Sefilian: Delay in negotiations over Erebuni police station seizure ex

[Yervant1]

An Urgent Call for Our Diaspora to Demand Democracy and Human Rights in Armenia

 

http://hetq.am/static/news/b/2016/08/69772_b.jpg12:39, August 5, 2016

The following open letter appeared in the Policy Forum Armenia blog on August 4.

Silence and Hypocrisy—Killers of Hope

While many foreign and outside entities had appealed for a non-extreme response to the extreme actions taken by an armed group at the Yerevan police station, the Diaspora largely remained silent.

By contrast, the rulers in Armenia have engaged in wholesale mass arrests and detention of anyone they suspect as the opposition, including peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional right to assemble, whether to appeal for moderation or express their grievances against government policies and practices.

The Armenian Diaspora at large has not adequately spoken out against these government actions. At this point, it is difficult to fathom the motivations for such silence.

Could it be the belief that we, in the Diaspora, have no business interfering in internal affairs of a foreign country—except when it comes to the Karabagh question and Armenia-Turkey relations? Or is it the notion that it’s the Armenian government’s job to serve the needs of its people—except when it comes to the sick, the needy, the poor, the military, elderly, public schools and children?

Only the ruling elite seem to have their needs addressed while living lavish lives supported by ill-begotten funds sheltered in the names of family members and off-shore shell companies.

Recently the Catholicos of All Armenians himself thought it appropriate to condemn the violent acts of these “Daredevils”, but he has not condemned the injustices perpetrated by the ruling party against the flock– such as systemic election fraud and gross human rights violations, including unleashing the over-aggressive police and infamously brutal thug brigades.

Many community leaders in the Diaspora have acknowledged, behind closed doors, that it’s no secret to them that Armenia is severely corrupt, but they could not speak truth to power because it might have compromised the good work they were doing to instill “hope for a better future” among the people—except when that hope was for a clean government that evens the economic playing field, allows for free and fair elections, and insists on an independent judiciary and Rule of Law. Perhaps they considered those minor issues compared with poverty and hunger. Yet we all have witnessed on many occasions that the people were not protesting against poverty and hunger but demanding democracy and human rights.

So while we were patting ourselves on the back for working to instill hope, our silenceand hypocrisy were killing that hope, rendering much of our time, money and efforts in Armenia futile and ineffective–posh hotels, fancy restaurants and high tech “showcase” schools notwithstanding.

Most of us thought time was the cure for Armenia’s ills and that somehow, magically, the leaders would come to their senses and live up to the promise of the new Armenia.

Yet two decades is long enough to prove that corruption only breeds corruption, leading to a failed state and cynical society that has nothing left to lose. As John F. Kennedy wisely admonished, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”

If we are truly honest, it may already be too late to overcome the high stakes and perilous road ahead. Yet, if ever the Diaspora had an opportunity to show its true mettle, the hour has come.

All who recognize this crisis point, should urge our community representatives and organizations, charitable, religious and political, to publicly decry those responsible for the rampant abuses of human rights and dignity and support those that seek electoral reform and an accounting of unlawful police tactics. The former would include the public inspection of voter lists, and a meaningful investigation of violations committed during last December’s constitutional referendum and those who have to date blocked such an effort.

We should no longer consider the alternative an option—that is, trying to preserve a fabricated and false sense of law and order that cripples Armenia’s ability to meet challenges at home and at the border while inciting civil violence.

Taking a clear stand on the side of human rights and justice won’t instantly solve the deeply entrenched problems that plague the country. But it’s a first step in a new direction, that, if made courageously, wholeheartedly, unequivocally and boldly, will instill hope among the people as never before.

They’ve been waiting for us to answer their call but, as we’ve witnessed from recent events, they can’t wait forever.

Armenian Bar Association

Justice Armenia

Professor Simon Payaslian

Charles K. and Elisabeth M. Kenosian

Chair in Modern Armenian History

and Literature, Department of History,

Boston University

Anny Bakalian, Ph.D.

Associate Director of MEMEAC,

The Graduate Center, CUNY

 

Policy Forum Armenia

Armenian Scientists and Engineers Association (AESA), NY-NJ Section

VaheBerberian (USA)

Painter, Author, Playwright, Humorist

Ara Dinkjian (USA)

Musician and Composer

Armenian Renaissance – New York Chapter

Armenian Renaissance – Los Angeles Chapter

VickenCheterian (Switzerland)

Writer and University Lecturer

VaheTachjian (Germany)

Chief Editor of Houshamadyan

Nora Armani

Actress-Filmmaker-Activist

SR Socially Relevant Film Festival NY,

Founding Artistic Director

VickenTarpinian (France)

Singer and Composer

Garo Ghazarian, Esq.

