ARF, politics in Armenia, and, ... Money?

Recently, there has been alot of innuendo, and straight up reporting, of discussions and tensions between the ARF, Heritage, and HAK.

There is a ton to say about this. I can see why this is happening, and more specifically, why it might, might, might make sense, for now, for HAK and the ARF to link up.

Some of this comes down to the age old, unanswerable question: does the end justify the means??

The fact is, I do not trust the ARF, on multiple levels [that is not to be confused with the ARF actually being unable to gain trust - that is a definite possibility, under the right circumstances]. That being said, again, there are some circumstances under which I can see the liason being advantageous to Armenia, in the longrun. And that is the ultimate goal.

Lragir recently published a piece with Q+ A with the ARF - what struck me the most was the following segment:

I think that there are points, which need clarifications. For example, the point 8 of the platform is “to eliminate economic monopolies and bring into the tax field the major business”.

Wow. I would have thought the first huge thing to disagree with would be #12, demanding the immediate resignation of SS, and other issues would be secondary (or maybe point 12 is not even a sticking point). Sad, but not surprising, that finances are the first consideration. Not surprising because there are whisperings of how certain elements associated with the ARF are involved in money-making enterprises with the present government. This theory, this hypothesis, would explain why the ARF became part of the coalition to begin with, why it was so hard to 'leave,' and the choice of sticking point now.

For those who do not read Armenian, the phrase on the flag is "Mah kam Azatutyun." Death or Freedom. There is nothing "Free"about what is happening now in Armenia. Either the ARF has changed from what we knew it to be, they think this is Freedom, or the ARF, as we knew it, is in fact, dead. And reading over the options, it seems these are not mutually exclusive. Logically speaking.

ANC's platform, June 12, 2009

The image is via Analyticon. I'm posting it here because it is raw, it is an undeniable truth. It is a reflection of humanity in a harsh reality, but no one can deny the razor sharp 'beauty' that this photo holds.
This photo holds a sincerity, a truth, that I would be hard pressed to find any Armenian to deny. Regardless of their political party.

I will not be so incendiary as to make a complete parallel. But I will ask the following question, what is it, below, that you would disagree with? Many will find something, but whatever it is, is it enough to divide?

Here it is, clear as day, from the July 12 speech, via a1plus:

Levon-Ter Petrosyan presented the 12-point platform of the Armenian National Congress during today's rally at the Matenadaran.


1. Abort the implementation of the conspiracy to create a commission of Armenian and Turkish historians to call the fact of Genocide into question.
2. Prohibit the authorities from making unduly compromises in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
3. Restore the previous format of negotiations in which the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was a full conflicting party based on the status constituted at the OSCE summit in Budapest.
4. Release all political prisoners and all businessmen who are terrorized by taxes.
5. Create an international independent commission to investigate the events of March 1 or reinstate the Fact-Finding Group and recruit international experts.
6. Reveal and penalize the main culprits of March 1 through the court system.
7. Implement radical reforms in the electoral system, eradicate the multi-party electoral commissions, hold the Police or the Ministry of Justice accountable for the elections and apply the practice of taking thumbprints during all future elections to exclude dual votes.
8. Eradicate monopolies in the economy and collect taxes from large businessmen.
9. Fulfill the verdict of the European Court, the demands of the PACE Resolutions and immediately reopen the "A1+" television station
10. Terminate the criminal practice of creating illegal hindrances for marches, rallies and demonstrations.
11. Hold special parliamentary and presidential elections.
12. Demand the immediate resignation of Serzh Sargsyan.

Then and now...

To my pleasant surprise, I recently came across this pamphlet in my papers. I'd actually forgotten I had it. For those who do not know, it is a booklet (one in a series) by Vahagn Ghukasyan regarding the events of October 27, 1999. I'm pretty sure he now runs the Septemberi21 blog. Here is an old Hetq article about him.
I haven't finished reading through the pamphlet again, full of evidence and articles about that fateful day, and ending with excerpts of the letter from Vano S. to Vazgen S. But from the start I was struck by the preface, written by Levon Zurabyan. The pamphlet is from 2002, yet what he is describing is something which is relevant, if not moreso, today. Which served as yet another reminder, another proof, of some of the differences between the political parties in Armenia. In Zurabyan's writing then, and actions now, there is a consistency of certain principles. To stick by a theme for a Mayoral or Presidential race, not so hard. To stick by an idea through seven years of adversity, is commitment to principles.

Map of Yerevan

I was recently going over many of the old testimonies from the events of last year in Yerevan, and realized I wished I had a map to better visualize the narratives I was hearing and reading. To that end, I've put up a map I have (from Saberatours), and have marked in Dark Red the names of places and streets that came up often, or stuck in my head. The map below can be enlarged as well.

Some Updates...

A couple of updates:

HIMA has a new blog in English: http://himaarmenia.wordpress.com

Interview with Zurabyan on Lragir

The most recent on what Sargsyan has to say on Amnesty, on Lragir

And for those who still aren't aware, neither the Heritage Party, nor the ARF, signed the CEC report.

Council of Europe - A tool of the banditocracy?

The outcomes are not too surprising - HHK won with percentages that are impossible. And HAK got nothing close to what we know they really got. Names falsified, people bused in, ballots stuffed, journalists and others physically intimidated, and on and on.

What is surprising is the way HHK royally gave it to the BHK. As was just said at the Matenadaran, was this the deal BHK cut with the HHK? (See my favorite video from this series so far, "Es eyik uzum?"). How will an ego like Dodi Gago's take this kind of "election" result? Could it be that the HHK really kept BHK numbers low out of extreme fear that BHK might team up with HAK, and outnumber them (which is one theory out there)? Or maybe just out of fear of the BHK itself?

What else is a touch surprising is the obvious, open way in which the ballot stuffing, intimidation, and everything else was done. You'd think they'd try to be a bit more hidden. Maybe this was subtle, for them.

Here's another one. What is going on in the heads of the European organizations who have noted the significant improvement in the election process? Let's go through this logically.

--Maybe they really just keep forgetting what they are being told; maybe they have difficulty reading, taking notes; maybe they're so understaffed and so overwhelmed that they just can't handle all of the reports by journalists, and organizations such as Transparency International and the Helsinki Association.
Doubtful. Thought maybe it is the case since, similar to the Presidential elections of 2008, observers were noted to be eating at a local cafe during voting - maybe they were exhausted from their trips, and just had to rest during the elections.

--Maybe there's some sort of deal. Maybe they're letting this go and they will deal this banditocracy what it deserves at the PACE meetings in late June. Right... promises, promises. Maybe they're letting this go, and in exchange the political prisoners are going to be released soon, the result of an agreed exchange with SS (or maybe it has to do with NK, or Turkey). That's like handing over the ransom money, believing the promise that the hostage will be released... tomorrow. (Actually, it would be a lot like that). And that's just stupid.

--Maybe those writing the reports of these observers are being threatened.
Possible. But unlikely.

--Maybe they have something to gain. Business-wise, financially.
Doesn't seem completely out of the question given the possibilities so far.

