Presidential Elections 2008 In Armenia March 1

[elle]

Use this link to translate it.

http://www.google.com/language_tools

 

I just tried translating the article for the heck of it and I must say that I'm very impressed with the web site. It's amazing. Where was the site where I needed some translations! Thanks

[Nazarian]

just read what the azeri media reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilham Aliyev: "Azerbaijan will secure its territorial integrity at any cost"

 

http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=45090

 

 

 

 

Azerbaijan to Reconsider Peaceful Settlement of Nagorno-Artsax Conflict if Contradiction Processes to go on in Armenia – Azerbaijani Parliament First Vice Speaker

 

 

http://news.trend.az/index.shtml?show=news...536&lang=EN

 

The Azeri government lacks credibility as much as the Armenian one. At this point it's really impossible to know who is even remotely close to the truth. Even the rule of thumb 'who benefits' points the finger to both of them.

[AVO]

elle jan Акопа Акопяна Lady Hakobna

[Aratta-Kingdom]

The Azeri government lacks credibility as much as the Armenian one. At this point it's really impossible to know who is even remotely close to the truth. Even the rule of thumb 'who benefits' points the finger to both of them.

 

 

 

what the hell are you talking about? the azeris say they wanna war and you blame the armenians for it?

 

 

Ilham Aliyev: "Azerbaijan will secure its territorial integrity at any cost"

 

http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=45090

 

 

 

 

Azerbaijan to Reconsider Peaceful Settlement of Nagorno-Artsax Conflict if Contradiction Processes to go on in Armenia – Azerbaijani Parliament First Vice Speaker

 

 

http://news.trend.az/index.shtml?show=news...536&lang=EN

Edited March 5, 2008 by Aratta-Kingdom

[elle]

elle jan Акопа Акопяна Lady Hakobna

 

Kneres chaskatsa inchi masines? You mean his nickname? The only name I'm familiar with in that article is that of Khachatur Sukiassian...Grazo.

[DominO123]

The Azeri government lacks credibility as much as the Armenian one. At this point it's really impossible to know who is even remotely close to the truth. Even the rule of thumb 'who benefits' points the finger to both of them.

 

It is very unlikelly that the Armenian government can ever match the low bottom in credibility of the Azerbaijani government. Never!!! Why would NK army attack Azerbaijani position when it is the Azerbaijani who do want to take control of the Armenian positions.

[AVO]

It is very unlikelly that the Armenian government can ever match the low bottom in credibility of the Azerbaijani government. Never!!! Why would NK army attack Azerbaijani position when it is the Azerbaijani who do want to take control of the Armenian positions.

 

Lets just wait until they come and ask for their dead soldiers. That should put into perspective on who was attacking who.

 

[garmag]

...My friend today is not a good day for dividing the nation no matter what.

 

Yervant,

I have come accross bloggers that sow unadulterated discord in any forum, with clever twisting of words, insinuating treachery of the highest order, all the while hiding behind an innocent facade of a jocker!

 

As you say this is not the time to create more confusion and division in our nation, but Nazarian seems doing just that.

Am I the only observer of this fact?

Let's not fall for this type of provocation that serves our enemies at large.

 

 

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Russia Vs U.S. or U.S. Vs Russia

 

 

Russia:

 

Pravda

Armenia Assaulted by Orange Agents

03.03.2008

 

Perhaps the empire just doesn't get it. They need to re-examine their

despicable, foolish and devious scheme to bring an orange scenario to an

embattled, besieged Armenia. Under blockade by neighboring Turkey and

Azerbaijan, Armenia continues to prosper despite some instances of

corruption and economic isolation. Armenia is not fertile ground for any

sort of orange scenario. Armenians are generally politically astute,

pro-Russian and not easily swayed. They are also acutely aware of the fact

that there is no future for them as vassals of the empire.

Armenian history is said to be 12,000 years old, and Mt. Ararat is the

historic scene where Noah`s Ark is said to have rested, a revered and

treasured Armenian landmark. An archeologist's dream come true, Armenia is a

land of quaint churches and elaborately and meticulously carved khatchkars

(Orthodox crosses).

Constant and reliable, the centuries old friendship and alliance with Russia

is unshakable. Most Armenians are aware of the fact that there probably

would be no Armenia if not for Russia. No plots or schemes by the empire are

going to change that reality.