Dean & Professor of Law

Peoples College of Law

Los Angeles, California

MaroMatosian

Women’s Support Center (Yerevan)

NurhanBecidyan (USA)

BercAraz (USA)

Rafi Hovsepian

President, New York Armenian

Students’ Association

Adjunct Instructor, New York University

Mario Yazidjian (USA)

HaroutChatmajian (USA)

Actor, Director and Community Activist

Ara N. Araz (USA)

http://hetq.am/eng/news/69772/an-urgent-call-for-our-diaspora-to-demand-democracy-and-human-rights-in-armenia.html

[onjig]

Do you think Azerbaijan will wait to see what happens or attack at this time, with Armenia in this condition?

[onjig]

Armenians everywhere do have something to say about this situation, as do the families of those killed or wounded in this reckless, murderous adventure. The ones who carried out this attack are on their own as far as I'm concerned.

 

I am all for reform, any that are needed. But no one who was a part of an armed attack or anyone who was in any way part of sending them to do this should take part in negotiations or redress of grievance as they have shown willingness to exacerbate the problem.

[Yervant1]

Sultan (not) aliyev doesn't need any excuses in order to attack us, I doubt that they will attack now because the Armenian military is intact and ready to fight back.

As for your second post, yes we all have something to say but the decision should rest with people who live there, they should decide their destiny. This is not an internal issue only i.e. corruption and unemployment, outside influence is strong and Armenia is caught between a rock and a hard place. This resembles to a situation where you need protection and you need to chose between two rival mafias (East or West) and pay the price for Armenia's existence, either side we chose we lose. It's bleak!

[Yervant1]

This seems to me as a grassroots demonstration, the people are fed up with this current government!

Another rally in support of Sasna Tsrer armed group kicks off in Yerevan’s Liberty Square

21:04, 05.08.2016

YEREVAN. - A subsequent rally in support of Sasna Tsrer armed group has kicked off in Yerevan’s Liberty Square.

The rally has had no leader for already the second day and is going on spontaneously, Armenian News - NEWS.amcorrespondent reports.

The speakers, who are mainly unknown citizens, are approaching the microphone and making speeches related to issues in different areas, starting from the country’s socioeconomic issues to Karabakh conflict. The protestors are interrupting the speeches, scanning ‘Sasna Tsrer’.

No specific plan of actions has yet been announced.

It’s already the second day the rally has not been conducted by Armenia’s Founding Parliament radical opposition group member Harutyun Aghlamazyan. The latter was called to Special Investigation Service on Thursday, and was then beaten down by unknown persons on his way home.

The street lights near Opera theatre are turned off. It is yet unknown whether the rally will be followed by a march.

As reported earlier, dozens of youths were detained after the rally in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Thursday.

http://news.am/eng/news/340714.html

 

[Yervant1]

Armenia’s government lags behind society in terms of progress – sociologist

16:35 • 29.07.16

In an interview with Tert.am, Artur Atanesyan of the Department of
Sociology, Yerevan State University, spoke of the recent social unrest
and tensions, reasons and possible consequences.

According to him, Armenia’s society has left the government behind in
terms of development. The reason is the availability of information,
tourism, international education and modern modern-day benefits.

“Armenia’s society is much freer now than during all the previous
periods. On the other hand, the government system remains
‘conservative,’ marked with a one-party culture inherited from the
Soviet Union, as well as the clan-type mode way of thinking,” Mr
Atanesyan said.

The neighboring states’ government systems affect Armenia’s government
system, with totalitarian and tyrannical approaches dominating.

“Turkish, Russian, Iranian and Azerbaijani cultures, which we know
very well and criticize, have, regrettably, become guidelines for us
and we are comparing with them to show our advantages or rather not
being so bad,” Mr Atanesyan said.

Rising awareness of civil rights and conservatism of the government
system will be a consequence.

Such evidence of inefficient government as “scarce resources,” “not
having statehood for centuries,” “small country,” “transitional period
is not so actively cited now as it was before.

The Eastern-style conservatism in the Armenian society may come into a
far deeper conflict with the progressivism if those mass protests do
not pave way for a permanent dialogue between our active citizens and
the government bodies, the sociologist said.

“As a matter of fact, such a dialogue stems from the need of effective
governance. So our disadvantage of being a small country is turning
into an advantage,” he noted.

Asked to comment on the expected outcomes on the continuing public
tensions, Atanesyan replied, “The situation we are facing today is the
result of shortcomings in the governance system and process. So it is
good that they are revealed thanks to our citizens’ efforts, not the
adversary’s.