--Maybe they just don't care. Armenia is small. Armenia is mostly a pain for these European countries who are tired of being nagged about Genocide, about Human rights in the Caucasus. If anything, they like the potentially strategic geographic location of Armenia (in the path of potential pipelines, near Russia, Turkey, Iran), and when they want to, they consider it an island of Christianity which somehow implies a bond. When they want to. It used to be considered stable, as well - but now thats gone. Armenia can be used to bug, poke and prod Turkey, to make its life difficult. But I would like to believe that at least some of the people who go into these professions actually care. Maybe they care, but they've fallen into a self-perpetuating cycle of impotence.

--Maybe they don't want LTP back. He is much harder to manipulate and pressure than RK or SS ever was. Back in the 1990's, this posed a problem for some of the Western Countries. Maybe they're scared of it now.
I don't know if this is a factor now. If it is playing a role, though, how ironic and sad that these organizations have actually become an impediment to democracy, a tool of the banditocracy, in order to better achieve their own goals.

Any other ideas?

[Check out election "irregularities" caught on video via echannel news]

Twitter Updates from HIMA about the election, MAY 31

UPDATE: Here is the list of violations from the HAK (Armenian only)

UPDATE - Unzipped has a great list of twitter source for minute to minute election updates, as well as some of the HIMA twitters in English.

HIMA will be posting timely updates of the May 31 Mayoral elections - follow them on Twitter - I've linked up to the updates on this blog as well in the side bar.

Here's hoping for Free and Fair Elections.

May 29, 2009 Congress Meeting

LTP's Speech is available - read it here in Armenian.
The English is also available, courtesy of a1plus, here.

a1plus also has a number of other videos available on Youtube

What, and who, is the ARF?

"Artsvik Minasyan stated that people give little to the Dashnaktsutyun, but they demand very much." (Lragir, May 26)
An interesting statement. Its unclear, in the English and Armenian articles, what this refers to exactly, and I can't find the original quote anywhere, or in the video. It seems he is referring to votes/support (not getting enough), or expecting the ARF to burden more than their share (1/8th) of the blame, or something else. What I do get from watching the video on Lragir is the sense that the ARF feels entitled - to be appreciated and revered by Armenians, to be considered free of any true or significant wrongdoing, because, after all, they are the ARF.

This is neither surprising, nor new. The ARF seems to think it is the center not only of the identity of all Armenians, but of the moral fiber of Armenians - that they are the great protectors of the Armenian people. Here is an example of an Asbarez article from May 8:

... The normalization of relations with Turkey is a historic moment []... The ARF, by reassuming its traditional, role takes center stage in this process. It becomes essentially the watchdog, the last line of defense, protecting both the future of the country and of all Armenians. As the only effective counterbalance to the present administration in Yerevan, the ARF has put the administration on notice that it will monitor the government’s actions, propose alternative strategies, and publicly evaluate the national security issues that may be adversely impacted by the direction the negotiations appear to be going.

Their claims to fame are in the past, and their actions in the present speak for themselves. As the coordinator of the Hnchagyan Party answered in a recent interview:

Q: The ARF Dashnaktsutyun, before the election, left the coalition and became opposition. What do you think, will the Dashnaktsutyun be able to be an alternative for the Armenian National Congress?

A: I think that it is even ridiculous to think about it. I don’t want to say anything bad about the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, but we all saw how the Dashnaktsutyun became opposition before each election. Though, it is strange, that after becoming opposition and leaving the coalition the Dashnaktsutyun is not ready to struggle against Serge Sargsyan’s actions and policy, which he leads in connection with Turkey. They have to prove that they are struggling for the future of Armenia. So, I think that today the political force, which would be able to compete with the HAK, lacks.

But somehow, the ARF still thinks it has the backing and foundation, the credibility, to make this statement:

“Dashnaktsutyun is ready and able to force the authorities to make immediate revisions in the current policy,” warned the statement. “Furthermore, it is ready to come to power and do that with its own responsibility.”

And this just a day after a pretty damning article in the New York Times about the ARF in Lebanon, and its decision to support Hezbollah in the upcoming elections in Lebanon. (Of course, the timing of the article itself is interesting, too). This decision raises so many questions, that if you don't agree its a problem on one level, you'll see its a problem on another. After all, the ARF is supposedly based in Armenia, right?

The fact is, they are not the party they once were.
They are not the true nor the worthy descendants of Mikaelyan, Zavaryan, and Zoryan.

Redefining Absurdity: The apparent illegality of stopping a kidnapping

So many eyewitnesses have now come forth and stated that their original testimonies were false - because they were being physically beaten or threatened - that it is new statements are no longer surprising.

And last week, eyewitness Gagik Avdalyan was forcibly taken from the courtroom by police moments before he was due to testify that his original testimony was false, and had been made after being severely beaten. He was kidnapped, essentially.

And just yesterday, eyewitness Mushegh Antonyan was supposed to testify in the case against Hakob Hakobyan, retracting his initial false statement. Policemen in plainclothes, without any ID or paperwork, attempted twice to take him away. They were blocked by opposition supporters. Antonyan was escorted by the opposition supporters to Chorrord Ishkhanutyun, where he spent the night, and was safely brought back to court today.

Here's the best part: the judge read a statement by the police stating that those who had done the blocking (opposition supporters, journalists) were illegally obstructing police work.

This makes the experiences of Joseph K and The Good Soldier Svejk look rational and logical.

Amnesty on May 28, can it be?

UPDATE- Statement retracted, or a lots and lots and lots of clarification. See the RFE/RL article (thanks to Ani for the reference).
Are any of us surprised?
Nope.

In an interview with RFE (listen here, start at 5:22), Hovik Abrahamyan stated that on May 28, SS will declare amnesty. According to an article in a1plus, the ANC isn't getting too excited just yet. And, given the complete lack of transparency and trustworthiness of the current regime, and I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, either. It's not quite clear WHO would be granted Amnesty, just the 7? All of the political prisoners? Even those who aren't actually in captivity?
And even if Amnesty is granted, will it be under specific conditions?
I am cautious, but hopeful that all of the political prisoners will be set free. I can only begin to imagine the possibilities...

So Many Games, Just One SS - Who To Trust?

