- ing1200sq.m., unfinished, parking. Price:1.000.000 USD. rooms, study, 2 bathrooms, capitally NEWLY BUILT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS renovated,parking, Price: 460.000 USD 2167.Sayat Nova str., newly built, 38sq. m, 3090. Busand str, /Near Republic Square/, capitally repaired. Price: 200.000 USD 142. Verin Antarayin str., 14 floors, 65-133sq.m, Newly built, /6th floor,116sq.m, 2 bedrooms, 2 2175.Tumanyan str, Ground and 1st floorof the capitally renovated, parking. Price: 900-1300 USD bathrooms one in master bedroom, capitally reno- building, 600sq.m, ground floor300sq.m, 1st floor- 74.Cascade, Verin Antarayin. 136-315 sq vated, open balcony. Price: 350.000 USD nego- 220sq,m, basement-80sq.m, - 1st line, zero level, 2 m.,walls plastered, electricity, water, gas, euro win- tiable entrances, facade-15m, 4 window glasses, capital- dows,no exploitation fees. Price:1200 USD per 3046.Amiryan str., Newly built, 9/9, ly reapired, heating system, AC, Price: 3500 USD sq.m, parking -15.000 USD. 81sq.m.,without divisions. Price:Negotiable. per sq.m, 107.Monument, Verin Antarayin. inhabited, 8 3012.Aram str, Newly built, /7th floor, 136sq.m, 2172. Isahakyan str, 92sq.m, 1st line, 7 floors, gas, windows, street view -1000 USD per 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heat- degrees above zero level, facade-9m, 2 window sq.m., city looking -1500 USD per sq.m., parking - ing system, AC, parking, facing to bulvar, glasses, h-3.20m, 2 halls, cabinet, bathroom, capi- 4 million USD preliminary. Price:300.000 USD negotiable. tally repaired, heating system. Price: 450.000 87.Sayat-Nova str., 21 floors, 3 bedrooms -188 2998.North Ave, Newly built, 9/6, 181sq.m, USD sq.m., 199 sq.m., Price 1900 USD per sq.m., 2 bed- 3bedrooms, capitally repaired, climate control, rooms have a beautiful sight - 117 sq.m., 120 parking, Price: 700.000 USD LANDS sq.m., 124 sq.m.,Price: 1700 USD per sq.m., cli- 2682.Aram Str., Newly built,13/6 187sq.m., 3 mate control, gas. bedrooms,2 bathrooms, 2 open balconies, capitally 2122.Davitashen, 1800 sq.m., water, gas, elec- 93.Kievyan str., Given to the operation in reapaired,heating systen, 2AC, 2 garages, view to tricity, possible to sell separately 600 sq.m., and October 2011, 16 floors, walls plastered, windows, garden. Price: 550.000 USD negotiable. 1200 sq.m. Price: 150 USD per sq.m. exterior doors, h -3, 15 m, gas,parking. Price: 1500- 2958.Pushkin str., 5/2, 140 sq.m., stone build- 2121.Demirchyan str., 1338 sq.m.,building per- 1600USD per sq.m,parking-12 000 USD. Possible ing,4 bedrooms,capitally repaired,heating system. mits. Price: 2million USD. with mortgage, for 13 years term. Price: Negotiable. 2013.Cascade. 1000 sq.m. building permits, first 94.Masiv. 3floors,8 flats,each flat has 3 bed- 2895.Northern Ave., Newly built, 3rd floor, line, gas, water and electricity possibilities. Price rooms, 210 sq.m., parking. Price: negotiable. 300sq.m,3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,capitally 460.000USD 130.Antarayin str., 34 flats, 110-275 sq.m., 4 repaied, climate control, AC. Price: negotiable 1402.Hr. Kochar Str., 1100 sq. m.,facade -25 m. penthouses-200-275sq.m,available sevices-car 2802.Amiryan str., Newly built,8/4, Price negotiable. wash, cleaning service, garbage removal service, 166sq.m,3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,capitally 2090.Lori region, close to Stepanavan, Gyargyar parking. Price: Negotiable repaired, central heating,AC,security system. village, 6 hectares, forest 2 hectare has building 131.Busand str., commercial, office and resi- Price:320.000 USD. permits, 3 water source, electricity. Price: dential areas, penthouse, available sevices-car 1104.Komitas Ave., Aram Khachatryan str., 100.000USD. wash, cleaning service, garbage removal service, 5/2, 125sq.m.,stone bld, h-2.75m.,3 bedrooms, 2406.Avan, Mher Mkrtchyan block, 1000 sq.m., parking. Price: Negotiable office, 2 bathrooms, old repair, gas, garage. Price:

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 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 227sq.m.,4bedrooms, 2bathrooms, guest toilet, capi- 1195.Nork, Armenakyan str., Land - 2000 sq.m, 4 1 ROOM tally repaired, furnished,parking. Price:2500 USD storied bld.-520 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 4bathrooms, 2303 Hanrapetutyan str Newly built, 9/5, capitally repaired, heating system, sauna, gym, fur- 2037.Baghramyan str., 5/2, 60sqm, 1 bedroom, 165sq.m, 3bedrooms,1bathroom, 1 guest toilet. cap- nished, swimming-pool, garden. Price: 4.000 USD euro repaired, gas, heating system, AC, modern fur- itally repaired, furnished, parking. Price: 2000 USD negotiable. nished,equipped. Price:negotiable 2257.Northern Ave., Newly built, 17/16, 160 1142.Djrvej, Bagrevand community. Land-1000 2189.Vardanants str., Newly built,24/12, 90 sqm, sq.m.,3 bedrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, sq.m., 3 storied bld.-700 sq.m., 5 bedrooms, 5 bath- 1 bedroom, capitally repaired, furnished, equipped. AC, parking. Price: Negotiable rooms, pantry, playing room, capitally repaired, no Price: 1000 USD. 2005.Northern Ave., Newly built,8/8, 130 sq.m, 3 furniture/ can be furnished, if necessary /garage for 2 2099.Sayat-Nova Ave., 12/6, 1 bedroom, capital- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating cars. Price: 4 000 USD. ly repaired,gas, heating system, AC, furnished, system, furnished, parking. Price: 2200 USD. 1293.Nork-Marash, Land-1100sq.m,2 storied bld- equipped. Price:600 USD. 1723.Northern Ave., Newly built,8/4., 170 sq.m 3 520 sq.m, 6 bedrooms,5 bathrooms, capitally 1972.Northern ave., 8/4, 80sq.m.,1bedrrom, 2 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, open kitchen, capitally repaired, heating system, AC, swimming pool, gar- bathrooms, open kitchen, capitally repaired, climate repaired, furnished, equipped. Price: 2000 USD. den.Price7.000 USD control. Price: 1200 USD 1981.Vardanants Str., Newly built, 14/14, 140 sq 327. Nork-Marash, Land-500sq.m.,4 storied 2171.Tumanyan str., Newly built, 5th floor, 94 m,3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heat- building-600 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, capi- sq.m., 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, capitally repaired, ing system, AC, 3 open baconies, furnished, tally repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, central heating, furnished, equipped. Price: 1000 USD equipped,parking. Price: 2000 USD. swimming pool, garden, sauna, 2 car parking. Price- 2367.Northern ave., Newly built, 9th flloor, 98 1793.Teryan str., Newly built, 8th floor, 260 sq.m.,3 4000 USD sq.m., capitally repaired, heating system, furnished bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study, capitally repaired, cli- 1306. Tsarav Akhbyur /near Botanical garden/, equipped. Price: Negotiable. mat control, parking, unfurnished (possible to furnish), Land-1000sq.m., 3 storied building-750sq.m., 6 bed- Price: 3500 USD. rooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, capitally repaired, 1720.Amiryan str., Newly built,16/10, 179 sq.m, 3 heating system swimming pool, garden, sauna, 2 car 2 ROOMS bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, central parking, with or without furniture. Price:6000-8000 heating, AC, cellar- 25sq.m, with or without furniture, USD negotiable 2302 North Ave, Newly built, 11/4, 137sq.m, parking, Price 3000 USD negotiable 1288. Tsarav Akhbyur /near Botanical garden/, 2bedrooms,2bathrooms,capitally repaired, furnished, 2195.Northern ave., Newly built, 3rd floor, Land-560sq.m., 4 storied building-560 sq.m., 4 bed- parking. Price: 2000 USD 300sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, cap- rooms, 4bathrooms, a kitchen, office, capitally 1780.Amiryan str, Newly built, /13th floor, 82 sq.m, repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, swim- 2 bedrooms, capitally repaired, heating ming pool,garden, 2 car parking. Price: 5000 USD system, AC, furnished, equipped. Price: 1197. Blur, Land-779sq.m.,2 storied building- 1700 USD negotiable. 720sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, study, capitally 942.Teryan str. 4/3, 130 sq.m.,2 bed- repaired, heating system, sauna swimming pool, gar- rooms, capitally repaired, heating sys- den. Price:8000 USD tem, furnishred, equipped. Price: 1500 1312. Blur, Barbyus str., Land-450sq.m., 4 sto- USD. ried building-470sq.m., 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1950.Buzand/Mashtots area. Newly capitally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. Price: built, 8th floor, 163 sq.m., 2 bedrooms, Negotiable 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired,climate 1317. Blur, Barbyus str., Land-900sq.m.,5 storied control, furnished, open balcony. Price: building-800sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, capi- 2500 USD. tally repaired, heating system, AC, garden. Price: 1681.Northern Ave., Newly Negotiable. built,6/2,130 sq.m.,2 bedrooms, 2 1323.Monument, Babayan str, Land - 400 sq.m, 3 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating storied bld-300sq.m, each floor-100sq.m, 4 bed- system, AC,parking. rooms, 4 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating sys- Price: 2000 USD. tem, AC, furnished, equipped. Price: Negotiable 1535.Busand str., Newly built, 7/4, 82sq.m,2bedrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, AC, parking, furnished, PREMISES itally repaired,climate control, AC, parking. equipped. Price: Negotiable. Price:5000 USD 1738.Amiryan str., 8/8, 159sq.m.,2 bedrooms, 2 2049.Teryan str, ground floor+basemnet, 1st line, 2261.Hin Yerevantsi, /North Avenue/, Newly bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating system, park- 200sq.m, repaired. Price: 6.000 USD built, 10/3, 124sq.m., 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cap- ing. Price: Negotiable 1693.Malatia-Sebastia 4 storied building, itally repaired, heating system, AC, furnished, 1951.Busand str., Newly built, 13th floor, 122sq.m, 1200sq.m, each floor-300sq.m, 2 separate entrances, equipped, parking. Price: 1700 USD 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, climate climate control, 2 elevators, basement, parking. Price: 2084.Tumanyan str., 4th floor, 200sq.m, 3 bed- control. Price: 2500 USD 15USD per sq.m. rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, climate con- 1406.Sayat Nova ave., 7/3, 110sq.m., 2 bed- 1526.Byuzand str., 5/semi-basement, 170 sqm., 4- trol, parking. Price:5000 USD rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally reapired, heating sys- 5 degrees below zero level,window glasses, cellar - 50 2252.Northern ave, 7th floor, 350 sq.m., 3 bed- tem, furnished, equipped. Price: Negotiable sq.m.,6 rooms, the largest is 30 sq.m., 2 entrances, 2 rooms, 4 bathrooms, study, open balconies, capitally 2109.Northern ave., Newly built,10/4, 137sq.m, 2 lavatories. Price 2000 USD per month, negotiable. repaired, climate control, parking. Price Negotiable. bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, central 1408.Zarobyan str., /parallel to Baghramyan str./, heating, furnished, equipped, parking. Price: 2000 2 storied building,600 sqm. ground floor- hall and USD. PRIVATE HOUSES kitchen,1st floor 5 rooms, bathroom, open balcony, 2243.Buzand str, Newly built, 17/4, 125sq.m, 2 capitally repaired, gas, heating system,parking. Price: bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating 1335 Baghramyan str., Land-200sq.m, 3storied Negotiable. system, AC, furnished, equipped. Price: 2000 USD bld-300sq.m.,4 bedrooms, 3bathrooms,capitally 1462.Teryan str., 3 storied building, 800 sq.m., cap- Amiryan str, Newly built, 14/5, 120sqm, 2 bed- repaired, furnished. Price: 3000 USD itally repaired, AC, parking, Price: 10.000 USD. rooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally repaired, heating sys- 1336 Aygedzor, Land-1000sq.m, 2 storied bld- 1945.Mashtots Ave., 5/1,2, 140sq.m., window tem, AC, partly furnished. Price 2000 USD 240sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathroosm,capitally glasses, capitally repaired, AC. Price: 8000 USD repaired, furnished. Price:2000 USD 1943.Tumanyan str., Ground floor of the building, 1337 Davtashen Land-406sq.m,3 storied bld- 265sq.m.,1st line, capitally repaired, heating system, 3 ROOMS AND MORE 306sq.m, 4bedrooms, 2bathrooms, capitally repaired, cellar. Price: 7000 USD furnished. Price:3900 USD 1868.Tumanyan str., Ground floor of the building, 2358 V. Sargsyan str, Newly Built, 7/4, 145sq.m, 3 1323.Monument, Babayan str, Land-400sq.m, 220sq.m.,1st line, facade-55m.,capitally repaired, h- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one guest toilet, capitally 3storied bld-300sq.m, 4bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, cap- 5m., cellar. Price: 15.000 USD. renovated, furnished, underground parking. itally repaired. Price: Negotiable 2087.Northern ave., Ground floor of the building, Price:3000 USD negotiable 1248.Aygedzor, Land - 1021 sq m ,3 storied bld. - 100sq.m,1st line, zero level, capitally repaired, win- 2353 V. Sargsyan str. 8/5, Newly built, 98sq.m, 501 sq.m., 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, capitally dow glasses. Price: Negotiable. 2bedrooms,capitally renovated, furnished, Price 1500 repaired, central heating, AC, sauna, boiler room 2033.Abovyan str, 388sq,m, Ground floor of the USD garden, swimming pool, garage, alarming system, building, 3 degrees above zero level, windoq glasses, 2347 Teryan str. Newly built, 10/8, 320sq.m, 3bed- security system. Price: 8000 USD. h-3m.,basement-235sq.m, capitally repaired, heat- rooms, office, 3 bathrooms, capitally repaired, fur- 999.Aygedzor, Land -1000 sqm, basement + 2 ing system, AC. Price: 15.000 USD nished. Price: Negotiable floors- 310 sqm, capitally repaired, 4 bedrooms, 4 2031.Vardanants str, 500sq.m, ground floor of the 2277.Kievyan str. duplex, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath- bathrooms, newly furnished, equipped, sauna, swim- building, 2 entrances, facade-20m, window glasses, rooms, capitally repaired, with or without furniture. ming-pool. Starting Price: 5000 USD. without divisions, ,basement-250sq.m, Price:8000 Price: Negotiable. 1094.Noy block, Land-450sqm, 2 storied building - USD 2310 Busand str., Newly built, 190sq.m, 3bed- 220sq.m, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, capitally 2027.Sayat Nova str, 95sq.m, ground floor of the rooms, 3bathrooms, capitally repaired, furnished, repaired, heating system, furnished, equipped, swim- building, 2 entrances, 7 degrees above zero level, 4 parking. Price: 2500 USD ming pool, garden. Price: 2000USD. window glasses, capitally repaired. Price: 4.000 USD 2316 Northern Ave, Newly built,6th floor,