The empire also wins no friends among Armenians for its consistent policy of

Genocide denial. These policies go beyond the geo-political considerations

given as an excuse, such as the US base in occupied Western Armenia, under

control of Turkey and their alliances with Armenian enemies Turkey, Israel

and Azerbaijan. And then there are the oil pipelines...constructed to bypass

Armenia, a country in a strategic position between east and west, a

crossroads as it were.

As a result of the Armenian Genocide of 1894-1923, Armenians lost most of

their homeland and over 1.5 million Armenians were murdered in the most

horrendous and brutal fashion imaginable and unimaginable. To this day, no

Nuremberg trials, no compensation or apology have occurred. Therefore, the

memory of this tragedy in an ongoing issue of importance to Armenians.

In Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosian is generally despised for his corrupt

ruinous policies while President of Armenia. He is also despised for

proffering the notion that the recently liberated Armenian land of Artsakh

(Nagorno-Artsax) should be returned to Azerbaijan. Artsakh is now an

independent country. The US regime is financially backing Ter-Petrosian and

causing trouble in the background. Ter-Petrosian had the strange idea that

he had a snowball's chance in hell of winning an election to be President.

Fat chance. Now he sends agitators to do his bidding, a la Soros funding,

all the best agitators money and the empire can buy.

On Public Armenian Television, Armenian Parliament Speaker Tigran Torosian

told the following of his knowledge of events:

`These people decided who the winner is five minutes after the election.

This is their characteristic feature. I learned about my alleged resignation

>From journalists. Levon Ter-Petrosian and his team-mates have exhausted the

sources of lies which exceed all possible borders,' the speaker said. `They

spread lies about all and offense all those who are not with them. They are

filled with hatred and revenge,' he said.

"OK, let's say all the grenades, pistols and automatics were planted by the

regime, what do you have to say about all those hooligans with rods and

sticks, beating the police, throwing bricks and stones, burning cars

including busses and an ambulance, looting shops and supermarkets?"

According to various local reports, 8 persons were killed in orange

demonstrations as the Army was called in to restore the peace. They also

report that Opera and Republican Square are swarming with army troops and

military police armed to the teeth with AK-47s, belt-fed battle rifles and

there are dozens of light tanks in both locations. In addition to that,

there are troops scattered in posts all over the city and on all the roads

into the city. One hundred and thirty-one persons were reported injured in

the March 1 disturbances.

An on the scene observer sent this report:

"Hi, this morning I walked from the Opera House until Mashtoz Underpass.

Everything was just fine. Police closed the underpass toward city hall and

near the French embassy where they made a mess. My friend 8:30 at night went

everywhere with the exception of closed areas and found calm...all shops are

open and traffic is normal, 8 people got killed and about 30 people got

arrested for looting, all young guys."

Interior troops and police officers suffered bullet wounds and injuries in

the March 1 clashes with rioters in Yerevan. On his visit to the hospital,

President Kocharian was accompanied by police chief Hayk Harutyunian and

other officials. Kocharian went from one hospital ward to another and spoke

to officers and servicemen. Hospital chief, Arthur Petrosian, said they

admitted 33 wounded officers and servicemen on March 1 until 8.30 pm and 27

others after 9 pm. He said 11 received bullet wounds, eight were

hospitalized with heavy symptoms of gas poisoning, 2 received knife wounds.

Seven servicemen went to their quarters after receiving first aid and 11

others were operated on. The chief of the hospital said their condition is

satisfactory now. At the end of February, prior to the breakout of violence,

a vehicle was apprehended trying to enter the country loaded with weapons

and ammunition.

On March 1, 2008, Armenia's President Robert Kocharian declared a 2-day

state of emergency in compliance of article 55.6 of the RA (Republic of

Armenia) Constitution (threat to state and population security).

Fortunately, anti-terrorist, anti-orange scenario joint exercises were held

by Armenia and Russia in anticipation of such occurrences. Meanwhile the

empire is mouthing duplicitous, hypocritical words about `excessive use of

force.'

Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Terry Davis said, `The state of

emergency suspends the application of several rights and freedoms protected

by the European Convention on Human Rights. Under Article 15 of the

Convention the Armenian Government must inform me of the measures which it

has taken and the reasons therefore. I expect that they will do so without

any delay,' the Council of Europe press division reports.