Over the past week, we've seen a number of interesting, well, let's call them phenomena.
BHK and HHK keep getting into brawls, which are potentially escalating, but there are no straight answers or straight stories, since both sides seem to be actively engaged in coverup and denial of these incidents.
The Mayoral election is heating up, and interestingly enough, of the four coalition member groups that are supposedly running separately, the BHK, at least when looking at the videos and news sources (which I admit is not the best way to judge nor is it objective), seems to have the most backing of the four. Orinats Yerkir seems almost lost in the fray. The ARF is campaigning, and not surprisingly they've made some announcements doubting the legitimacy of the government and declaring the electoral process problematic.
So are the BHK and the HHK fighting it out? Is the HHK upset that the BHK is really, actually, trying, and maybe has a chance over the HHK - that is, is this a sign of deepening rifts? Or is it a front, all make believe for those observing, those undecided, as some have suggested...
If it is for real, if the divide is growing stronger, it is of no surprise, not to anyone who has thought about it, at least. This is what happens when the ties that bind are severely outnumbered by the differences, and the tie that does bind is about maintaining or gaining power, which is a selfish principle in and of itself. When self interest, self maintenance and advancement are the driving forces, then it is no surprise that when it comes to true policy decisions (which is what voters ideally but not always follow, but can be important in certain cases, case in point the ARF and its ideology), decisions made on opinions that are not part of the ties that bind, it is not surprising that tensions arise. And this is what happened under SS.
Here I will digress. Here is where I see one of the major differences between RK and SS. Both of them made deals, dealt with people they would not have otherwise to ensure security, power. Given, RK was never quite in the position SS is in now (but is that cause or effect?). But RK thought he was in control, he thought he could manipulate and deal his way out of and around anything, with anyone, about any issue. Some might say he thought himself genius enough to twirl anyone and any country around his little finger. (Maybe he just thought he could squash them under that finger?)
But SS, SS does not think himself a genius. And RK passed on this situation, these dealings, to SS. I think, and clearly this is my opinion only, that SS is pulled in a million directions, and unlike RK, he knows he is in deep, deep trouble. Dealings are falling apart, and making new deals is not helping. And maybe, just maybe, unlike RK, he sees the problems with a touch more humanity - maybe not. But I think he must feel alone, he must feel isolated - really, who can the guy turn to? The ARF? Baghdasaryan? or will he turn to Dodi Gago, or RK? Who can he trust?
He is playing with Genocide... was it for the ARF? He is toying with NK. He is dealing with Turkey. For Turkey, Armenia is a nuisance, a pest, just one more obstacle on the way to bigger and better things. But for Armenia, Turkey is the core of so many issues - border relations, Genocide Recognition, relations with Azerbaijan in the NK conflict. And that's not mentioning the internal economic, social and political problems at home, including the impending dissolution of the coalition.
That's alot of games for one person. And, I think, he knows it.

"I refuse to sign" - Rafael Balbabyan

Another YouTube Video with a witness, who originally was pressured to give false testimony, and now is coming out with truth, and refuses to give false testimony again. Below is the rough translation



RAFAEL BALBABYAN

I am one of the commanders of the Shushi Squadron. After they beat me up on March 1, two citizens brought me to the hospital in a taxi. I received a blow on my head, and since then, I can’t see. Then the police took me to the Prosecutor’s office, in the condition I was in.

They began to write something, then crossed it off, then wrote again, then crossed it off again. I didn’t understand what they were writing or crossing off, who they were looking for.

I signed all those written testimonies, because I couldn’t see.

They asked about Sassoun, they asked about Miasnik.

They said I had distributed 5,000 rubles. I told them I had done no such thing.
[??] And I didn’t know anything about what was written.

And now, every day, they take me and bring me back; every day, every day, to the Prosecutor’s office, from there to the Investigators’s Office, from there to the Division. The chief of police of the Kotayk Marz came, the Deputy Chief of Police came, then the Mayor came. They all came to persuade me to accept my testimonies about Malkhasyan as a basis, ‘sign and you’ll be done with court’. I told them no, [??] … forcibly, forcibly they would take me… That’s it. They were pressuring me to sign those testimonies, in that way. I refused to sign. I refused to sign, and the next day they took my passport away from me.

I’ve told them, if you bother me again, if you bother my child again, I will commit suicide. Enough! I told them, just like that. I will commit suicide and see if I’ll be free of you, or not.

They also took my son for questioning and asked: Who are you? Who is your sister?
Who is your mother? What business is it of theirs? They’ve disturbed me psychologically. I don’t know who to talk to, how, anymore.

I’m going to ask them to return my passport. If not, I don’t know what to do…

"This is not what we fought for... this country can't go on like this."

From YouTube a1plus:


The first few segments are witnesses describing how they had been forced and beaten into giving false testimony. Sadly, nothing new these days - that is, not the first, and probably not the last. Regardless of how many come forth, for each individual, it takes a great show of strength and courage to come forth, and publicly describe what happened.

The last segment, starting at 6:00m, is Razmik Petrosyan, former Commander of the Aparan Regiment, giving his opinion. It was passionate, and went straight to the core. And it was true. Here is a rough translation:

The worst of it, what hurts the most, with these court cases, beyond the absurdity of it, we are witnessing the degradation of the values of a entire victorious nation.
If our soldiers, people who have defended this country, fought for this country, now have to flee from their homes, or are forced to give false testimony against their military commanders and their heroes, well, then it’s already the end of the world. It doesn’t get any lower than that, in the world, I can’t imagine it. If the person who defended the nation, now himself needs to be defended, in his country, in the country that he created, then that’s already [??].
Myself, as a former fighter, I am convinced this is not what we fought for.
If suddenly our friends who perished lifted up their heads, they would not forgive us for having created this kind of country. I ask forgiveness from all of our guys who are sitting now in prison, that we have been unable to help them; those men who saved this people. And as if that’s not bad enough, that we can’t help them, we can’t even help our invalid, free-living, friends, whom by forcing and by turning invalid, they’ve forced them to give false testimony against their brothers in arms.
We’re going to clean this up, this country won’t stay like this. If we don’t clean it up, our children will not forgive us. We owe, from top to bottom, we all have our share of guilt in this. We can’t leave this country like this. I am ashamed of even just being alive. Stand up straight, straighten up. We need justice in this country, it can’t go on like this. We can’t allow ourselves to be so degraded, it is not possible to live like this.

Matthew Bryza on Nagorno Karabagh

The interview Bryza gave to Russian Echo is all over the web. A1plus, Tert, and many other news sources have excerpts in multiple languages. For those who like to see more than just snippets in English, remember that you can have Google translate the page for you. What comes out is actually pretty good - obviously not perfect, but pretty darn good. Click here for the Google translated interview.

Interviews like this make me wonder even more what is REALLY going on - or rather - convince me even further that there are decisions and dealings being made. I don't expect sensitive issues to be discussed in detail, publicly. That doesn't make sense, for any government, even legitimate ones. But when there is SO much intentional misinformation, when so many mixed messages are put forth, and no simple, plain truths are given, by what is already an illegitimate government, well, then, I at least get that sense that deals are being made, hands are being shaken, and Armenia is going to get the brunt of it in the end.

Because Sargsyan is not in control of what is going on. Nor does he truly represent Armenia. And thats a bad combination. He's not just between a rock and hard place. He's got a lightning storm above him and an earthquake below him. Odysseus had it easy (with just one Scylla and one Charybdis). But don't get me wrong, I'm not pitying him. Not one bit.

Let People Know What You Think

The website Zazzle.com/lastak has a number of items available - hats, t-shirts and sweaters - with symbols and text in support of the ANC, HIMA, and political prisoners, in English and Armenian.

Make your voice heard, whether you are in Yerevan, Glendale, Paris, London, Gyumri, or Moscow. Or anywhere else.