“To ensure our state’s security and development, our authorities
should demonstrate a model conduct and mobilize the potentials to
provide a radical solution to problems. What Armenia lacks is a system
and culture of accountability; without them, it is impossible to
ensure effectiveness in the political system,” he added.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.tert.am_en_news_2016_07_29_arthuratanesian_2092635&d=DQIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=oCHeBuEh-_Qw4eyep3duZR7ClWnTIBjQutYhlLZKeQw&s=5PuB6Gyaf_QT5KmsOZqBeBDe3C-l05zKBCtuKka7AWE&e=

[Yervant1]

ARMENIA-UPPER KARABAKH

The Armenian authorities are ready to concede territories to Azerbaijan by Vahan Badasyan veteran of the war of liberation of Artsakh

 

http://www.armenews.com/IMG/arton130010-410x269.jpg

 

In an interview with newspaper "Haygagan Jamanag" Vahan Badasyan veteran of the war of liberation of Artsakh and former Member of Parliament of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh said that the Armenian authorities are preparing to cede territory to the Azerbaijan. "The tension on the borders is not new. It is the consequence of the passivity of the Armenian authorities continue to strip the Army. The flights operated by this army generals and high-ranking Ministry of Defense continues (...) and if there is any progress in the military, it is thanks to the people and the efforts of the commandments on instead " heavily accuses Vahan Badasyan. But he does not think the operation of Sasna Dzrer commando could endanger Nagorno-Karabakh."What is happening now is a result of the April war. This war has not ended and will not end because the authorities are unwilling or unable to judge reality and learn from it. " V. Badasyan says the war of April to the events of the operation of the commando Sasno Dzrer, the Armenian authorities have not responded and "they want to make territorial concessions" but that "the Armenian public opinion on the question of Karabakh is not a priest any concessions against peace. " to V. Badasyan, after the example of Sasno Dzrer, other groups could take over and popular revolts could emerge.

Krikor Amirzayan

Saturday, August 6, 2016,

Krikor Amirzayan © armenews.com

http://www.armenews.com/article.php3?id_article=130010

[Yervant1]

Sacked corrupt officials must be sent to jail – Armenian opposition MP

13:02 • 06.08.16

Any government official responsible for violations, abuse of power or negligence must be sent behind bars instead of just handing in a resignation, says an opposition MP from the Heritage party.

“My opinion is that corrupt officials must be in jail, not just in the street if they have really committed those acts,” Tevan Poghosyan told Tert.am, commenting on the police reshuffle in the wake of the recent turmoil that followed the patrol police regiments armed seizure.

“It is very important to hear the authorities say they ‘have drawn lessons’,” he said, stressing the importance of enforcing liability measures against those who used violence against the peaceful protesters supporting the armed group that remained barricaded inside the police compound for two weeks to demand the ruling authorities’ resignation. “It doesn’t matter at all whether [such violations are in] the police or national security, economy or tax administration,” Poghosyan added.

The opposition MP said he hopes that like many other European countries, Armenia too, will introduce the institute of resignations, requiring that government officials responsible for malfeasance step down and most importantly, explain the reason behind their move.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2016/08/06/tevan-poghosyan/2098205

[Yervant1]

Karabakh’s active involvement in talks 'the only key to success' - lawmaker

11:17 • 06.08.16

Success in the continuing peace talks over Nagorno-Karabakh will be possible only in case of the country’s most active participation in the process, says Vardges Baghryan, a member of Nagorno-Karabakh’s National Assembly.

"It is time for Karabakh to have the most active participation in the NK conflict settlement talks. We state it repeatedly, but that’s not, naturally, just for making a statement. It is common knowledge that nobody can resolve the problem without the _expression_ of the Nagorno-Karabakh population’s will. That problem has to do with our people,” he told Tert.am, commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement saying that the sides are “more than ever close to a breakthrough.”

Baghryan said he finds only a package solution realistic.

He also conveyed the Nagorno-Karabakh population’s concerns over regions’ possible return.

“To be frank, there are really concerns, as that’s the dominating topic in the society now. To say, however, that the population is anxiety-stricken is not true either. We have repeatedly stated that we have liberated Artsakh with nation-wide efforts, so it is impossible just for anyone to make a decision to cede lands. That’s practically impossible,” he said.

The lawmaker said he also sees Russian efforts for a pro-active role in the process. “But the Soviet times have long fallen into the past, so the one-time iron curtain does not exist anymore. And hence the solution is not in Russia’s hands, fortunately. What we see here are major regional problems and interests, not just global problems that are being resolved. Hence, indifference by Europe and the United States is practically ruled out,” he added.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2016/08/06/baghryan/2078132

[Yervant1]

Is Russia changing it's tune after the protests?

Russia has no intention to impose ready-made solutions on Karabakh

conflict sides

YEREVAN, August 5. /ARKA/. Russia has no intention to impose
ready-made solutions on Karabakh conflict sides – a balanced
compromise between Armenia and Azerbaijan is needed in this issue,
Vladimir Putin, Russian president, told AzerTag News Agency.