 

The recent presidential elections in Armenia saw Serzh Sarksyan, Kocharian's

number two man, elected as President of Armenia. The voting result was

unmistakable: Serzh Sarkisyan - 862,369 (52,82%) votes, Levon

Ter-Petrosian - 351,222 (21,5%).votes.

The February 19th presidential elections were not only characterized as

`free and fair' by the CIS observers, but also received the positive

assessments of the Western observation missions. The observation mission of

the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which stands out in terms of its strict and

meticulous attitude towards the electoral processes held in former USSR

territories, clearly recorded that, `The presidential elections held in

Armenia on February 19 were mostly in line with the commitments to the OSCE

and the Council of Europe.' But this didn't satisfy the orange agitators.

Kocharian, throughout his term as President, has had a warm, brotherly

relationship with his counterpart in Russia, Vladimir Putin. Like the

outgoing president, Robert Kocharian, Mr. Sarkisyan is from Artsakh

(Nagorno-Artsax). Both men were commanders in the war.

The newly elected Armenian President released this message to the people:

`Dear Compatriots,

 

In consequence of the recent events, our people suffered great losses. There

are casualties among policemen, who performed their duty, and among

protesters, who fell under the influence of a group of people. Hundreds of

civilians suffered from illegal acts of the radical opposition.

 

Leaders of the co-called `movement' made targets of their own supporters and

policemen to suit their own ends. The initiators of disorders must answer

for their deeds before the law, history and generations. With pain, I

conceive that our compatriots fell victim to blind hatred of some

individuals. I share your grief and wish you courage and strength to

overcome this tragedy...'

As the cleanup crew mitigates the after effects of the recent lawlessness,

one can only hope that the street sweepers will also sweep away the trash

known as orange agent provocateurs and leave this proud, struggling nation

in peace.

Lisa KARPOVA

PRAVDA.Ru

 

 

 

===========================================================

 

 

 

United States:

 

 

 

 

U.S. URGES CALM IN ARMENIA

 

Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1204485824...=googlenews_wsj

March 2 2008

 

YEREVAN, Armenia -- The U.S. urged Armenia's warring political forces

to start talking after a night of rioting Saturday in which eight

people were killed and dozens more injured.

 

President Robert Kocharyan imposed a 20-day state of emergency in

the capital and ordered troops onto the streets after opposition

demonstrators protesting at what they say was a rigged election hurled

gasoline bombs, looted stores and set vehicles ablaze.

 

Troops lined the streets and a few armored personnel carriers could

be seen on Sunday, though there was no sign of fresh clashes.

 

Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who says he was cheated out

of victory in the Feb. 19 vote, remained under house arrest.

 

The bloodshed raised concerns about stability in this country,

which borders Iran and lies on a transit route from the energy-rich

Caspian Sea region to Western consumers. Europe's leading security

organization, the OSCE, was sending an envoy to Armenia to mediate

the crisis.

 

The violence was the worst in the impoverished mountainous country of

3.2 million since 1998, when a mass uprising forced Mr. Ter-Petrosyan

to resign.

 

In Washington, the State Department called on all sides "to avoid

further violence, act fully within the law, exercise maximum restraint

and resume political dialogue", according to a statement posted on

its Web site www.state.gov.

 

Saturday, police fired in the air and let off tear gas to break up

a gathering of some 15,000 opposition demonstrators, as protracted

tensions descended into what appeared to be the worst political

violence to hit post-Soviet Armenia.

 

Health Minister Arutiun Kushkian said eight people were killed in the

clashes and 131 injured, including 57 police and army troops. Later

reports put the death toll at seven. The authorities claimed the

protesters were armed and shot at police. The opposition vehemently

denies the claim.

 

Hundreds of helmeted servicemen, wearing bullet-proof vests and

wielding Kalashnikov assault rifles patrolled the center of a tense

Yerevan Sunday. Police closed several major streets where the violence

occurred. Troops were warning residents by loudspeaker not to gather

in groups. Some streets were littered with hulks of burned cars,

many shop windows had been broken and kiosks looted.

 

Mr. Ter-Petrosian finished a distant second to Prime Minister Serge

Sarkisian in the official results from the election. Mr.