Beatings Do Not a Lasting Testimony Make

The Case of the Seven may no longer exist as it was, but the multiple court cases that have resulted carry on the legacy of complete absurdity.

Sasoun Mikaelyan's case is no exception. RFE/RL reported yesterday on witness Yasha Melkonyan's statements, some of which have been in the written news. But the radio piece (May 6: 15:00 hrs: 10:30-12:56) is definitely worth listening to- here are some highlights:

Melkonyan stated that 10 days ago he was told by the prosecution what accusations he should make against Mikaelyan - that he was to say that he was following the orders of Mikaelyan on March 1, orders to attack with pipes.

In the courtroom, Melkonyan stated he did not seen any pipes on March 1, and that the only reason he ever stated anything like that was because of the injuries he sustained to his chest. After the March 1 events, he had been "invited" to the police station as a participant in the events, and had been beaten. The Chief of the Hrazdan Criminal Division of Police was among four individuals who did the beating, and were wearing masks. Melkonyan stated that during the beating he saw the face beneath the mask, he saw Sergei Margosyan (the Chief) with his own eyes.  The reason for the beating was that the times he gave did not correspond to the times on the video.

Two days ago, his home was searched by police, and 1 gram of cannabis had been supposedly found, attributed to his son. Melkonyan says this is an attempt to pressure him further to make accusations against Mikaelyan.

Melkonyan stated that the testimony was false, and apologized for them in court.

Mikaelyan expressed in court how sad it is that Freedom Fighters are being beaten, and forced to give [false] testimony against their brothers in arms.

Operation Vahan?...

Sometime within the past week, Azatutyun Radio had a story on "Operation Vahan," a new initiative by the Yerevan Police aimed at decreasing crime, I think it was. There wasn't much written about it, and still isn't. A1plus mentioned it briefly (Armenian, English) in the May 1 article about the roads into Yerevan being closed, yet again. In fact, this "Operation Vahan" was used as an excuse to check cars going into Yerevan. Vahan, for those who don't know, means 'Shield' in Armenian. I wonder who they think they're defending.
The name "Operation Vahan" made me think of the last time I heard the term "Operation" used in the Armenian context. That was Operation Nemesis. Writer Jacques Derogy dedicated an entire book, originally in French, entitled Operation Nemesis, and then in English, Resistance and Revenge, to the topic.
Interesting that in that case, the Resistance part and the Revenge part were organized by the ARF, as opposition to those who had committed crimes against the Armenian people.
I'm not sure why I made the connection. I suppose its because the term "Operation" anything implies such an organized, decisive and controlled plan, often against a large foe or force. Which makes sense if you're fighting a huge army, or have a secret plan against Ottomans. It does seem a tad out of place when it is supposed to describe a plan to decrease guns and drugs in the city/country. It seems out of place to use a term so evocative of violence to describe a program that is meant to decrease violence and crime, and to protect a people.
But, I supposed I should stop being surprised that SS's government is acting that way towards its own people. That's the Revenge part. Definitely on the opposite side than the Resistance, in this case.

[image from a1plus]

May 1 Rally - "Critical Juncture"

I haven't seen any official or unofficial numbers yet, but Lragir reported that today's demonstration had no fewer participants than those in the past. A number of articles and videos are already out - see the YouTube pages of Tert and A1plus. Onnik Krikorian has also already posted links to some of his own photos and videos, see here.

LTP's speech is out as well - here is the start:

CRITICAL JUNCTURE
(The Speech of Levon Ter-Petrosyan at the Rally of 1 May, 2009)

Dear Compatriots:

First, I would like to congratulate you and our entire nation on the International Day of Worker’s Solidarity, the relevance of which has particularly increased with the sad reality Armenia currently finds itself in.
Exactly two months have passed since the rally on 1 March, which is not a long period, but it has been one filled with many significant processes and events, the following four of which I want to bring to your attention:
1. The deterioration of the socio-economic situation;
2. The wrecking of the “case of seven”;
3. The deepening of the Armenian-Turkish dialogue;
4. Preparations for the elections of the mayor of Erevan.
What I will do below is attempt to present the positions of the Armenian National Congress regarding each of them in as brief a space as possible.


Continue reading in EnglishRead in Armenian
Read in Russian

[photo from a1plus]

Did the Ombudsman eat some Spinach??

More youth were attacked last night, and another reporter was beaten. These are not new occurences, unfortunately.
The former Chief of Police Hayk Harutyunyan stated today that the demonstrators at the French Embassy last March were "aggressive," the violent means used by the Police were justified, and those who organized those demonstrations are too blame. This was also not surprising, but new nonetheless.

What was both new and surprising was the Ombudsman's behavior. He condemned the beating of the youths and the beating of the journalist. Not only that, but as per Lragir:

Ombudsman Armen Harutunyan, who took part in the session of the commission, said that he had been near the Embassy of France on that day and he had not seen any aggressive crowd there, noting that maybe he and the Chief of the Police attended different manifestations. Hayk Harutunyan asked whether it could not be assessed as aggression the actions of the ralliers who took the trams and made barricades of them closing the central streets.
“As a lawyer, let me tell the other lawyer, that the rights for self-defense and possessive rights should be based on natural rights. If it contradicts the natural rights, so the possessive rights and their interpreters are wrong”, in answer to Hayk Harutunyan stated the Human Rights Defender Armen Harutunyan.

Maybe the Ombudsman is starting to turn around. Could it be?
Has he been eating his spinach?

If beating them up doesn't work, just "remove" them...

Pictures are from a1plus






According to both an HAK statement and an a1plus article, youths who were distributing flyers about the upcoming May 1 Opposition demonstration were attacked by individuals dressed in civilian clothing, who physically assaulted the youths, and destroyed their flyers. They also kidnapped one of the youths. The cars that were driven by those doing the assaulting, as well as some of the violent individuals themselves, are said to have been caught on camera. Not only that, but some of these violent folks are preliminarily thought to be members of the civil department of the criminal division. The cops, nearby, didn't do a thing, even when asked to help.
The A1plus article adds that the kidnapped youth was Armen Gevorgyan - after getting beaten up in the car, he somehow got away, and ended up near the Haykakan Zhamanak office.
I'm hoping someone will post any videos up on YouTube, and that there'll be more photos tomorrow.

The ARF may truly leave the coalition, really, truly...

UPDATE: The ARF has left the coalition (hetq, lragir, and others have relevant articles).

Both Lragir and Azatytyun Radio have reported over the past day or so that the ARF did not take part in the Security Council Meeting, since they are considering leaving the coalition. Apparently we'll hear more on the (final?) decision in the next 24 hours.

I must say, despite what it may seem, I think leaving the coalition would be a bold step, and not an easy one, and one I would not completely scoff at. It would take at least some degree of strength.

But let's be real here. This situation, where they are almost forced to leave, is of their own making. Leave, or stay part of a coalition that has accepted discussion with Turkey without precondition. Stay, and be completely ridiculed, having lost in the only fronts that have mattered to the ARF for the past 40 or so years. Leave, and be what, part of the opposition?