“The sides should reach an agreement and find mutually acceptable
solutions independently, without external pressure and this is our
firm position,” he is quoted by TASS as saying in his interview with
AzerTag News Agency.

“We are fully aware of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders
of the Armenian and Azerbaijani leadership. We welcome the
constructive approach that prevailed during the latest summit on the
conflict settlement held on June 20, 2016, in St. Petersburg. The
final goal of the settlement should be an agreement with no winning or
losing sides, with mutual concessions and benefits for both sides that
are clear to the public in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

Putin added that Russia, on its side, is ready to support a solution
that would be acceptable to all parties involved and, together with
other mediators, to act as a guarantor of the settlement.

“Russia’s bond with Armenia and Azerbaijan builds on deep historical
roots, the strategic nature of our relations, and geographical
proximity,” he said. “Therefore, it is our genuine interest that the
neighboring region is peaceful and calm again, that casualties stop,
borders open, and economic ties are restored there. We are doing our
utmost for that.”

He recalled that in May 1994, the ceasefire agreement was signed with
the direct assistance of Russia, and it is still the basis of the
truce. The adoption of the 2008 Moscow Declaration was an important
step. It confirms that a conflict settlement should be achieved
through political means alone.

“By the way, this is the first and still the only document on the
Nagorno Karabakh settlement signed by the presidents of Armenia and
Azerbaijan. It was Russia again that played the crucial role in the
cessation of large-scale hostilities at the beginning of April 2016.”
--0---

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__arka.am_en_news_politics_russia-5Fhas-5Fno-5Fintention-5Fto-5Fimpose-5Fready-5Fmade-5Fsolutions-5Fon-5Fkarabakh-5Fconflict-5Fsides_&d=DQIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=pTJxKAr7vik_kURY2UptHsrCpBrsgyPYOPnLYVphvck&s=riGcb9P-vWAGZ0PBCZoBUzMnbNV6o2fDvXIn8l1n-aU&e=

 

 

[Yervant1]

Armenia’s Founding Parliament leader Sefilian writes another letter, mentioning 4 demands

20:08, 06.08.2016

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg582887/pngYxapf12vBr.png

YEREVAN. - Armenia’s Founding Parliament radical opposition group member Jirair Sefilian has sent another letter from Vardashen criminal-executive institution, where he refers to the demand of President Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation and further process of struggle.

“The misinformation which was circulated a few days ago by [Karabakh MP] Vitaly Balasanyan on that the Sasna Tsrer [armed group] members and I have abandoned the demand of Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation, was immediately dismissed both by the representatives of the Sasna Tsrer group and me two days later.

Unfortunately, that misinformation continues to be circulated, this time, however, by the opposition figure, dear Nikol Pashinyan. The latter points out to my letter sent on July 31, saying that I didn’t “raise the demand of Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation” there. Unfortunately, he has misunderstood the content of the letter, specifically failing to notice the introductory paragraph, where it is apparently mentioned that the content of this letter exclusively refers to the proposal of possible negotiations as a happy medium, as a result of which the [armed group] members were to lay down their arms. I reiterate, it exclusively referred to laying down the arms by the members and preventing bloodshed.

Being in isolation and not fully disposing of the information, I thought of such a strategy to prevent bilateral bloodshed, and I don’t know, there might be another man or Nikol Pashinyan, who might find another way to prevent that danger.

Considering that this false information was dismissed that day by the Sasna Tsrer members and I learnt about Varuzhan Avetisyan’s speech at the moment of laying down the arms, and also read the 7-point demands mentioned in an interview given by Founding Parliament President Garegin Chookaszian to CivilNet, I accept Nikol’s conclusion with perplexity.

Going ahead and taking advantage of the occasion, I urge Nikol and opposition members to perceive the seriousness of the moment and do everything possible to make meaningful Sasna Tsrer’s sacrifice, our insurgent peoples’ readiness to sacrifice and, above all, the unity and solidarity with each other.

In order not to leave the movement without leaders, I urge to form various supra-party formats and rush to liberate our country as soon as possible.

Finally, I will try to re-edit the political agenda raised by us in the recent years, as well as the pan-Armenian political objective agenda of Sasna Tsrer’s demands in the following sequence:

1. Set free PoWs and political prisoners

2. Formation of confidence government /with anti-crisis and transfer phase program/

3. Serzh Sargsyan’s removal

4. Snap parliamentary and presidential elections

http://news.am/eng/news/340843.html

[Yervant1]

Armenia’s Anti-crisis Council member: We are politically persecuted

18:30, 06.08.2016

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg582889/pngrBTL7T3gRa.png

YEREVAN. - Founder of Armenia’s Ardzagank recording studio (Echo International) Yeghishe Petrosyan, who is the member of Anti-crisis Council group supporting the Sasna Tsrer armed group, thinks that he and the other members of the council are politically persecuted.