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 10 www.nt.am SOCIETY Bundestag to vote on new Armenian Genocide bill before April 24 The German Bundestag held a debate are not responsible for their ancestors, but on the Armenian Genocide on February 25 can take steps to improve relations with but did not vote on the bill proposed by the Armenia." Alliance 90/The Greens. The ruling coali- "Today we need no reports criticizing tion said it's not the proper time to adopt Turkey. Instead, we need steps that will the bill and proposed to continue the dis- contribute to the settlement of the migrants' cussions in the coming weeks to prepare a issue. Judging from our own history, we new finalized document until April 24, can say that no matter how actively we 2016. invite Turkey to assess their own past, their Chairman of the Alliance 90/The people must be ready for it. It will happen, Greens Cem Ozdemir agreed to withdraw when there is no pressure from the outside. Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. his bill on condition that the new document Therefore, we cannot vote in favor of this The resolution noted that "the fate of to be agreed before April 24 clearly men- resolution," he said. the Armenians stands as exemplary in the tions the events of 1915 as genocide, "We need to respect ourselves and history of mass exterminations, ethnic accepts Germany's role in the massacre and refrain from kissing Turkey's eyes every cleansing, deportations and yes, genocide, contributes to the normalization of the time. You asked for time, and we gave you which marked the 20th century in such a Armenian-Turkish relations. plenty," Ozdemir told the coalition. terrible way." German President Joachim The issue was brought to the agenda by "Turkey speaks of civilized society, but Gauck used the same wording as he the Alliance 90/The Greens, which has persecutes journalists who dare speak addressed a commemoration ceremony on always urged to describe the events of openly," he added. the eve of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 as 'genocide.' "If we really manage to work out a new Armenian Genocide. Addressing the Bundestag today, document before April 24 on the basis of The bill stated that "An honest apprais- Ozdemir said "the authorities have no com- the three above-mentioned points, we'll say al of history is the most important basis for mon stance on the issue out of the fear to "We are with you." But when time comes, reconciliation." irritate Erdogan. "I don't understand why you'll find other obstacles," Chairman of The bill also referred to the German we cannot vote for this bill. We should do the Greens Party said. role in the Armenian Genocide, noting that that for the simple reason of clearing our The bill debated today noted that "the "today's German authorities are obliged to conscience," he said. German Bundestag bows to the victims of contribute to the resumption of the "Turkey is distorting its own history, forced displacement and massacre of the Armenian-Turkish relations, opening of while our goal is to establish the truth. A Armenians and Aramaeans, Assyrians and the shared border." clear message on the part of Germany other Christian minorities of the Ottoman Unlike the resolution adopted by the could change a lot," Ozdemir said. Empire, which began 100 years ago. It Bundestag in 2005, the bill considered Klaus Brähmig of CDU/CSU said, in deplored the actions of the then Turkish today clearly described the events as turn, that "the current Turkish authorities government, almost full annihilation of the "genocide." Armenian Ambassador meets Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship On February 22, Armen Yeganian, tions. Ambassador Yeganian expressed his Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to gratitude to Canadian Government for the Canada, had a meeting with John support. McCallum, Minister of Immigration, During the meeting thoughts on the Refugees and Citizenship of Canada. current visa policies between the two coun- Highlighting the necessity of opening tries were exchanged. Embassy of Canada in Armenia, Armen Yeganian briefed on the com- Ambassador Yeganian informed Minister memorative events of the Centennial of the that every year several thousands Canadian Armenian Genocide, organized throughout citizens visit Armenia and sometimes they 2015 in different countries, including experience the need of consular and immi- the problems the Syrian-Armenians are Canada. gration services of the Embassy. facing while arriving to Canada. He The results of the 31st Ministerial The sides also discussed a number of stressed that the Canadian Government is Conference of the International issues concerning the recent flow of implementing numerous assistance pro- Organization of La Francophonie, which refugees to Canada. Minister McCallum grammes, which in particular are aimed at took place last October in Yerevan, were underlined that he is well informed about the improvement of refugees' social condi- discussed.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 POLITICS www.nt.am 11 How Turks have been viewed through Iran's history their highly negative impressions of (1006 - 1088 AD): Turks, revealing that Iranian antipa- "It would be surprising that a thy toward Turks has long roots. Turk would understand love, The Persian references regarding As it would be surprising that a Turks come from such well-known Turk does not rob and steal." During the past one thousand poets as Ferdowsi in the 10th years, the relationship between the Century and Hafez in the 14th Nizami (1140 - 1203 AD): two neighboring Islamic states of Century. Turkic tribes first invaded "Even the King did not know, Persia and the Ottoman Empire vac- Persia in the 11th Century, followed No such thing as a loyal Turk." illated between peaceful coexis- by the Seljuks. In the 13th Century, tence and outright war. The popula- Iran was conquered by the Mongols Anvari (12th Century): tions of these two states were not and then by Turkmen tribes who "As you have not started your only of different ethnic and linguis- were finally defeated in 1592 AD. journey with your gentle horse, tic backgrounds, but were also Many wars ensued between Persia Don't leave, the road is full of divided in their Islamic faith - the and the Ottoman Empire in subse- bloodthirsty Turks." Persians were Shia, while the Turks quent centuries. were Sunni. The divisions between Ohanian has presented in her Khaghani (1120 - 1190 AD): Iran and Turkey continue to this book quotations from 13 Persian "Drinking blood with a friend is day. poets and writers. While Armenians an old tradition, Many readers are familiar with have their own tragic memories of Turks are blood drinkers and the anti-Turkish references in the oppressive Turkish rule, it is inter- don't recognize their friends." works of Western writers, particu- esting to learn of the similarly neg- larly after successive episodes of ative experiences of other nations Saati (1184 - 1283 AD): Armenian massacres leading to the that came in contact with Turks. "At that time you sent me 1915 Genocide, such as the damn- Here are several lines from a student, ing words of French writer Victor Persian Middle Age poets translated A Turk; there was no one worse Hugo, "The Turks have passed by by Ohanian from Farsi to Armenian than him." here, all is in ruins and mourning." which I have translated to English: Yet, little is known about refer- Many of these Persian descrip- ences in Persian literature regarding Ferdowsi (925 - 1020 AD): tions of Turks would be viewed Turks. Roubina Ohanian, an "No one has learned wisdom today as racist as they unfairly label Armenian native of Iran, now resid- from Turks, all Turks with the same stereotype. ing in Glendale, California, has No one will obey a Turk." All nationalities have some good filled that void with her book, "The and bad among them. The real prob- Interpretation of the Name and Asadi Tusi (11th Century): lem, however, is the violent policies Word Turk in Iranian Literature." "No one ever saw any loyalty of the Turkish state that brutally Ohanian has meticulously from a Turk; oppressed minorities and conquered researched and translated from Farsi From Iranians they have seen nations, resulting in mass crimes into Armenian dozens of lines from nothing but loyalty." and genocide against Arabs, several notable Persian poets from Armenians, Assyrians, Cypriots, the Middle Ages who had penned Khawaja Abdullah Ansari Greeks and Iranians!