But they could stay and do what they have done for so long - explain away, justify. Here is the argument which I have heard so often, and would not be surprised to hear if they can't pull themselves away: We have decided to stay in the coalition to try to guide it, pressure it, mold it to the best that we can, in the direction which we know is the right one for the Armenian people. The coalition, SS, have made decisions we do not agree with, but as long as we have a chance to work from within to make a difference, we will.

Of course, the teeny modicum of respect they may gain in my eyes if they do leave the coalition (now working our way up to zero from the negative), is nothing compared to the almost bottomless pit of damage they have caused to the Armenian nation over the past 20 years, including but not restricted to their lack of support for an independent Armenia when the time came, lack of tangible support during the war, and last but not least their initial decision to join the coalition in the Spring of 2008.

We'll know soon enough, unless they keep dragging it on and on.

Yerevan: April 24, 2009

Both from A1plus YouTube Channel (a1plusnews)

Why is the ARF so upset... now? And whose failure is it...?

Just last week, the ARF threatened to leave the ruling coalition in Armenia. And just today, they harshly criticized the policies of SS regarding recent developments in Armenian-Turkish relations. In fact, judging by the picture, they seem furious. Why is that? Here's a thought...

For years, the identity, ideology, and policy of the ARF has been anti-Turk with Genocide recognition as a prerequisite for developing relations with Turkey, and focused on Genocide recognition. And to no small extent: the ARF has made a policy of criticizing (not always politely or constructively) individuals and organizations that did not share the same exact priorities. After Independence in 1991, and through the war years, the ARF was critical of the Government of Armenia for a multitude of reasons. Not the least of these was that the Government did not base its policies on the ARF policies of anti-Turkish sentiment and Genocide Recognition. At a time when the country was just finding its ground and fighting a war -- trying to find enough wheat for the daily needs of its citizens and trying to maintain supplies for her active military -- the ARF basically demanded that what was best for the survival of the newborn country be supplanted by the ARF's ideology. This type of behavior has been consistent in the recent history of the ARF, in all dimensions -- from expectations to how Armenia should be run, to how it attracts and molds its members, and the identity which it instills in them. And so it was not surprising that in the Spring of 2008, after having paired up with RK for a number of years already, the ARF took the opportunity to join the ruling coalition of SS.

During the past 6-8 months, with Genocide Recognition as a possibility, the ARF has been acting like the king of the pride. However, just as so many have warned for so long, when the economic, political, and/or military situation of Armenia is so precarious, nothing comes free. Genocide recognition became predictably entangled in border talks, NK resolution, and by implication, the present day political situation - weakening Armenia's stand in all of those areas, and strengthening nothing. Pushing for recognition, which as always was spearheaded by the ARF, has severely complicated every other problem that Armenia faces today and in the near future. Just like so many who have been criticized by the ARF warned.

And now, the Turkey-Armenia talks may be moving forward, and recognition by the US may or may not happen, not to mention absolutely no prerequisite recognition by Turkey. Even if Obama does recognize the Genocide, much harm has been done. Its (almost) moot whether or not the US recognizes the Genocide of the Armenians - and it doesn't really matter if it happens now, or in five years. It doesn't change what happened then, and it doesn't fix what's happening now. In fact, it may be making it worse -- tit and tat always come together. Not only that, but there may be (gasp)relations between the government the ARF is a part of, and Turkey - without Turkish recognition

In their blind pursuit, the ARF also cheapened the Genocide: the strategic, mass annihilation of our grandparents, and their families. The ARF managed to cheapen this by insisting it be put in on the table in spite of everything that has been happening. So what does the ARF have left?

So now they scream bloody murder. If the mayoral elections aren't fair, we're pulling out, they say. Well, we all know the ARF says that most, if not all, elections in the past 15 years have been marred with inconsistencies. How would these Mayoral elections suddenly be perfect? This is only meant to provide the ARF with a new role, since they abused their old one.

Now they have paved a way out, a way to save face. And why do they need this? Why do they need a new role? Because they can no longer function within the coalition, it seems. Things are not being done the way they want them done, and the issues they push are only causing more harm in the greater picture. And so they become discontent - discontent stemming not only from shame, is my guess, but anger. Did they not get a big enough piece of the pie? What did SS deny them?... something, but I don't know what.

These patterns and inconsistencies are obvious to those who are not members of the ARF, and who think - that qualification is important. Many diasporan Armenians identify the ARF as the epitome of an Armenia identity, therefore anything the Central Committee, or their school or church, puts forth must be truly Armenian. But international organizations, governments, and independent thinkers and observers know otherwise. Who remains as their audience, then? Their own masses and themselves, to whom they are trying to appear internally consistent. And they are, the ARF is internally consistent, provided the examples are chosen very, very carefully.

As usual, the ARF is just trying to keep its options open. Trying to keep power wherever it can. Trying to maintain its agenda, whatever it truly is.

And what of the value of Armenian life, now, or in 1915. I can imagine, in fact I know, that my grandparents and greatgrandparents would not sacrifice present day lives, human rights and democracy in Armenia today, for recognition by any government (what does recognition mean, or change, when compared to what it may be traded for)? Their lives, just like the lives of Armenians now, are not up for trade.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION: The ARF made the statements 4/22 when they were not yet aware (it seems) that a 'Roadmap' was agreed upon by Turkey and Armenia. Now the ARF has issued an even angrier condemnation, now that news of the 'Roadmap' has spread.

Alik Arzumanyan's trials... and tribulations...

I first drew and uploaded this picture on April 17, 2008. Just over one year later, it's still relevant.