Petrosyan told Armenian News – NEWS.am that his detention was groundless and he was shortly set free in the absence of corpus delicti.

“They detained me without any grounds and set me free finding no corpus delicti. We are politically persecuted. [Moreover] I think, not only me, but also the other members of the council are politically persecuted,” Yeghishe Petrosyan said.

In his words, the authorities have arrested the Anti-crisis members in order to isolate them. “”They have isolated the guys, doing their best for protests not to be staged.”

As reported earlier, the political persecution against Yeghishe Petrosyan was stopped. The latter had been detained on suspicion of organizing mass disorders in Yerevan.

http://news.am/eng/news/340826.html

[Yervant1]

Newspaper: Weak Sargsyan not beneficial to Aliyev
09:45, 06.08.2016

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg582890/pngHrx0GurR_e.png


Aravot newspaper talked to former Karabakh Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan.

Azerbaijan surprisingly did not use the opportunity of the July 17 events [when police regiment was seized – ed.] to launch large-scale offensive on the border. Aliyev’s behavior is very unnatural amid his warlike rhetoric.

Azerbaijani leadership probably realizes that repetition of April events would cancel political achievements of the official Baku reached during the Vienna and Saint Petersburg meetings. Aliyev already has some reason to believe that within a short time he may establish, and without a new war, control over most of the territories, and Mr. Serzh Sargsyan is regarded as the most suitable partner on the issue. In other words, official Baku is not interested in any action aimed at weakening the position of Mr. Sargsyan's initiative.

http://news.am/eng/news/340734.html

[Yervant1]

Founding Parliament Member Aghlamazyan Beaten

 

http://hetq.am/static/news/b/2016/08/69771_b.jpg

12:22, August 5, 2016

The Founding Parliament says that Haroutyun Aghlamazyan, one of its members, was beaten by three unknown assailants as he returned home after giving testimony to the Investigative Committee.

Aghlamazyan was taken into custody at his place of work and taken to the IC where he was questioned for a few hours regarding the events of the past several weeks.

He was taken to the Erebouni Medical Center.

http://hetq.am/eng/news/69771/founding-parliament-member-aghlamazyan-beaten.html

[Yervant1]

Pavel Manukyan: "No country has ever returned any territory it got in bloody war. Why should we do it now?"

• by Tatevik Shahunyan

• Monday, August 8, 14:10

http://www.arminfo.am/images/StandardImage/%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%B7-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-12598.jpg

Pavel Manukyan, one of the arrested members of Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sasoun) - a group of Karabakh war veterans that seized a police compound in Yerevan on July 17 demanding among others the resignation of the president, but forced to surrender later - has addressed a letter to the authorities of Armenia through his laywer.

In his letter, Pavel Manukyan urges the authorities to abandon their personal benefits and join the people. Manukyan says he addresses them as "reasonable people who care for the people."

"Don't you understand that after ceding the territories around Karabakh, you will cede your chairs too? Are you sure that the conflict will be settled through mutual concessions, and not through the concessions by the Armenian side only? Why should the Armenian side cede the territories it gained in war? The world map has been constantly changing during the history of mankind with various wars. No country has even returned the territories it got in bloody wars. Why should we do it now? " Manukyan asks rhetorically.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=01963AF0-5D48-11E6-975A0EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

Jailed oppositionist Jirayr Sefilyan's brother urges nation-wide assembly on August 13

• by Naira Badalyan

• Monday, August 8, 13:28

http://www.arminfo.am/images/StandardImage/%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%B7-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-12783.jpg

Toros Sefilyan, the brother of the jailed leader of Founding Parliament opposition movement Jirayr Sefilyan, has addressed the Armenian people calling everyone to gather in the Liberty Square on August 13 to launch a nation-wide fight.

In his addressed received by ArmInfo, Toros Sefilyan says it is high time to rise up for a nation-wide fight to change power in the country. "We are being late already," he writes.

He is sure that rallies, marches and petitions are not able to change the power in the country. "This system must be destroyed. Otherwise, we will leave a system of dictatorship to our children," Sefilyan writes.

"Let us stop discussions, talks and even demands for release political prisoners. Let our guys have a rest in prison," Toros Sefilyan says and urges a nation-wide assembly in the Liberty Square on August 13. Sefilyan hopes to "peacefully and softly tell the people's demands to the authorities" if at least 50,000 people gather.

He is sure that such a large-scale peaceful assembly will caught the attention of the world community, which will support the people, and the authorities will have nothing to oppose to it. Expressing his apologies to the people for being in Beirut not in Armenia at such moment, Toros Sefilyan says the people have a week to decide whether to unite or not.