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 12 www.nt.am SOCIETY Council of Europe urges Armenia to step up corruption prevention among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors

An anti-graft arm of the Council of Europe urged the Armenian authorities on February 25 to carry out "more comprehensive" reforms that would combat and prevent corruption among Armenian lawmakers, judges and prosecutors. Describing corruption as an "important problem for Armenian society," the Strasbourg-based Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) specifically called for stricter rules for income declaration by those officials and their families. In that regard, it also stressed the impor- tance of greater judicial independence. "The judiciary is perceived as being particularly prone to corruption," GRECO said in an extensive report. Those gifts seem to be a major source judges and to disciplinary procedures are "Moreover, according to various national of GRECO concerns. The group's report clearly required," it said. and international reports, the independ- says that Armenian laws and regulations "Similarly, the procedures for the ence of the judiciary … appears unsatis- should set "clearer definitions to ensure recruitment and promotion of prosecutors factory." that they cover any benefits -- including need to be reformed, as do the procedures "Overarching concerns about the cur- benefits in kind and benefits provided to for the selection, appointment and dis- rent system of state powers and public associated persons." missal of the Prosecutor General," it governance can only be addressed The Armenian authorities, the report added. through a more comprehensive reform says, should also give more powers to the Policy recommendations contained in process," reads the 66-page report. "It is ethics commission so that it "can verify in the GRECO report also include tougher essential that the necessary reforms are depth the [asset] declarations submitted, sanctions against conflict of interest carried through without delay, with the to investigate irregularities and to initiate among Armenian parliament deputies, support of various political and societal proceedings and impose effective, pro- many of them wealthy businesspeople. forces, and that they yield concrete and portionate and dissuasive sanctions if the GRECO believes that the authorities sustainable results." rules are violated." should "prevent circumvention of the The report, based on an April 2015 "The authorities may also wish to restrictions on business activities" by fact-finding trip to Armenia by a GRECO ensure that criminal sanctions are in place those lawmakers. delegation, recommends more powers for -- and are effectively applied -- in case of "By the end of April 2017 the author- an Armenian state body that scrutinizes serious breaches of the rules on asset dec- ities of Armenia are to report back on income declarations submitted by senior laration," it adds. measures taken to implement the 18 rec- state officials and their family members. The Armenian government already ommendations included in this report," The Commission on Ethics of High- announced in December plans to push concludes the report. "GRECO will Rankings Officials was formed by through the parliament a bill that would assess the effectiveness of these measures President Serzh Sargsyan four years ago empower the commission to fine officials in a "compliance report" in the second with the stated aim of detecting possible refusing to file such declarations or half of 2017. illegal self-enrichment by some 600 offi- underreporting their assets. The govern- The recommendations were endorsed cials. None of those officials is known to ment also claims that Armenian courts on Thursday, Thorbjørn Jagland, the have been sanctioned by the commission will become more independent as a result Council of Europe's secretary general. to date despite regular media reports link- of recently enacted constitutional "Reform should be pursued with determi- ing some of them with lucrative business- changes. nation and without delay," Jagland said. es. GRECO indicated, however, that "Fighting corruption is a priority." Many senior officials have attributed more needs to be done to address the lack The Armenian government adopted their and their close relatives' wealth to of judicial independence in the country. last year a three-year plan of actions lavish financial "gifts" received from "With regard to judges, further amend- aimed at combatting corruption. Earlier unnamed individuals. The anti-graft body ments to the architecture of judicial self- this month, the U.S. Agency for has not investigated the origin of those government bodies, to the procedures for International Development allocated donations. recruitment, promotion and dismissal of $750,000 to support its implementation.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 CULTURE The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 13 Turkey's blockade of Armenia a barrier to sustainable development: Edward Nalbandian requires updating from a range of perspectives. Enhancement of infrastructure and sustainable investment, including through blended finance, will be critical to deliver- ing on an ambitious development agenda. Addressing the issue of projects bankabil- ity and ensuring public-private solutions to financing projects is an important aspect of Armenia's work with international financial institutions, in particular, for the infrastructure projects we are currently implementing. Coherent steps should be taken on a global level to address insufficient investment in infrastructure. The crucial need to Statement by the Minister of year the Government of Armenia and the bridge the global infrastructure gap has Foreign Affairs of Armenia at the United Nations signed the third been recognized as an important priority in "Financing the 2030 Agenda: A discus- Development Assistance Framework the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. We wel- sion on financing for the SDGs building (UNDAF), which is a strategic document come the international commitment to on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda" that will guide our cooperation for the bridge these gaps, including the annual Excellencies, period of 2016-2020 reflecting Armenia's gap of 1 to 1.5 trillion dollars in the devel- "It always seems impossible until it's vision and commitment for improving the oping countries. done": These are the words of Nelson living standards of its population. It is important that together with limi- Mandela - a man who made the impossible Ladies and Gentlemen, tations in finance we look at the barriers to come true. No matter how ambitious and The adoption of the Vienna sustainable development as well - closed challenging is the task, the joint determi- Programme of Action for the Landlocked borders, blockades, unduly discriminating nation and synergy of efforts that 50 years Developing Countries and its integration trade regimes. The fact that a highly ago lay at the foundation of the United into the Agenda 2030 has been an impor- important inter-state railway (Gyumri- Nations Development Program to build a tant step to promote a sustainable and Kars) between Armenia and Turkey is not better life for all, without exclusion, inclusive development agenda. To ensure being used in the vital interests of sustain- should guide our endeavours. We need to the effective implementation of the Vienna able development and regional connectiv- act collectively and resolutely to alleviate Programme of Action and mainstream it ity due to an ongoing illegal blockade is a the plight of the most vulnerable groups into our policies, a few weeks ago, our vivid example. and communities, who need it most. Government adopted a national strategy Infrastructure development is a high Ladies and Gentlemen, for its implementation. It will be important priority for Armenia, duly reflected in the In its Agenda 2030 the international to give proper consideration to the imple- recently adopted Strategy for Prospective community has reaffirmed the inter-link- mentation of the international commit- Development for the upcoming decade. ages between sustainable development ments to address the specific needs of the To address the inequalities both within and peace, good governance, human rights landlocked countries within a comprehen- and among nations, we need to continue to and rule of law. Humanitarian response to sive global reporting framework for the promote rules-based, open, transparent, crisis situations and emergencies con- Agenda 2030. Such a follow-up and predictable, inclusive, non-discriminatory sumes significant resources of the interna- reporting framework should involve mul- and equitable multilateral trading systems, tional community and takes growing tiple stakeholders, including the transit in line with the commitments under the prominence in the global agenda, includ- countries. Addis Ababa Action Agenda. We share the ing within the UN system. Thus, it remains The focus of our session today has a view that it can effectively contribute to a priority for the UN system to advance its direct link to the synergies and links achieving the Sustainable development conceptual, normative and operational between the ongoing developmental goals. capacity aimed at strengthening and adapt- processes, including the 2030 Agenda for Ladies and Gentlemen, ing its prevention function. Sustainable Development, as well as a 2016 is the first year to follow up on With a growing relationship of over 20 number of other important agreements the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable years, there have been a number of joint reached earlier - the Sendai Framework Development. In holding the Presidency projects implemented in Armenia by the for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Addis of the Executive Board of the UNDP, UNDP in key areas such as democratic Ababa Action Agenda, and the COP 21 Armenia looks forward to continue its governance, poverty reduction, integrated landmark agreement. cooperation within this organization on the border management, the environment pro- The conventional approach to financ- Sustainable Development Goals and relat- tection, and disaster risk reduction. Last ing the Sustainable development goals ed matters.