 

Ter-Petrosian appealed to the Constitutional Court on Friday to

overturn the results.

 

Thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of protesters have rallied

daily since the election. Mr. Sarkisian is a close colleague of Mr.

 

Kocharian, who is stepping down because the constitution does not

permit him to seek a third term.

 

Western observers issued an overall positive assessment of the

election, but noted serious flaws, especially during vote count. The

opposition says Mr. Sarkisian stole the election by resorting to

vote-buying, ballot stuffing and pressuring media to skew coverage

in his favor.

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Yervant,

I have come accross bloggers that sow unadulterated discord in any forum, with clever twisting of words, insinuating treachery of the highest order, all the while hiding behind an innocent facade of a jocker!

 

As you say this is not the time to create more confusion and division in our nation, but Nazarian seems doing just that.

Am I the only observer of this fact?

Let's not fall for this type of provocation that serves our enemies at large.

 

He's not the only one.

[Nané]

Most of you may have already seen this, but I did not know about his site till today.

 

ՆԱԽԸՆՏՐԱԿԱՆ ԾՐԱԳԻՐ ԿԱՄ ՀԱՆԴԱՐՏ ԽՈՀԵՐ

[Ashot]

Sulamita jan, kardaluts heto, karelia imanal qo kartsiq@???

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Silence on Armenia

 

http://domart.ru/nu_pogodi_clip_image003.gif

 

 

 

Washington PostBy Levon Ter-PetrossianWednesday, March 5, 2008;

 

 

 

YEREVAN, Armenia -- In Armenia's presidential election last month, I stood as the main opposition candidate against incumbent Prime Minister Serzh Sarkissian. The election followed a sadly familiar script: The regime harassed the opposition's representatives, bribed and intimidated voters, stuffed ballot boxes, and systematically miscounted votes. Indeed, the rigging of the outcome did not begin on Feb. 19. For the duration of the campaign the country's main medium of communication, television, which is tightly controlled by the regime, churned out propaganda that would have made Brezhnev-era Soviet propagandists blush in shame.

 

We in the opposition were angered by all of this but not surprised. What surprised and dismayed us was the deafening silence from the West. What dismayed us even more was the technical report of the observer mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which rubber-stamped Sarkissian's farcical claim of victory.

 

The people of Armenia, unlike the OSCE monitors, chose to see what happened at the polling stations. Naturally, they discounted Sarkissian's claim and gathered to demand annulment of the results. They staged a continuous protest at Opera Square that became the most wonderful celebration of freedom and one that should be studied as an example of nonviolent, lawful resistance against illegitimate rule.

 

Deeply concerned that the ranks of protesters were swelling by the day, the regime decided early Saturday to resort to force. Riot police were ordered to disperse the crowd, detain the opposition leaders and put me under house arrest. After several hours, citizens reassembled at another site, demanding to see their leaders, but instead they encountered more riot police, later reinforced by units of the Armenian army, which was ordered to crush the protest. At least eight people were killed this weekend, and emergency rule has been declared.

 

How did we come to this? Why did the regime headed by outgoing President Robert Kocharian and "president-elect" Sarkissian think it could get away with using force against its own people? Surely the two men had their reasons, but the West's signal, even if unintentional, that they did not have to worry about a strong international reaction was the most important one.

 

We in Armenia have been trying to understand the roots of such indifference to the rape of our democracy by the Kocharian-Sarkissian regime. The available evidence suggests two explanations: First, some influential organizations and actors in the West, and in Europe in particular, are naively wedded to the notion of positive reinforcement. They seem to think that praising small improvements, instead of criticizing major flaws, creates an incentive for good behavior. Anyone who has studied this regime closely, however, understands the absurdity of such an approach.

 

Second, and perhaps more important, is the oft-stated claim that the only people able to settle Armenia's long-standing conflict over the Nagorno-Artsax region will be leaders who are themselves from Nagorno-Artsax -- as Kocharian and Sarkissian are -- and who are perceived domestically as hard-liners. This is analogous to the "only Nixon could go to China" logic. The problem is that despite being in power for the past 10 years, Kocharian and Sarkissian have done little to move the negotiating process forward. More important, any leader who must make consequential and difficult choices must have the trust of his people. Sarkissian does not have that trust. After what he and Kocharian did on March 1, he will not be able to govern here, let alone make difficult choices.