Further in his address, Toros Sefilyan announces the demands that will be made in the Liberty Square on August 13: "Resignation of the president; establishment of a transitional government, snap elections, formation of government enlisting the public support, adoption of a new Constitution, formation of a monitoring group that sets the national interests above personal ones to control the process of the establishment of the Armenian State."

"Everyone who impedes the process of peaceful power changes, makes violent revolution inevitable," Toros Sefilyan writes fro conclusion.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=206ABE70-5D42-11E6-A6E00EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

Alek Yenigomshyan to be freed

• by Tatevik Shahunyan

• Monday, August 8, 14:13

http://www.arminfo.am/images/StandardImage/%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%B7-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-12686.jpg

Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia has changed the measure of restraint against Alek Yenigomshyan who was arrested for supporting Sasna Tsrer - a group of Karabakh war veterans that seized a police compound in Yerevan on July 17 demanding among others the resignation of the president, but forced to surrender later.

The measure of restrained has been cancelled, as it needs revision, according to the Prosecutor General's Office. The decision has been submitted to the detention facility for immediate release of Alek Yenigomshyan.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=51B0AB60-5D48-11E6-975A0EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

Yerevan police chief fired

YEREVAN, August 8. /ARKA/. The chief of Yerevan Police Department,
Major-General Ashot Karapetyan was sacked today by Chief of Armenian
Police Vladimir Gasparyan, the agency said in a statement posted on
its official website.

It said Karapetyan as well as some other senior police officers were
sacked based on the outcome of an official investigation.

Earlier Karapetyan received a reprimand in connection with the clashes
between riot police and demonstrators on July 19 in Khorenatsi Street,
near the police station that was seized and kept for two weeks by an
armed group of men.

Karapetyan is said to be replaced with Sargis Martirosyan, the former
chief of police in Armenia’s second largest town of Gyumri.

An offshoot of Armenia's Founding Parliament opposition movement,
composed of many veterans of the Nagorno-Karabakh War, seized a police
station building in Yerevan on July 17 and held it for two weeks. The
group demanded the resignation of the president of the country and the
release of their leader Zhirayr Sefilyan, arrested earlier for illegal
possession of weapons.

On July 31 the group laid down their arms and surrendered to the
authorities. The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a
week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of
an ambulance crew, but the last two were allowed to leave on July 30.

The gunmen killed one officer and wounded several others in their
initial attack. Police accused the gunmen of killing a second officer
on July 30 as he sat in a vehicle away from the compound. -0-

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__arka.am_en_news_politics_yerevan-5Fpolice-5Fchief-5Ffired_&d=DQIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=EKbc1IVQUl9vdPpi5mznXHeF9WtId19bM2cchMhgnd4&s=5DMhztPC2DXTge_nBi53VjmhmJvOkMa61jBNSuH0FEU&e=

[Yervant1]

Vestnik Kavkaza
Aug 8 2016


Armen Badalyan: "The police in Armenia have become an organ for
sustaining the authorities ’’

Aug 8 - 5:51 pm Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza

Controversies continue to shake Armenia. A few days ago several senior
officials were dismissed. The prosecutor general and senior officials
of the National Security Service were dismissed by the order of the
President with the wording "for health reasons." The chief of the
Armenian Police fired several police officers. Experts attribute these
resignations to the events around the seizure of a regiment of the
patrol service (PPS) in Yerevan by the armed group. Political analyst
Armen Badalyan answers the questions of Vestnik Kavkaza related to the
recent developments.

- How do you assess the events around the capture of the PPS regiment
by the armed group ‘Sasna tsrer’ (‘Sassoon Braves’)?

- We cannot separate these events from the general situation in
Armenia, which is a major concern. We are talking about colossal
migration, and the decline in the economy, and about the practical
absence of a judicial system. The recent events have shown once again
that the police have changed from a law enforcement agency into an
organ for sustaining the authorities. As a result, the idea has
actualized in the minds of a small segment of society that this
government understands only the language of force. If the attempt to
address the issues had not been suppressed by force of arms, the
events surrounding the capture of the PPS regiment would gradually
have become large scale. I do not know what lessons the authorities
will draw from these events. Until now the authorities have never
drawn lessons.

- Can the dismissals be a sign that the authorities are reviewing their policy?

- If some process had really been started, those police and civilians
who used violence against journalists would have been arrested
already. These personnel changes represent only the visible part of
the ongoing conflicts within the government. There are people in the
government who were against the police violence. There is a hidden
confrontation between the prosecutors and the police. It is possible
that the police won in this confrontation. I do not rule out that the
public prosecutor tried to protect the rule of law to some extent, and
to lead the police, who have grossly violated the law, into the legal
field, but he did not succeed. We should not ignore the version of the
prosecutor general Kostanyan’s resignation for health reasons. With
regard to the dismissals from the NSS, I cannot exclude the fact that
the recent events could become a convenient excuse for the new head of
the National Security Council to get rid of some of the old workers.