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 14 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY Rep. Schiff commemorates 28th anniversary of Sumgait pogroms Asbarez - Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) would become a direct conflict between entered the following statement into the Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Congressional Record: Karbakh. And today, Azerbaijan's danger- "Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate ous behavior on the Line of Contact the 28th anniversary of the pogrom threatens peace and stability in the region. against the Armenian residents of the Artillery and sniper fire across the Line of town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. On this day Contact has become a fact of daily life for in 1988, and for three days following, civilians in the Nagorno Karbakh Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed Republic, causing numerous casualties. I Armenians. When the violence finally living in Azerbaijan, and culminating in have urged the OSCE Minsk Group to subsided, hundreds of Armenian civilians the war launched against the people of deescalate the situation by ending a poli- had been brutally murdered and injured, Nagorno Karabakh. That war resulted in cy that equates unprovoked attacks by the women and young girls were raped, and thousands dead on both sides and created Azerbaijan with the defensive responses victims were tortured and burned alive. over one million refugees in both Armenia of Karbakh and Armenian troops, and by Those that survived the carnage fled their and Azerbaijan. pressuring Azerbaijan to accept the instal- homes and businesses, leaving behind "Time has not healed the wounds of lation of technological monitoring everything they had in their desperation. those murdered in the pogroms in devices along the border. The anniversary "The pogroms were not an accident. Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku. To the of Sumgait is a reminder of the conse- They were the culmination of years of contrary, hatred of Armenians is celebrat- quences when aggression and hatred is vicious anti-Armenian propaganda, ed in in Azerbaijan, a situation most vivid- allowed to grow unchecked. spread by the Azerbaijani authorities. The ly exemplified by the case of Ramil "Mr. Speaker, this April we will mark Azerbaijani authorities made little effort Safarov, an Azerbaijani army captain who the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian to punish those responsible, instead savagely murdered an Armenian army Genocide, an event the Turkish govern- attempting to cover up the atrocities in lieutenant, Gurgen Margaryan with an axe ment, Azerbaijan's closest ally, goes to Sumgait to this day, as well as denying the while he slept. The two were participating great lengths to deny. We must not let role of senior government officials in in a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise such crimes against humanity go unrecog- instigating the violence. Unsurprisingly, it at the time in Hungary. In 2012, Safarov nized, whether they occurred yesterday or was not the end of the violence, and was was sent home to Azerbaijan, purportedly 28 years ago or 100 years ago. Today, let followed by additional attacks, including to serve out the remainder of his sentence. us pause to remember the victims of the the 1990 pogrom in Baku. Instead, he was pardoned, promoted, and atrocities of the Sumgait pogroms. Mr. "The Sumgait massacre and the subse- paraded through the streets of Baku as a Speaker, it is our moral obligation to con- quent attacks on ethnic Armenians, result- returning hero. demn crimes of hatred and to remember ed in the virtual disappearance of a once "The assault on ethnic Armenian civil- the victims, in hope that history will not thriving population of 450,000 Armenians ians in Sumgait helped touch off what be repeated." Eight Armenians running for two seats in Iranian Parliament Iran is set to hold parliamentary elec- Nagorno Karabakh and Armenian of Armenia, Khanlaryan said he is going to tions on February 26. The main rivalry is Genocide. deepen and expand the existing political expected between the conservatives and "In my opinion, the time has not come course, if elected. "The Armenia-Iran rela- the reformists. Eight Armenian will be for Iran to recognize the Armenian tions are at the spotlight, especially con- running for two seats in the Iranian Genocide. Guided by this logic, they sidering that the lifting of sanctions is Parliament. [Armenian MPs] refrain from submitting a opening up new perspectives for coopera- Expert of Iranian studies Rudik bill. They see that the Russian-Iranian tion." Yaralyan expects no surprises. According 'alliance' is doing its best to resist Turkey's Karen Khanlaryan said they will try to to him, the Armenian community has growing influence in the region. raise the Armenian Genocide issue on always been conservative. Besides, the Therefore, it's not ruled out that the issue higher podiums, and even Majlis, on the candidates previously represented in of recognition of the Armenian Genocide eve of April 24. Majlis are more influential, he told may be brought into agenda," the expert "Iran has no practice of condemning reporters today. said. by law, the declarative approach is more Some of the candidates enjoy the sup- Zhorzhik Abrahamyan and Karen common here," he said. port of the Armenian Revolutionary Khanlaryan, both supported by ARF, are It's worth mentioning that the Federation. However, they fail to follow the two candidates most likely to be elect- Armenian community is the only ethnic the ARF policy line. In particular, they ed. minority that has been allocated two seats could be more active on issues related to Speaking exclusively to Public Radio in the Iranian Parliament.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 SOCIETY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 15 Russian-Turkish relations can be improved when the Republic of Armenia border the Armenia The settlement of regional problems can become a reality only after the Republic of Armenia become contiguous to Western Armenia (Armenian State) In recent decades, along with the defenders of human rights are always try- other nations, too. development of the events in Middle East, ing to avoid it. In response to our second question we the comments are often made on the for- Answering to our first question, we note that civil disorder in the region, the mation of an independent Kurdistan state. should note that the key to settlement of retention commonly, and Armenian Moreover, every time, mostly tosilence the issues of Middle East is the final solu- Highlands particularly, started with exis- are be trayed the final settlement of the tion of the Armenian issue, with the tence of Turkish state and replacing it Armenian issue and problems of right implementation of all the rights of the with another state, including Kurdish or implementation of Armenians living in Armenian people and Armenia, on which other... besides Armenia, will not lead to Western Armenia to the Western Armenia. decisions are made and contract was the development of civilization recovery During the interview with "Tert.am" to signed in 1918-1920, including the part of of the region, including in the context of the questionwhether there is still a chance Western Armenia and it's four provinces, world civilization and progress in the of returning good neighborly relations which are simply stated in the Peace future. with Turkey, or everything is lost, Modest Treaty of Sevres. Confirming, the strategy proposed by Kolerov said." I believe thatgood relations They do not know what to do with Lawrence of Arabia which is "Armenia between Turkey and Russia can return Western Armenia. European Parliament should be subjected to separation. The when there will be no longer the present made an unlawful and illegal decision in country where are the natural resources, Turkey, but an independent Kurdistan. 