 

So what should be done? What do the people of Armenia expect from the West, and the United States in particular? At the very least, we expect a strong and unequivocal condemnation of the violence that occurred March 1 and a recognition that the government, not the opposition, bears responsibility. This condemnation should accompany a stern warning against continued persecution of the opposition and its leaders -- mistreatment that is reaching unprecedented levels -- as well as a demand to lift the restrictions on the media and restore the people's rights to free assembly and unbiased information. We also expect a reassessment of the conduct of the election. Any serious reassessment will inevitably lead to the conclusion that a new election must be held.

 

If these steps are not taken, Armenians will draw two very undesirable conclusions: that peaceful and lawful means of political struggle are ineffective and pointless, and that the West cares about democracy only when it is politically expedient to do so. The West must do everything possible to dissuade Armenia's citizens from reaching those conclusions.

 

The writer was president of Armenia from 1991 to 1998 and was the main opposition candidate for president this year. He is under house arrest.

Edited March 5, 2008 by Aratta-Kingdom

[Johannes]

Quotes are from LTPs' article.

 

Deeply concerned that the ranks of protesters were swelling by the day, the regime decided early Saturday to resort to force. Riot police were ordered to disperse the crowd, detain the opposition leaders and put me under house arrest. After several hours, citizens reassembled at another site, demanding to see their leaders, but instead they encountered more riot police, later reinforced by units of the Armenian army, which was ordered to crush the protest. At least eight people were killed this weekend, and emergency rule has been declared.

 

Չի ասում, որ ցուցարարներից ոմանք զինուած էին, եւ ի'նք, քուէների մեծամասնը չստացողը, որ իրեն տուել է գլխաւոր ընդդիմադիրի հանգամանքը, կարող էր ազդել եւ ժողովուրդը խաղաղեցնել եւ առաջքը առնել այս ամէն խայտառակութեան: Սակայն, ոչ միայն առաջքը չ'առաւ, այլեւ Հայաստանը վարկաբեկելու իր չարաբաստիկ առաքելութիւնը շարունակում է:

 

How did we come to this? Why did the regime headed by outgoing President Robert Kocharian and "president-elect" Sarkissian think it could get away with using force against its own people? Surely the two men had their reasons, but the West's signal, even if unintentional, that they did not have to worry about a strong international reaction was the most important one

 

Անշուշտ ի վնաս կառավարութեան էր միջամտութիւնը, եւ այդքան ապուշ չեն, որ չիմանան այս իրողութիւնը, ինչպէս նաեւ կարելի չէ չարձանագրել թուացեալ ընդդիմութեան խորին ցանկութիւնը այս միջամտումին, երբ տեսան չարաչար պարտուած են ընտրութեան մէջ, զեծումով եւ առանց զեղծումի, այնպէս որ նշած է տողերիս հեղինակը նախապէս, որպէսզի հերթական անգամ անմեղ զոհի եւ արդարութեան նախահատակի կարգավիճակ ստանայ:

 

We in Armenia have been trying to understand the ROOTS of such indifference to the rape of our democracy by the Kocharian-Sarkissian regime. The available evidence suggests two explanations: First, some influential organizations and actors in the West, and in Europe in particular, are naively wedded to the notion of positive reinforcement. They seem to think that praising small improvements, instead of criticizing major flaws, creates an incentive for good behavior. Anyone who has studied this regime closely, however, understands the absurdity of such an approach

 

The roots are in former president LTP. Ան էր այս երեւոյթի սկիզբը, ան է տակաւին ՍՍ եւ ՌՔ բերողը:

 

Second, and perhaps more important, is the oft-stated claim that the only people able to settle Armenia's long-standing conflict over the Nagorno-Artsax region will be leaders who are themselves from Nagorno-Artsax -- as Kocharian and Sarkissian are -- and who are perceived domestically AS HARD-LINERS. This is analogous to the "only Nixon could go to China" logic. The problem is that despite being in power for the past 10 years, Kocharian and Sarkissian Have Done Little To Move The Negotiating Process Forward. More important, any leader who must make consequential and difficult choices must have the trust of his people. Sarkissian does not have that trust. After what he and Kocharian did on March 1, he will not be able to govern here, let alone make difficult choices