- Did the president dismiss Kostanyan to prevent him from taking
unpopular steps?

- Given the fact that the upcoming trial concerning ‘Sasna tsrer’ is
unlikely to be fair, it is likely that the presidential palace,
wishing to save the prosecutor general, temporarily removed him from
the office. It is, in fact, the third version of the reasons for the
resignation of Kostanyan, after the versions of the conflict between
the prosecutors and the police, and the version of health.

- How do you feel about the allegations that the events were provoked
by "external forces"?

- Four players were involved in the events – the West as represented
the United States and the European Union, Russia, the Armenian
government and a part of Armenian society, of course, a small one. It
is no coincidence that two players –the West and Russia – have given
contradictory assessments. Russia has clearly described the events as
acts of terrorism. And if you carefully examine all the allegations of
the West, it is obvious that the word "terrorism" is not mentioned
there. I think it was a message from the Western Armenian authorities
to conduct political and economic reforms. I think that the
authorities understand that message, but whether they draw lessons,
whether there will be a major change, I cannot say.

- Is it possible to consider these personnel changes in the context of
the external pressure on Armenia?

- There is a lot of external pressure on the authorities. Therefore,
we should not consider the dismissals in the same perspective. The
July events were used as a pretext for some sackings. They were
conducted in order to please the public, but mainly in order to
demonstrate to the West that the government has drawn lessons from the
incident. In fact, this fraud has nothing to do with real reform.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__vestnikkavkaza.net_interviews_Armen-2DBadalyan-2DThe-2Dpolice-2Din-2DArmenia-2Dhave-2Dbecome-2Dan-2Dorgan-2Dfor-2Dsustaining-2Dthe-2Dauthorities-2D-25E2-2580-2599-25E2-2580-2599.html&d=DQIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=3XHl118c1iEtD3SGiAInJNs9M6Hi96HxHe9fD0UtM_s&s=M099CHGBiTwHJVkulmz9-WjMN-hKBoh3WViumvlbHzE&e=

[Yervant1]

Sasna Tsrer addresses government: People will never forgive surrendering territories

13:35, 08.08.2016

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg583142/pngtHvTVhsFtc.png

YEREVAN. – Pavlik Manukyan, a member of the armed group that seized the police regiment in Armenia and later surrendered to the authorities, addressed a letter to the authorities, which was published on Facebook by his lawyer Harutyun Baghdasaryan.

The letter, in particular, noted that the purpose of their group is to create a worthy Armenian state. However, their goal is hampered by the current government of Armenia, which dares satisfy their needs by selling the land acquired with their blood.

“Do you believe that there will be mutual compromises, rather than a compromise, and that after passing the liberated territories some forces will ensure the safety of our fellow citizens? Hasn’t our historyteach you anything?” Manukyan wonders.

Neither Königsberg nor Danzig or Strasbourg cannot be a part of Germany any longer, Lviv and Brest will never be a part of Poland. All these are the territories acquired by war.

“And we, as a country-winner, have restored historical justice,” the letter says.

Pavlik Manukyan noted that the authorities blamed them for standing against them, but they do not realize that this was a struggle for homeland.

“And if you make a part of this nation, this fight is for the sake of you and your children's future,” he adds.

Manukyan, speaking to the authorities, said that Armenia's independence, territorial integrity and security are not just legal terms. They contain valuable notions such as a person, house, family, country, honor, faith, dream, and others.

“Do not exterminate these concepts! Wake up, tomorrow will be too late! Perhaps our people will forgive the plunder and humiliation, but they will never forgive surrendering the territories,” Manukyan said.

http://news.am/eng/news/340950.html

[Yervant1]

Nagorno-Karabakh peace process: concessions wrong – Stepan Grigoryan

14:01 • 10.08.16

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg583186/pngdbsPOfNcy2.png

Russia has obviously started an initiative for the current stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Stepan Grigoryan, Board Chairman, Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC), told Tert.am.

“The reason is Russia’s desire for Azerbaijan joining the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), doing its utmost for Azerbaijan to side with it. Azerbaijan, for its part, is raising the problem of Armenia’s concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh,” Mr Grigoryan said.

The expert points out an active stage in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

“Azerbaijan launched four-day hostilities in early April, killing and torturing civilians. In this context, I think it is irrelevant to speak of concessions or mutual concessions in this atmosphere of mistrust,” Mr Grigoryan said.

Russia is now making an attempt to alienate Armenia’s historical lands.

The term “mutual concessions” has recently been in circulation, but it needs clarifying.