The two new court sessions of Alik Arzumanyan and Suren Sirunyan leave so many questions to be answered, the least of which why there has been such minimal media coverage of the sessions. The most important questions, of course, are about the complete absurdity, ridiculousness, and inanity of many of the witnesses so far.
In the first court session, only 3 of the 5 witnesses showed up (total 15 planned). The first two had nothing negative to say about Arzumanyan (from the Opposition)- the second one (Tigran Hakobyan) said he was saddenned that trials such as these were taking place in today's independent Armenia. The prosecutor stated that there were discrepancies between Hakobyan's pre-court and court statements - but the defender pointed out that such discrepancies didn't exist. In fact, in the 8page statement that Piloyan (the prosecutor) read, neither Arzumanyan nor Sirunyan were mentioned once.
The third witness was surprising to say the least. Even the radio commentators were completely surprised by that witness, and the court audience laughed through some of his testimony and answers (Tert even published that it was obvious that this witness had psychological problems). He stated that opposition leaders had been places and made speeches where it is known they absolutely weren't (LTP, Nikol Pashinyan, Arzumanyan)- according to this witness, LTP was out speaking to the public (at the Myasnikyan statue) on March 1, when everyone knows he was under house arrest, and that Arzumanyan definitely amde a speech when it is known he didn't. When confronted with that fact, the witness was totally surprised and confused. And while he stated the written testimony was his, he couldn't understand or define two of the words that were in his "own" testimony. He admitted to having been paid to work for the government, in March 2008 and prior to that.
The second court session was on the 17th, and there was a similar replay of events. One of the witnesses' account completely fell apart - she said she had seen the looting, but couldn't say where she was standing at the time. Then it turned out she was 500 meters away. Then she finally said she couldn't see it well at all, only from far away. She was over a month off in saying when she gave her original testimony to the police (March 3 vs April 29). She couldn't say what time she had seen Arzumanyan at the statue, or what he had supposedly said as she couldn't hear because she was too far away, with many inconsistencies in her story. She then stated she couldn't really remember since it was over a year ago, she has been sick for three years, and she had been in two comas since then.
A different witness revealed that Alik Arzumanyan had asked him to rent a place in town so some of the opposition leaders could gather there. Another witness pointed out that he had been asked to bring a portable heater from work to the tents - but when it didn't work, he took it back. As was pointed out on the radio segment, whether any wrongdoing has been done by Arzumanyan was not addressed on April 17th -he has not been charged with asking for a heater, or having a meeting. One of the witnesses stated he had been taken in with some other men, beaten up, and been told what to write in his statement.
April 20th was the third session. Again, the two witnesses in court today noted that it had been over a year, and they didn't remember things too well. One of the witnesses didn't recognize Arzumanyan at all, and had left the Myasnikyan statue early. She also stated she had seen Nikol Pashinyan at the statue, at a time when it is known Pashinyan was not there. Multiple other inconsistencies were noted as well (including the witness' incorrect description of Sirunyan's appearance and timing), very similar to the ones pointed out on the previous days. Beglaryan (one of the witnesses) stated that she did not write the statement, and that others had written it based on what she had said. The other witness said he had written the statement, but what he had said was altered to sound more literate/articulate.
Don't get me wrong. I don't completely blame these individuals. In fact, I'm not sure I really blame them at all. No one should be put in a position where they have to chose between putting bread on the table and making false statements. As the witness on April 15th pointed out when asked if he is paid by the government/works for them: I need to make a living, don't I? They are just pawns of the government, victims, in a way, of a government which seems to be preying on the sick (the second one had disability of the second or third degree), and the poor. Both of whom they helped create, and continue to create. Which, I suppose, will provide the present banditocracy with even more pawns to manipulate as they continue to oppress the people even more.
Which brings me to my main questions.
Why isn't this being covered more in the press?
Ten of 15 witness to be called have already testified at this point, with many of the major points highlighted above. I don't know the court and justice systems too well in Armenia. But you'd think the prosecution would be able to bring forth at least one witness who can see, remember, hear, or make some type of sense, if their case had any credibility at all. Which it doesn't.

April 15 Azatutyun Radio link: 5:17 to 11:15 minutes

April 17th Azatutyun Radio link: 5:17 - 11:47 minutes

April 20th, 19:00: 2:50- 10:08

Tert article April 15

RFE/RL in Armenian April 20

The Return of Armen Sargysan??? From Where to Where....

Hraparak published a short story on April 16th that this man, formerly many things but now known as a businessman in the UK, may be up for being the next Prime Minister. I haven't seen much else about it. The story published is below, and highlights the important role Armen Sarsyan has played in SS's political career - more specifically, that most of SS's pre-election projects were successful because of Armen Sargsyan:

Չի բացառվում, որ մոտ ժամանակներս Հայաստան հրավիրվի նախկին վարչապետ Արմեն Սարգսյանը, որը պատրաստվում է երկրորդ անգամ ստանձնել այդ պաշտոնը: Արմեն Սարգսյանը հսկայական կարողությունների տեր գործիչ է, ապրում եւ աշխատում է Բրիտանիայում: Սերժ Սարգսյանի նախընտրական պրոյեկտների մեծ մասը հաջողություն են ունեցել հենց այս մարդու շնորհիվ, ՄԻԱԿ կուսակցությունը Սարգսյանի հորինածն է, բարձր է նաեւ նրա միջազգային հեղինակությունը: Բրիտանահայ մեծահարուստը վերջին անգամ Հայաստանում եղել է կես տարի առաջ՝ հոր պատվին կառուցած "Սուրբ Վարդան" մատուռի բացման եւ օրհնության կապակցությամբ: Վարչապետի այս փոփոխությամբ, ըստ նախագահամերձ մեր աղբյուրի, Սերժ Սարգսյանը փորձելու է թուլացնել ներքաղաքական լարվածությունը, միաժամանակ՝ շոշափելի միջոցներ ներգրավել համաշխարհային ճգնաժամին դիմակայելու համար:

Pashinyan: On How Armenia is Getting Stronger

Pashinyan recently wrote a piece, posted in Haykakan Zhamanak and his webpage, that really caught my eye. Here it is:

ON HOW ARMENIA IS GETTING STRONGER

In his last press conference Serge Sargsyan heralded the people of Armenia with the news that even if it turns out that Turkey turned Armenia like a little screw, it won’t really be a problem, because Armenia will come out of it even stronger than before. The coalition forces chimed in, saying: “Ah, the whole world will know that Armenia is prepared to establish relations with Turkey without preconditions.”

Actually, up till now, the world wasn’t aware, actually the world hadn’t even realized, that the closed border between Armenia and Turkey first and foremost harms Armenia, turning it into a courtyard with two walls. And now, with this statement, the world will think that it is Armenia that has blockaded Turkey. This piece of “news” will run international headlines, announcing: “Hear this, oh, you people of the world, Armenia was ready to lift the blockade against Turkey with no preconditions, but that ungrateful Turkey didn’t take advantage of the golden opportunity. And so now, because of Turkey’s immature politics, Armenia has won a diplomatic victory and is stronger because it’s suffocating Turkey.”

Absurd! Totally Absurd!

When we follow Serge Sargsyan’s thoughts, it becomes clear that in Armenia, Haylur-ism has become state ideology. Now, let’s look at what Serge Sargsyan is saying from this perspective. He says that it’s possible that the authorities in Armenia might be wrong in calculating their games with Turkey. But, he insists that even if that’s the case, Armenia will just become stronger. So, now we know that miscalculation is the number one weapon of Armenia’s foreign policy. You miscalculate, you get more powerful, then you miscalculate again, and you get even more powerful, then you keep miscalculating, and you get much more powerful.

In your opinion, how did Armenia submit not just Azerbaijan, but all of her enemies, to diplomatic genocide during the years of the Kocharyan-Sargsyan rule? Of course, but of course, because they miscalculated! Just between us, miscalculation is a weapon you can’t control because if you calculate correctly, your opponent can figure out your miscalculations. If, however, you miscalculate, your opponent can’t figure it out. Idiocy is an immeasurable and unpredictable asset. That’s why, in current politics, the honorable Knights-- Sir Edik Nalbandyan and Sir Vardan Oskanyan--are in the Super Directorate of Armenia’s current foreign policy. They can make the kinds of miscalculations that even the failing graduates of the school for morons will not be able to understand!