 

Վերի պարբերութեամբ, Լըտըպըյին տեսնում ենք Արցախի հարցում հայ ժողովուրդն ու Հայաստանը ներկայացնողին պարսաւելիս եւ վարկաբեկելիս: Ինչպէս նաեւ չի վարանում յերիւրել ազար-թուրքական հեքեաթներ քյորողլու հանգաւորումով կամ մուղամով, իբր բանակցութիւնները խանգարողը եւ խաղաղութիւնը խափանողը հենց Ռոբերտ Քոչարեանն ու Սերժ Սարգսեանը են: Ի՞նչ պիտի անէին, որ չարին Ռոբերտ քոչարեանենք, եւ ի՞նչ պիտի անէր ինք, եթէ նախագահ դառնար: Հետեւութիւն անելը թողնում եմ ընթերցողին:

 

So what should be done? What do the people of Armenia expect from the West, and the United States in particular? At the very least, we expect a strong and unequivocal condemnation of the violence that occurred March 1 and a recognition that the government, not the opposition, bears responsibility. This condemnation should accompany a stern warning against continued persecution of the opposition and its leaders -- mistreatment that is reaching unprecedented levels -- as well as a demand to lift the restrictions on the media and restore the people's rights to free assembly and unbiased information. We also expect a reassessment of the conduct of the election. Any serious reassessment will inevitably lead to the conclusion that a new election must be held.

 

Քաղաքական մտածողութեան խեղճութիւնը նկատւում է, երբ խնդում օգնութիւն մի կողմից, որ չի ուզում մրցակիցի բակում խաղալ:

 

Ահաւոր քարոզչական մեքենան, որին տիրում են հհշայականները, իր աւերը գործեց անցնող տարիներում, եւ ահա տեսնում ենք արդիւնքը:

 

If these steps are not taken, Armenians will draw two very undesirable conclusions: that peaceful and lawful means of political struggle are ineffective and pointless, and that the West cares about democracy only when it is politically expedient to do so. The West must do everything possible to dissuade Armenia's citizens from reaching those conclusions

 

Ինք որպէս պատմաբան ինձնից լաւ գիտի վերոյիշեալ ճշմարտութիւնը, գիտնալով հանդերձ երբ օգնութիւն է խնդրում, սա նշանակում է՝ որ իր նպատակը Հայաստանի Պետութեան վարկաբեկումն է, ոչ աւելին:

 

 

[Takoush]

Եւ առաւել ըլլալով Հայաստանի ժողովուրդը չուզեց պահել Լեւոն Տէր Պետրոսեանին: Պահ մը խորհինք թէ արդեօք ինչու չուզեց իրեն ժողովուրդը անցեալին: Որովհետեւ պարզ է, ան հակահայկական դիմա/գործեր տեսաւ, ատոր համար։

 

Ես չեմ մեղադրեր իրեն Հրեայ կնոջը, ո՛չ ամենեւին. շատ ուրիշ Հայեր ալ ամուսնացած եղան Հրեաներու հետ բայց մնացին հայրենասէր։

 

Իսկ այս աղային, ի յիճուկս Տէր Պետրոսեանի անօրենութիւններուն շնորհիւ, այնքան խեղճ վիճակի մէջ ձգեց Հայրենիքը որ այսօր շատ շատերը թափառական Հրեաներու նման աշխարհին շուրջը կը շարունակեն թափառիլ։

 

 

Edited March 5, 2008 by Takoush

[vava]

All this turmoil has happened, and unless I'm mistake, we have not yet heard from the "moral" leader and guide of Armenians, Holiness Garegin II...

Did he attempt to calm the situation appeal for peace or unity? Did he request that the people and the government forces/police be reasonable and show restraint to avoid violent clashes? Has he said anything at all?

 

Does anyone else think that he could have better used his position to avert some of the unpleasantness of the last few days? Or perhaps, he's also on one side or the other of the issue?

Edited March 5, 2008 by vava

[Takoush]

All this turmoil has happened, and unless I'm mistake, we have not yet heard from the "moral" leader and guide of Armenians, Holiness Garegin II...

Did he attempt to calm the situation appeal for peace or unity? Did he request that the people and the government forces/police be reasonable and show restraint to avoid violent clashes? Has he said anything at all?