1987 as a formula to "political solution to must be separated from nose piece, where And, for example, the border between the Armenian Issue", ordered articles are there is nothing except Armenians. The Armenia and Turkey become the border degraded, as the publication of Ralph American mandates hould only be on the of Armenia and independent Kurdistan. Peters, in order to undermine our memo- Armenians. Another ally, not the British, Should be mentioned that this ries our memory with the help of history's but another equal, practical state should approach is not newand is not even falsifiers Western Armenia is represented receive the Armenia", influenced very Russian, it is more Western. Let us remind by the Eastern Anatolia. To consolidate negatively not only on the region but also that back in 2006. US high-ranking retired our "voluntary refusal" from our rights, on the progress of world civilization, con- officer from the Armed Forces Ralph the protocols are made such as The stantly blocking and impeding their Peters wrotean article about the creation Republic of Turkey - The Republic of development. Again here is one solution of an independent Kurdistan. Armenia… however, the Eastern Anatolia that is the way of implementation and ver- There are two main problems connect- does not exist, it is Western Armenia. The ification of Armenian people rights. As a ed with this issue. proprietor of this, as a result of 30-years- result Armenian Republic will border that a) Up to when the main actors of the lasting (1894-1923) massacres, genocide Armenia, about which important deci- international community are going to con- and deportation is scattered all over the sions were made by the Russian govern- tinue to evade the Armenian question and world, though little by little, as a Western ment, in 1918, the States Parties of Paris to ignore problems of the protection and Armenian, returns to his roots. Its logical Peace Conference, in 1919-1920, and realization of rights of Armenian people? continuation is the declaration of Western 28th US President Woodrow Wilson, in b) And what will change when the Armenia Exile establishing process on 1920. Only after this, many problems will Republic of Turkey to get replaced by the February 4 in 2011, now the Government be solved, formany sides, including the independent Kurdistan, bordering the of Western Armenia, Prime Minister sense of improving Russian-Turkish rela- Republic of Armenia? Tigran Pashabezyan, and the summary of tions. Let us warn before hand that the twot the state process in 2014 January 18-21: These were the fundamental legal and asks are not just regional, they have big- Formation of Western Armenia National political arguments that we wanted to ger encompassment, from regional up to Assembly (Parliament) in Paris, the presi- mention to Modest Kolerov's observation, global civilization significance. dent Armen Ter-Sargsyan and the trying to help him and other well-known Explaining why. Western Armenia President's choice, experts and analysts, as well asa number Modern analysts and experts the inter- President Armenak Abrahamyan. of trust worthy analytical and expert cen- national analytical and expert centers, So, the settlement of regional prob- ters to becareful of repetition of old mis- often continue to ignore an devade there lems may be realized only after the takes, which occurred and developed the all solutions of problems, regularly offer- Republic of Armenia borders with to current military-political crisis in the ing, as aremedy, such options that remind Western Armenia Republic (Armenian Middle East. In fact, the global crisis of of the British diplomatic school road. It's State). civilization which canal so be described specific rating was once proposed by Lord All this is detailed in "legal-political as a free fall of civilization. Sherbruck. He noticed that British policy united protection package of Armenian's Fortunately, there are all the possibili- was "closing the exit from the hell" for rights in WesternArmenia", which, by the ties and preconditions for avoiding the fall Christians in Turkey. way, has recently translated into Russian and they are summarized in the At present the British Parliamentis and English, the French translation and Armenian's decisions and right imple- discussing the issues of deportation and publication is in process. You can't build a mentation agreements towards the massacres of Yazidis. More than 130 house on sand, moreover, can't build Armenia. We simply have to realize them years ago, they circulated the Kurdish peace. And it is high time to abandon the with united will and agreement. issue as a notion. Tomorrow, surely will short-sighted policy of avoiding and be spoken about vital problems of another ignoring the rights of the Armenian peo- Tigran Pashabezyan, people living in the region, stub bornly ple. The history documents and shows Republic of Western Armenia ignoring the obvious fact, that resolution that the proposed strategy of British spy 16.02.2016. of the problems of the region and all peo- Lawrence of Arabia in 1919 does not lead ples living there begins with the solution to anything good, first and foremost, for Translated into English of the Armenian issue. Old and the new the perpetrators and then to participants in by Elina Oganezova.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 16 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS The Deterioration of Russian-Turkish Relations and Armenia. Political Aspect The deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations, which began understands, that the Republic of Armenia in it's current situation with the collapse of Russian bomber by Turkish forces and dur- can't resist Russia's attempts to involve Armenia in the Russian- ing next months, can be said, have turned into an "alternative Turkish conflict and maintain neutrality, even if that involvement war" is already taking place in Syria and essentially influences contains real danger of clashes in the territory of Armenia. At the the political situation in the region, including the Republic of same time the people also understand, that there is a situation Armenia. which give an opportunity to bring into agenda and solve a num- During the first weeks of worsening of Russian-Turkish rela- ber of vital issues related to the future of Armenia, moreover to tions, with help of its central media services, Russia has made get the support of the military and political centers. previously established legal bases of relationship between Russia The tension in Russian-Turkish relations seems to deepen, as and Turkey the subject of discussion. The issue of Armenia and demonstrated by recent events in Syria. But actually it is the the violation of the rights of Armenians by Turkish had a special reflect to the Russia-West conflict, whereas both for Russia and role in that context and if the issue of Russian-Turkish agreement the West the direct confrontation is not favorable. In the case of referring to Armenians, after worsening of Russian-Turkish rela- development of tension in Russian-Turkish relations into military tions was not closed, but was discussed rarely and extremely conflicts, Russia must do everything to make inactive the 5th restrained, and only by experts, in November-December Russian article (If one of the NATO member states is attacked, then all great TV radio-stations many times touched upon not only the countries are exposed to attack) of NATO's Washington treaty. fact of the Armenians genocide committed by the Turkish contin- And article will become inactive, if Turkey appears to be an uous authorities in 1894-1923, but also to the issue of reconsider- aggressor and attacking. Thus, in order to avoid direct confronta- ation of the Russian-Turkish agreement " Amity and brother- tion with the West, Russia should represent Turkey to the world hood" of Moscow. And recently lots of Russian mass median exactly like that. touched upon the message of the deputies of State Duma V. According to a lot of Armenian experts, hear Russia can men- Rashkin and S. Obukhev, who applied the Russian president V. tion the Armenian issue. The thing is, that till today the 28th pres- Putin and Foreign minister S. Lavrov, offering to refuse the ident Woodrow Wilson's legal judgment about " The US presi- Moscow agreement generally. dent's decision about the border between Armenia and Turkey, That means that Russia started to use the fact, that Ankara is and the demobilization of Armenian exit to the sea and adjacent vulnerable to political and historical contracts, which determined Turkish territories " has not lost its legal power and still operates, the borders of Caucasus. If the Russian-Turkish conflict contin- which was made in response to San Remo's conference's com- ues, Russia will not only be able to cancel the Moscow" Amity promise in 1920th April 26 and based on the 89-90 peace articles and brotherhood" agreement, but also can induce the Republic of of Sevr's agreement in 1920th August 10. As for Wilson's Arbitral Armenia to abandon the implementation of the Treaty of Kars Award, which is a document of law and function, Turkey is an according to the Moscow contract. Exactly by the treaty of Kars aggressor and has occupied the territory of Armenia. That is, in the current borders of Turkey with the three Caucasus this case there are legal grounds to speak about the fact that republics(the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Georgia, the Turkey as an aggressor country must, for example, to withdraw Republic of Azerbaijan) were set. According to these two its troops from Western Armenia. Moscow and Kars treaties the state of Kars and province