But we digress too much! We were speaking of Haylurism and maybe it’s appropriate to explain its uniqueness. For example, frosts are possible in Armenia, but there’s nothing to worry about, because even if frost hits the crops, they will only bloom and develop because of it. Emigration out of Armenia is becoming alarming, but there’s really no need to be concerned about it because the more people leave Armenia the more the number of voters will be. Crime statistics are going up, but one should only be happy, because the State is honest with its own people and does not hide the Truth. The economic crisis has reached Armenia, but that should give us all reason to be happy because we finally know that even we, poor slobs, are part of this world!

Just think, we had almost lost hope because when people all over the world were happy, Armenians were miserable. Now, the economic crisis has made a lot of people miserable, and we finally measure up to international standards. And so what if Armenia’s economy collapses, we’ll just come out of it stronger, because the most powerful people are those who have nothing else to lose.

And that is the Serjandakan strategy to make Armenia more powerful!

[photo from Nikolpashinyan.com]

Playing Games and Promoting Brotherly Love

There are some serious games being played, and I fear that in the end it will be Armenia who loses out. Its not clear who is in control of what, or whom. But what is clear is that somehow SS has managed to do something none of the Presidents of an Independent Armenia since 1991 have done so far, he seems to have brought Azerbaijan and Turkey closer together. Who says he isn't a peacemaker? Take a look at some of these goings on...

After all of the hype of the Armenia-Turkey border, (including the entwinement of both Genocide recognition and NK resolution into the hype), it seems the talks are falling apart. Not surprising. On April 10, Baku set forth its set of three conditions for Turkey's normalization of relations with Armenia (Hurriyet article).

1. Armenian Forces should withdraw from five of the seven regions around NK
2. The Southern region of Lachin, below the corridor, should be returned
3. Turkey must have access to the Lachin corridor (see my old post re Lachin)

That's quite the list. And 5 days later (Hurriyet), several members of Turkey's parliament made clear their allegiance to Azerbaijan; And Erdogan is now saying that the NK issue must be resolved before further progress in Turkish Armenian relations. Did no one think of this potential snag prior to the talks about normalizing relations? Are these the criteria set forth in the secret meetings last year, that SS thought he would be able to pull off so readily (remember SS thinking he would be able to dictate a settlement to NK), and now has not been able to? If so, given SS's inability to produce promised results, is the publication of these criteria a show of frustration from the Azeri side, or is it part of a plan (of which SS is aware) for forcing NK and the Armenian people to agree to a deal, which he signed last year?
But, fret not. On April 15, SS came out and said that "Kharabagh cannot enter Azerbaijan's territory." So don't worry, he's clearly in control.

And what about PACE? They seem to keep delaying and delaying (sounds like a familiar tactic used by the courts in Armenia). Once again, after all the hype about the Co-rapporteur report in March of this year, and what it meant, and what it would mean when it was presented to PACE this April, guess what? This Armenian issue is not even on the schedule to be discussed in April - thanks Colombier and Prescott. Take a look at the Draft Agenda for the April meetings. There is an open spot at 10:30 am one of the days for any emergency issues, but that's it. And in fact, if you look at the specific Monitoring Committee Reports website, the next time the Armenian issue is noted to be likely to be discussed is "2010, First Part Session." Mr. Arman Grigoryan, who has represented the ANC/Opposition in the past to PACE, has commented on this lack of inclusion into the April PACE meetings, and is apparently going to visit Strasbourg soon to see what is going on.

More hype, more distraction, more collapse, more confusion and misinformation, more time passes, more collapse. Maybe SS is distracting not only the people of Armenia, but himself. Hoping that the long, painful, car ride of his presidency will just go by more quickly if he can play games and distract himself.

Why Now?

UPDATE: you can hear Ghalamkaryan's interview with RFE/RL from April 11, at 7pm (19:00) here. The interview is from about4:20 to 6:10.

As both Unzipped and HNazarian have pointed out, and RFE and Hetq have reported, Karo Simidyan and Aramazd Ghalamkaryan had their apartments searched by police, and were taken in for questioning earlier today. Both, it seems, have been released, though Ghalamkaryan's computer is still being questioned, and he has to return for further questioning on the 17th of this month. As per the Hetq article, Mr. Simidyan's son is said to be friends with Pashinyan, as is Ghalamkaryan, who runs his own pro-opposition blog (aramazd.livejournal.com).

I wonder why this is happening now. Pashinyan has been on the run for over a year, and his writings have been published for just as long. Interestingly, there was another first the other day when among those taken in for questioning to the police station was Levon Zurabyan - who is usually the one negotiating with the police. Tensions seem to be rising, but why now? Is it the upcoming demonstration on May 1, the Mayoral elections on May 31? Is the persistence of protesters on Northern Ave striking just the wrong cord with the authorities?
Maybe it means something that the first four stories on RFE/RL (in Armenian) on 11 April were the following:

1.The Apartments of Nikol Pashinyan's Friends are Searched
2.R. Erdogan "The Kharabagh problem has to be solved first"
3.S. Sargsyan "The ball is in Turkey's Court"
4.L. Zurabyan "The key to success is activism"

Things just don't seem to be going the way they were supposed to for Sargsyan and Co. Or maybe Sargsyan was just playing a game with Turkey, and border talks, and Genocide talks, and he never took any of it seriously other than for show, just like he has been playing a game with Armenia, and (supposedly) caring about the people of Armenia has been a charade.

Regardless of what is causing these new patterns, something seems different, and its still not clear why SS decided this was the time to make a more publicly visible search for Pashinyan, if that's what it is.
What it definitely is, is intimidation. As is taking in Zurabyan, who is generally seen as the negotiator and peacemaker at the demonstrations, as is what the authorities did tonight: taking 4 minors in for questioning from Northern Ave while not allowing them attorneys - who were forced to wait outside. The a1plus report states they were taken around 8pm, 2 were released around 10pm and the other 2 around 1am.

How do you remind people that you're in control? You strike at the young, the old, and the peaceful; at those who keep the fire burning and those who spread the news.

The Ombudsman spoke, but what did he say?

The Ombudsman gave a lecture and answered questions yesterday at the University of Michigan. I hope the University will make the video available online, which you can be sure I will post. While his lecture was interesting, he kept it short to be able to answer questions, to which his responses (or lack thereof in some cases) were much more interesting. Here are some highlights of questions, and issues that were brought up.

-He feels it is important to have a strong opposition, as it is with a strong opposition that governments (in general) can be pushed toward democracy. He feels strongly that it his his job to point out the problems in both sides.

-He does feel there is freedom of press in written and web-based media. But not in television media.

-When the different techniques of the government versus the opposition were pointed out, including the beatings of opposition journalists, the Ombudsman's answer was vague. He pointed out how he can only comment on these occurrences. There was no further discussion of the significance of this government strategy of intimidation and violence.

-He strongly feels the judicial system is not independent in Armenia.

-While some of today's Opposition in Armenia works via good mechanisms, some do not. He likened some of the oppositions mechanisms to blackmail, and cited pressures on himself, Raffi Hovhanissyan, and at least one of the Co-rapporteurs of PACE (I think it was John Prescott). He feels some of the Opposition just want to replace those in power with themselves. [He conveniently did not make reference to his own request for increased security for himself and his family about a year or so ago].
However, when pushed to give true, specific examples, he could not do so.