 

Does anyone else think that he could have better used his position to avert some of the unpleasantness of the last few days? Or perhaps, he's also on one side or the other of the issue?

There you have a point Vava. He should have come forth and said something or two. Above all, he should have tried to calm the people like the Vatican would have tried to do. You are right there!

[Yervant1]

All this turmoil has happened, and unless I'm mistake, we have not yet heard from the "moral" leader and guide of Armenians, Holiness Garegin II...

Did he attempt to calm the situation appeal for peace or unity? Did he request that the people and the government forces/police be reasonable and show restraint to avoid violent clashes? Has he said anything at all?

 

Does anyone else think that he could have better used his position to avert some of the unpleasantness of the last few days? Or perhaps, he's also on one side or the other of the issue?

PRESS RELEASE

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services

Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia

Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian

Tel: +374-10-517163

Fax: +374-10-517301

E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am

Website: www.armenianchurch.org

March 4, 2008

 

Text of His Holiness Karekin II's Address to the Nation

 

"Our dear and pious Armenians,

 

"Our souls are filled with sorrow today. My Armenian nation mourns the loss

of its children. During the presidential electoral process, the sprit of

intolerance led to disorder, to sad and tragic clashes and confrontations.

We never would have expected that the inherent sound judgment of our people

would yield to hatred and enmity. Dear ones, today our entire nation is

disquieted and anxious, seeing that its cherished values of national unity,

peace and security of the homeland are endangered.

 

"Let us practice wisdom and reasoning, refraining from fraternal hostility

and actions that deepen the discord. All problems and issues which trouble

us, shall be solved through peaceful means, respect for the law and the safe

paths of dialogue.

 

"Each of us must answer for our actions before history and our generations.

Let us not risk the stability of our country with further unwise actions.

Let us not see darkened the new sunrise of our homeland. Let us not default

on our debts to God, to our forefathers and our children. We believe that

through reliance on God, with a spirit of courage, with hope and optimism,

we shall overcome this grave and difficult situation, we shall once more

find the path of welfare for our lives and our homeland.

 

"We offer our prayers to heaven, asking for rest for the souls of our

perished sons, and consolation for their sorrowful families and friends.

 

"May God reinforce us all. May our Lord bless all of us with wisdom,

granting us the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome this dire adversity

within our lives."

 

* * *

 

To view the video of the address of the Armenian Pontiff, please visit the

website of the Armenian Church, www.armenianchurch.org and click on the news

link for March 3.

 

You can also view the video on YouTube, by clicking on the following link:

 

 

 

CHURCH INTERVENES IN ARMENIA TURMOIL

 

Interfax News Agency

Russia & CIS

March 1, 2008 Saturday

Russia

 

The Armenian Apostolic Church intervened on Saturday in the

confrontation between Armenia's government and rioting supporters

of former president Ter-Petrosian, who are protesting against his

officially announced defeat in the presidential election on February

19, claiming it was rigged.

 

"The Armenian Church urges the sons of the people to show presence

of mind and restraint, it urges them to avoid clashes and work for

stability so that, via dialogue, a way out can be found of the current

political situation," the church said in a statement.

 

The head of the church, Catholicos Karekin II, instructed priests to

visit hospitalized victims of riots.

 

 

 

MESSAGE OF CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS KAREKIN II ON OCCASION OF MARCH 1 EVENTS

 

Noyan Tapan

March 3, 2008

 

YEREVAN, MARCH 3, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 3, the Information Services

of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin spread the message of Catholicos

of All Armenians Karekin II on the occasion of the March 1 events. The

message read:

 

"Dear Armenian people!

 

Today our souls are filled with mourning. The Armenian people is

mourning over its perished sons. The spirit of intolerance, which was

shown in the presidential elections, resulted in disorders, in sad and

tragic clashes and confrontation. We had never thought that the natural

commonsense of our people will yield to hatred and hostility. Today

the whole Armenian people is alarmed, seeing that the unity of the

nation, peace, and security of the homeland are endangered.

 

Let us show commonsense, keep ourselves from the sense of hatred to our

brothers, from steps aggravating alarm. All issues and problems we are

anxious about should be solved in peace, legality, through a dialogue.