of In fact, some experts believe that the US has already worked Surmalu (including Mount Ararat) were surrendered to Turkey, out plans to split the Turkey. Even there are opinions that the and Karabakh and Nakhichevan to Azerbijan. Should be noted destruction of the Russian plane was provoked and directed by that back in 2005 Georgia has unilaterally canceled the treaty of the United States, so that Turkey to stand on a confrontation with Kars. The problem is that the basis of Kars treaty is vulnerable. Russia and, as a consequence, to come across of need to reckon The agreement was signed by the Eastern Front Commander with the fact of new legal situation. As for the Armenians, in the Kazim Karabekir on behalf of Turkish Grand National Assembly, opinion of the mass, if the Republic of Armenia must become in the case that the exclusive right to sign international treaties as unwittingly the stage for the Russian-Turkish tensions and per- stated in Ottoman constitution was only reserved for Sultan. The haps clashes and be threatened, then Armenians at least should try representative of the Republic of Armenia also signed an agree- to win something in this situation and solve the issue of Western ment under obvious pressure from Moscow contract. Previously Armenia, Karabakh and Nakhichevan. the validity of contract has numerously been put under question. There are a number of circumstances, which contributes this Still in June 7, 1945, Foreign Minister of Soviet Union attitude. First of all, the Kurdish issue has now become a priority Vyacheslav Molotov, on behalf of Georgia and Armenia request- in the region. Both Western and Russian press haven't ever ed the Kars provinces Ardahan and Artvin from Ankara. The touched the question of establishing a Kurdish state so much as same question raised in 1948 in the UN by Soviet Union's now. It is rumored both about already de jure wording of the Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Vishinsky. Let us mention that in Kurdish state, which is, de facto, existing in Iraq Kurdistan, and 2009 the main motive of the Turkish Republic to sign the the inevitable creation of Kurdish state in Syria territory and "Armenian-Turkish protocols", was to force the Republic of inside Turkey. The military operations carried out by the Turkish Armenia to ratify the Kars treaty and finally to solve the problem authorities in recent weeks against the Kurds in the Kurdish of borders between them. regions of Turkey only aggravate already tense situation. According to experts, people of the Republic of Armenia On December 23 in Moscow, the conversations between

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 SOCIETY The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 17

Turkish oppositionist, Turkey's pro- Russian-Turkish conflict the Azerbaijani- peaceful settlement, while Azerbaijan Kurdish Democratic People's Party leader Turkish close relations have begun to once again tries to draw Turkey into the Selahettin Demirtash and Russian Foreign work to the detriment of Russia- process. Minister Sergei Lavrov, one more time Azerbaijan relations. Russia could not At the same time, Azerbaijan and stressed Russia's support for the main remain indifferent to the clear pro-Turkish Russia do not seem to want to raise ten- political line of Demirtash, "Reshape" of orientation of Azerbaijan, including the sions. This is evidenced by the statement Turkey. Demirtash's main idea is the cre- recently held meetings by the heads of of the President of Belarus Alexander ation of the "Anatolian Confederate Turkish states and the prospect of the cre- Lukashenko about the fact that within the Republic", which will be divided into four ation of the new structure based on the framework of the Eurasian Economic main autonomies: Kurdish, Armenian, idea of ethnic unity. This structure would Union, Belarus will represent the interests Greek and Turkish. In addition, it is envis- been supervised by the Republic of of Azerbaijan. On the one hand it means aged that the "Confederate Republic that Azerbaijan is looking for inter- of Anatolia" will have two state reli- mediaries in relations with Russia, gions: Christianity and Islam, and and Russia is trying to appease four official languages: Armenian, Azerbaijan, in terms of Russian- Greek, Kurdish and Turkish. Turkish escalated relations. Demirtash also supports the recog- At least in recent months, nition of the Armenian's Genocide Russia is strengthening its military by Turkey and returning of territo- presence in Armenia, by placing a ries and all property of Armenia, as new air defense system on the well as the restoration of Armenian Armenia-Turkey border. On the historical and cultural heritage. one hand, this ensures Armenia's, as But if Demirtash's ideas don't well as Artsakh's defense, but on have enough legal basis, and rely the other hand, can have a plunge only on the wishes, then the Kurdish into the cold war between the West factor combination with the possi- and Russia, because Armenia's geo- bilities of Armenians resided world- graphical position is located in the wide or currently residing the terri- NATO and CSTO frontline (after tory of Western Armenia, as well as all, the conflict between Russia and their native lands and deported to Turkey is also aggravation between Syria, Iraq, the Middle East, is NATO and CSTO). Thus, Armenia, acquiring a serious strategic advantage. Turkey. Meetings of the Turkish countries as a CSTO member is NATO's Turkey Let us note that the Armenians living have been held in Nakhichevan too (the immediate neighbor in case of tend warm- in Turkey, which in recent decades gradu- territory is very important hub in terms of ing (especially taking into consideration ally started not concealing their identity, the union of Turkish states, at the same the Russian military base) could become (they were doing it for decades because of time extremely weak for its affiliation of one of the most central arena of conflict. a caution) as well as the Diaspora, self- legal grounds ). In parallel, Aliyev regular- Because the maintenance of tension on organized and even declared officially ly announced about "Western the contact line of Karabakh was always about the continuing state of Western Azerbaijan", that is, the territorial claims beneficial to Azerbaijan, and exactly Armenia, the state which was legally rec- against Armenia of Azerbaijan Republic, Azerbaijan was always initiated ceasefire ognized by leading Western states (US, which was also been done in the presence violations, the recent slight weakening of France, Germany, Great Britain and of Turkish states leaders, who don't give the Karabakh-Azerbaijani border might be Russia) at the beginning of last century. any respond to such statements. due to the tension in Russian-Turkish rela- They are also holding the political and Naturally, such ambitions pose a threat tions, which is a deterring factor for legal processes associated with it, includ- to Russia, and also create uncertainty to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan understands that ing in UN indigenous peoples' rights pro- the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Russian- another border provocation can be fol- tection expert format. Unlike Kurds and Turkish relations escalation was followed lowed by a more powerful response from other nationalities living in the Republic of by a visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Armenian side, encouraged by its strategic Turkey, Armenians have a strong package Mevlut Cavusoglu to Baku. Meanwhile, partner Russia. As a result, Azerbaijan will of political documents confirming their the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister incur substantial losses, as it was in the legal right to the territory of Western Ahmet Davutoglu held at Prime Minister's 90s. Armenia, and, since 2004, has formed the statement in the background that Turkey Thus, the status quo is unlikely to organizational structures, in order to bring will do its best "to liberate the occupied change in the foreseeable future, undertak- into agenda and resolve the issue of territories of Azerbaijan." Azerbaijan has en with the Karabakh issue, and now is not Western Armenia. All this combined with once again confirmed its commitment to realistic to talk about transfer of territories the Kurdish factor can have a determina- its "elder brother", Turkey. Naturally, this around Karabakh. tive role in the new political and legal also deepened already existing distrust in processes of reshaped region. Russian-Azerbaijani relations. Russia, as a Noyan Tapan A change has also occurred in the con- member of the OSCE Minsk Group deals Translated into English text of the Karabakh issue. Due to with the issue of the Karabakh conflict by Elina Oganezova