“They want territories from us, with a referendum in Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] to be held later. The question is: if they establish control over the territories, will Armenians be able to hold a referendum? We should not be deceived by such words,” Mr Grigoryan said.

The expert proposes his view of settlement of the conflict: a reverend in Nagorno-Karabakh, with Azerbaijan recognizing the results. And the issue of territories will be discussed later.

“Why do no they discuss the issue in this way?”

As regards the Russian president’s statement that Armenia and Azerbaijan must assume the responsibility for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with no winners and losers, Mr Grigoryan said:

“This is Putin’s step to deceive Armenian society. Many hearing his words would say ‘they are not forcing us.’ Putin has very good advisors, who are studying the sentiments in Armenia and are informed about a campaign against them here, with their policy criticized. They are saying, ‘come and launch a softer-line policy here, using other words.’”

It is not Putin’s steps that are of importance. Rather, it is Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s steps.

“I believe they are going to discuss territories and unilateral concessions. I do not think our authorities will agree to unilateral concessions, with possible social resistance considered. As a political scientist, I feel it my duty to warn the authorities that concessions would be not only a strong step, but also a crime against popular will.”

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2016/08/10/stepan-grigoryan/2100274

[Yervant1]

Armenian-Russian presidential meeting on Armenia’s initiative promises no good – Styopa Safaryan

14:43 • 10.08.16

Political scientist Styopa Safaryan has no favorable expectations about the Armenian-Russian presidential meeting to take place in Moscow, Russia, especially since, according to the leaked information, it is the Armenian side that introduced the initiative.

The Armenian-Russian presidential meeting in Moscow was preceded by the Russian leader’s meetings with his Azerbaijani and Iranian counterparts in Baku. Russia has joined the hostile axis bypassing Armenia by signing an Iranian-Azerbaijani-Russian memorandum.

“Russians and Turks have come to terms. Azerbaijan must have taken most serious steps to neutralize our two friends. And now, after all that has happened, what are we demanding of Russia? I do not know,” Mr Safaryan said.

He cannot say anything about the stage of coordination of the details of the agreements and arrangements in Moscow.

In an earlier interview with Tert.am, political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan said that it is Armenia that proposed holding an Armenian-Russian presidential meeting.

Mr Safaryan can hardly think of a reason for the Armenian side’s concern and subsequent step. On the other hand, he agrees with the predictions that the Armenian side will present a harder line and more serious claims on Nagorno-Karabakh to Moscow.

“It is natural because Moscow has not left any more room. Moscow has crossed the red line. Approaches should have been changed after the four-day hostilities in early April. But I am sure that all of Moscow’s projects will fail.”

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2016/08/10/styopa-safaryan/2101788

[MosJan]

ehhhhhhhh

[Yervant1]

Police atrocity must be punished – journalist

19:42 • 10.08.16

http://www.tert.am/news_images/701/2102063_3/f57ab4b0a21836_57ab4b0a21877.thumb.jpg

 

The team leaders of a number of Armenia’s leading media outlets have started a protest under the slogan ‘For freedom of speech’ in Yerevan’s Freedom Square.

 

Talking to reporters, Aram Abramyan, chief editor of the Aravot (Morning) newspaper, said that police must conduct more serious inquiries into cases of violence against journalists during the recent rallies in Armenia to punish those guilty.

 

“We must with our own eyes see policemen facing trial and convicted irrespective of whether they were in civvies or uniforms. When we see, we can believe in some progress,” Mr Abramyan said.

 

He hopes that the probe into the recent incidents will not last until next year, which is the case with the investigation into violence against people that protested a rise in electricity prices.

 

The journalists that covered the recent rallies has police guns aimed at them for true reports on the events not to become available to the public. However, disseminating of information is impossible to prevent in the 21^st century.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2016/08/10/aramabrahamyan/2102063

[Yervant1]

Activist: Sasna Tsrer armed group’s determination hasn’t decreased at all

20:54, 12.08.2016

Region:Armenia
Theme: Politics

http://news.am/img/news/34/16/93/default.jpg

YEREVAN. - The determination of the arrested members of the Sasna Tsrer armed group has not reduced at all; they are continuing the struggle.

Member of Armenia’s Founding Parliament radical opposition group Alec Yenikomshian said the aforementioned at the rally held in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Friday.

“They say that dozens of new fighters are already being formed round each of them in their respective prison wards,” Yenikomshian said.

In his words, the group supporting Sasna Tsrer has re-organized and starting from tomorrow they will continue the rallies and the struggle with more specific objectives.

Yenikoshian also added that the demands of the group are the same: resignation of Serzh Sargsyan and formation of a national confidence government, which will have a principled stance on defending the Nagorno-Karabakh and developing Armenia.

http://news.am/uploads/images/12_aug/1/IMG_9892.JPG

http://news.am/eng/news/341693.html