 

We all are responsible before the history and the generations. We

should not endanger the country's stability with thoughtless steps. We

are sure that pinning our hopes on the God, bravely, with hope and

optimism we should overcome the formed difficult and complicated

situation, restore the well-being of our homeland.

 

We are praying for the souls of our perished sons and present our

condolences to their mourning families and relatives.

 

Let God be with us!"

 

According to the report of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, on

March 2, under the guidance of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II,

a requiem took place over the innocent victims of the Armenian people

as a result of the March 1 events in Yerevan.

 

His Holiness instructed the leaders of the dioceses to organize visits

and assistance to the families of the victims.

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services

Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia

Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian

Tel: +374-10-517163

Fax: +374-10-517301

E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am

Website: www.armenianchurch.org

March 4, 2008

 

His Holiness Karekin II Addresses the Nation

 

On March 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All

Armenians, addressed the nation regarding the events on March 1, following

the recent presidential election in the Republic of Armenia.

 

To view the video of the address of the Armenian Pontiff, please visit the

website of the Armenian Church, www.armenianchurch.org and click on the news

link for March 3.

 

You can also view the video on YouTube, by clicking on the following link:

 

 

 

 

 

[Eurocentric]

My father's worst nightmare came true. He was so right. He was the only one among his friends and colleagues who kept saying that that's what the Turks and Azeri's are waiting for, for Armenia to get destabilized. For ten years everything was all right. For ten years. And then, in a matter of months one person manages to get the whole country completely messed up. Don't anyone tell me that LTP was patriotic and wanted what's best for Armenians. I don't know what his motivations were, but he was far from wanting what's best for his country.

 

LTP and his team should be executed in public. All their supporters should be shunned and humiliated.

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Garegin II went to talk to Levon in person in his residence and Levon refused to meet with him. The only person Levon didn't insult is Kirk Krkorian. The Levon madness even reached to Charles Azmavour.

[Takoush]

Thank you Yervant for the Pontifical link.

 

His Holiness Karekin Vehapar spoke with sincerity and I sensed his deep sadness and his words were very well put.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 5, 2008 by Takoush

[garmag]

Quotes are from LTPs' article.

 

Harkeli Johannes,

Chem kider yete gartatsik Washinton Post i LTPi namagin arenchutyamp ...(comments).

Medzamasnutyamp anonk, gue tven irents ankidadtsutyune Hayasdani masin, nayev namagi ungarevorutyune aguenhayd e kroghnerun hamar.

Jebdink te lank.

 

[elle]

Garegin II went to talk to Levon in person in his residence and Levon refused to meet with him. The only person Levon didn't insult is Kirk Krkorian. The Levon madness even reached to Charles Azmavour.

 

I heard about that from Armenia. He thinks he's a big shot.

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

If it was an azeri wrting article to Washington Post(which in fact is pro azeri, pro turkish, anti-armenian, and is controlled by the white house) he would have use the opportunity to talk about armenia, artsak, ...put all the blame on the armenians. Not a sigle word Levon says about the azeri attack on armenians. Not a single word about the azeri presents' provocative comments about starting the war. Levon thinks only about himself. When the governemnt asked him to officialy refuse the service of the government provided bodyguards, he said NO. -he claimed his life might be in jeopardy. At the same time, he had no care fot the lives of the people who were fighting in the street of Yerevan.

[Takoush]

If it was an azeri wrting article to Washington Post(which in fact is pro azeri, pro turkish, anti-armenian, and is controlled by the white house) he would have use the opportunity to talk about armenia, artsak, ...put all the blame on the armenians. Not a sigle word Levon says about the azeri attack on armenians. Not a single word about the azeri presents' provocative comments about starting the war. Levon thinks only about himself. When the governemnt asked him to officialy refuse the service of the government provided bodyguards, he said NO. -he claimed his life might be in jeopardy. At the same time, he had no care fot the lives of the people who were fighting in the street of Yerevan.

I thought so. I strongly felt how much pro-Armenian the Russian post was and complete thruthfulness about the incidences and our history. On the other hand how negative and kurt and more pro Azeris and Turks was the US' Washington Post.

 

The thruth is coming by to us bit by bit. Russia is so much more pro-Armenia

vs.

The U.S. is much more pro-Turkey and Azeri.