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 18 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY Rechargeable battery shipments to be barred from airliners Cargo shipments of the rechargeable lithium batteries used in countless con- sumer products should no longer be allowed on passenger planes because they can create intense fires capable of destroy- ing an aircraft, a U.N. aviation agency has concluded, the Associated Press reports. The decision late Monday by the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization's top-level governing council to ban the shipments isn't bind- ing, but most countries follow the agency's standards. The ban is effective on April 1. "This interim prohibition will continue to be in force as separate work continues through ICAO on a new lithium battery packaging performance standard, currently expected by 2018," said Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the ICAO council's president. Lithium-ion batteries are used in a vast array of products from cellphones and lap- percent are shipped by air. Association, which opposed the ban, said tops to some electric cars. About 5.4 billion The ban doesn't apply to batteries pack- in a statement that the industry is preparing lithium-ion cells were manufactured aged inside equipment like a laptop with a to comply with the ban, but there may be worldwide in 2014. A battery is made up of battery inside, for example. "significant disruption in the logistics sup- two or more cells. A majority of batteries ply chain," especially for batteries used in are transported on cargo ships, but about 30 PRBA - The Rechargeable Battery medical devices. Vienna the world's best city to live in; Yerevan ranked 182nd Vienna is the world's best city to live in; Baghdad is the worst, and London, Paris and New York do not even make it into the top 35, according to international research into quality of life. German-speaking cities dominate the rankings in the 18th Mercer Quality of Life study, with Vienna joined by Zurich, Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt in the top seven. Paris has tumbled down the league, falling 10 places to 37th, just ahead of London at 39th, almost entirely because of the city's vulnerability to terrorist attacks. US cities perform relatively poorly in the study, largely because of issues around personal safety and crime. The highest ranking city in the US is San Francisco, at 28th; Boston is 34th. Canadian cities, led respectively. Georgia's capital Tbilisi is - 176th, Bishkek - 210th. by Toronto, far outrank their US rivals in 188th, Azerbaijan's Baku is placed 197th. The study examined social and eco- the table. Istanbul (122nd) is the only Turkish city nomic conditions, health, education, hous- Armenia's capital Yerevan is ranked included in the ranking. ing and the environment, and is used by 182nd among 230 cities. The list includes The capital cities of Armenia's partners big companies to assess where they should two Russian cities -Moscow and Saint in the Eurasian Economic Union are locate and how much they should pay Petersburg, ranked 167th and 174th placed as follows: Minsk - 190th, Almaty staff.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 19 Zodiac Weekly Forecast

Aries (March 20-April 19) Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) In some way you are called upon to Love life moves along smoothly. bring out one element of your personal Your inner feminine is in balance with genius in order to solve a problem or your more masculine side. This means demonstrate what you can do. Often that you likely can find a way to cooperate with almost any- this comes as a surprise and requires one and move forward together for your mutual needs. A that you think "out of the box". The new relationship can begin here, but give it plenty of time to usual rules don't fit here and you will need to resolve the develop. dilemma in a way totally unique to yourself. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Give attention to Aries' paragraph Taurus (April 20 -- May 20) because Mars is a strong ruler for you as Your career or life direction is blend- well. At present you may be pressing ing harmoniously with what you feel is yourself to push forward on a major the "right" thing to do. People with project. Your physical body might be stressed to its limits. power are giving help and/or education Be certain to listen when it says, "Stop!" as you need it. Forward motion moves smoothly. Sagittarius (November 22-December 20) Gemini (May 20-June 20) Read Aries paragraph this week, This is a high energy week with because the planet will be retrograding many things to do, places to go, and in your sign April 17. As time moves people to see. You and a partner or a forward, you will feel your motivation moving more slowly. friend may be discussing where next It will probably be a relief in today's fast pace. Meanwhile, you would like to travel. A green light goes for legal, edu- this week life is moving lickety-split. cational, publication and religious interests. Capricorn Cancer (June 21-July 21) (December 21-January 19) At present your rational mind tells You may be concentrating on a you one set of facts while the major remodel around your home or heart/instincts are in another camp alto- property. This is a piece of work that gether. A conflict of this type is one requires focus and intentionality. Someone may be moving which ultimately will be resolved in a creative way. Take into or out of your space. Take your time and move careful- your conflict to a higher place--not one of either/or, but ly. Don't let someone pressure you to move faster than you both/and. A larger perspective would satisfy both ends of reasonably can. the equation. Aquarius (January 20-February 17) Leo (July 22-August 21) There appears to be more than nor- You or someone else may want you mal discussion and mediation with oth- to feel guilty because you are unable to ers on issues of joint resources. This is make things better. Recognize that you a widely ranged territory, including are not the magician you would like to money, property, time, and energy. Joint resources can be and let go of the guilt. Whatever happens now, you are include income from spouse or others, debts, insurance, highly prone to think dark thoughts about yourself. This is social security, and inheritance. passing. Let it go. Pisces (February 18-March 19) Virgo (August 22-September 22) The sun returns "home" to your sign You will very probably be energized this week. You likely will find it to be to accomplish a lot this week. Co- energizing. Now is the time to focus on workers are agreeable and contribute to new plans for this next year of your life. a group effort with no quarrel. Don't Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your energy. push your body beyond its limits in exercise or personal For the next month your point of view will be dream-like projects. You are in a physical low. This is brief. and spiritually expansive.

29 February #7 (1095) 2016 20 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights The New Thermal Energy Accumulators Created by Armenian Engineers can promote the Development of Armenia's Economy On February 27, in Noyan Tapan News Agency press center took place next discussion of Noyan Inventors Club's discussion during which of the Inventors Club of the Fund for the Advancement of Science, innovation and perspective development NoyanTapan. During that discussion Samvel Tadevosyan, Ph.D. in Technology, the head of Electronstandart CJSC introduced new thermal energy accumulators, their effectiveness and possible application areas. As S. Tadevosyan mentioned, they designed and created solar thermal energy accumulators (STEA). According to him, development processes of synthesis multi- glassy, composites and amorphous compounds with desired thermo physical char- acteristics, with aim to subsequent implementation of their special packaging con- sisting unified design high heat capacity of thermal energetic element- solar thermal junction with other heat sources (gas , elec- plant based on the modular design of solar energy accumulators. tricity, etc.) or separately anywhere where installations and STEA operated using hot Speaking about the application areas of there is no possibility to use other types of air streams. The goal is to bring the effi- thermal energy accumulators, S. energy sources, or they are expensive. ciency of the solar station to the value of Tadevosyan mentioned "Solar heat treat- Touching upon the "Storage of solar 30%. able installation", "Storage of solar thermal thermal energy" the inventor said, that stor- At the end of his speech S. Tadevosyan energy" and "A new type of solar power" age of solar heat underground or above mentioned that the work now is on the syn- projects , where that accumulators can be modular design, based on solar power thesis of various compounds for the STEA. used. plants and STEA with capacity of up to The main directions of development and Speaking about "Solar heat treatable 100 kW (and more) - as an alternative collaboration are identified. installation" S. Tadevosyan mentioned, source of thermal energy can be used in The speech was followed by questions that solar systems (mobile or stationary, heating systems of buildings, greenhouses, and answers in which participated not only household and technological purposes), on industrial buildings, etc. the members of Inventors Club, but also the basis of small, functionally differentiat- The next project, about which the the representatives of mass media who ed and time-inertial STEA as alternative inventor spoke is "A new type of solar came to cover the event. sources of heat energy can be used in con- power". According to him solar power Sarah Melkonyan

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 29 February #7 (1095) 2016 Price: 1000 dr.