-He felt himself and his office could not follow ALL of the trials occurring in Armenia now, so he had made the decision to make statements about them at the end of them.

-There was a recurring theme that his position is not a political one, it is a legal one. This was the reasoning given as to why he cannot use the term "Political Prisoner." It was also the reason that he feels he can not make things happen, he can only comment on them.

-When asked about the most recent activities on Northern Avenue, especially the "misunderstanding," he said these things, unfortunately, happen in Armenia. Nothing more.

-When asked if he thought the trials and judgments of Jhangiryan and Ashot Manukyan were fair, he said he had been out of Armenia for a while, and did not know the final conclusions. [Jhangiryan's trial ended March 23, Manukyans ended in December, with the Appeal within months of that]

-He stated: "I try to not be involved in the policy of the government and opposition. I only try to present their attention to their mistakes, which in my opinion they are doing…[] from the point of view of huamn rights and democracy…"

-He noted that he has answered more questions about the oppositions at that Q+A session than he had in Armenia. He usually avoids answering questions about the opposition because they are part of the checks and balances, and he is a mediator, he is in between the government and the opposition.

In the Shadow of Border/Genocide talks, Bazaz and his troupe strike at human rights again... literally

A1plus is reporting that one of their reporters was beaten up earlier today on Northern Boulevard, that was reported to have been just minutes before 8:30 pm Yerevan time. The reporter, David Jalalyan, was apparently beaten up by the now infamous Chief of Patrol Division Robert Melkonyan, who through his numerous appearances has come to have a nickname, Bazaz.
It is also known at this time, through articles and Press Releases from the Armenian National Congress, that around 6pm, 11 individuals were taken by police forces from Northern Boulevard, including Levon Zurabyan, who is the coordinator/spokesperson for the ANC. For those who don't remember, he is often the one dealing directly with the police/security forces, trying to get permission for demonstrations. It seems at least Zurabyan has been released at this time, as per the most recent A1 plus article (in Armenian only so far). As per that last A1plus article, Zurabyan has been set free.
Below is the list of 11 individuals taken in by the police.
I wonder if the staunch supporters of human rights at Civilitas can see all of this happening on Northern Boulevard. Or were their lights turned off, just like those at the Foreign Embassies on March 1-2.

Vahagn Gevorgyan
Gevorg Boyajyan
Mariam Poghosyan
Alla Sardaryan
Svetlana Mikayelyan
Valentina Mirzoyan
Arayik Mirzoyan
Anahit Grigoryan
Armen Tovmasyan
Levon Zurabyan (now thought to be set free)
Ashot Tatevosyan

a1plus video

video from a1plus

Nalbandyan says No Preconditions - not Genocide, not NK, no nada... Really?

A1plus has run a short story on Nalbandyan's recent comments:

"The normalisation of Armenian-Turkish relations should have no preconditions and it is with this mutual understanding that we have been negotiating with the Turkish side," said Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in reply to the recent statements of some Turkish officials.
Normalisation of the relations has no linkage to the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem and has never been a subject of negotiations towards the normalisation of Armenian - Turkish relations.
It has been said many times, and I want to stress it again, that the normalisation of Armenian-Turkish relations can never question the reality of Armenian Genocide.

Where is the internal consistency in this statement? Genocide is not a precondition, but normalisation can never question the reality of Armenian Genocide? Each of the sentences seems to try to satisfy a different group applying pressure, whether its Turkey, the ARF, or western countries trying to "help solve" these issues. These are nice statements, maybe, but not connected to each other, or to any reality. For just one example of what I'm talking about, see the transcript of Erdogan's statement at Chattham house, just one post ago.

Funny, the LTP administration tried to separate Genocide recognition from present day politics. It was Kocharyan who brought it back into the picture, thus gaining the support of the ARF, whom he kept in his back pocket, and the identity-confused Spyurk. Now, the lives and rights of present day Armenians continue to be oppressed, the economic situation is in crisis, and we're going in circles about NK-Genocide-border issues, and it seems (to some) the way out is to do a swap (funny, sounds like something Kocharyan tried to do with Meghri back in the day). Recognition of the Genocide has become a bartering tool, it has become demeaned to a poker chip thrown into a pile. I know that isn't the intention of the ARF, but that's where we've landed.

UPDATE: Hurriyet Article:
Armenian FM expected to arrive in Turkey late afternoon
ISTANBUL – The attendance of the Armenian Foreign Minister at the Alliance of Civilizations summit has become a mystery after he failed to board a flight from Yerevan Sunday night as expected.
"His strong language in his statements to Interfax news Sunday denying that the Karabakh issue is not related to establishing relations between Turkey and Armenia were interpreted as a reaction to Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s statements.
Turkey will not lift its blockade of Armenia unless the country fulfils Turkey’s preconditions regarding the Karabakh issue and the international recognition of the Armenian claims regarding the 1915 incidents, Erdogan said in London Friday during the G20 summit."

The Solution to the Genocide Issue Has Certain Other Connections

Armenian-Turkish relations, border politics, and Genocide recognition have been intertwined ever since independence in 1991.  Back then, the LTP administration thought a key factor to developing an economically and politically stable Armenia was the solution of the NK war.  To that end, Genocide recognition, Hay Tad, was put on the back burner.  The border remained closed, except for a few instances here and there (which are of great significance but a whole different story).  During the 1990's, the ARF was critical (to put it nicely) of the LTP administration for even thinking about trying to have some type of relations with Turkey, considering this type of thought a type of blasphemy.  Of course, the ARF is the same group that despite years of dreaming of a free and independent Armenia did not rejoice at the 1991 independence; despite a  history, name, emblem and oath which imply and swear to protect Armenia, mustered fewer than 10 Diasporans to fight in the war and is thought to have "lost" money which was meant to go toward the war effort; and who today sits in the ruling coalition, grabbing on to whatever power it can, while intermittently tossing out weak criticisms of the government's decisions that sound more like suggestions.  And even today, when there is so much discussion about potential border opening without Genocide recognition, the ARF still cannot bring itself to make a strong statement that might jeopardize whatever power they may have. As per a recent A1+ article, Manoyan said the ARF is not against the border opening, but "we are getting ready to release a document to prevent the possible dangers of that." Phew. But I digress. 

With all of the recent comments and opinions about all that may or may not happen this month vis a vis Genocide Recognition, and the Turkish border, and how the fact that these are now linked to NK, as well as the criticism (or lack thereof) of the current unacceptable political situation in Armenia, I thought it might be worthwhile to post the transcript of what Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said regarding Armenia on his April 3 Speech to Chattham House. The full speech and the Q+A which followed are available at the Chattham House website. The section on Armenia was actually in the Q+A section (minutes 11:50-16:13), where all of the questions were posed at the beginning, and then the questions answered collectively by the Prime minister.

Now, next to Iraq, Israel, Syria, and the Co-chair added immediately, Armenia to that triangle, so let me make a general assessment. Well, Turkey does not have any animosity or any hatred towards anybody. But there are certain circles who have, and feed these feelings against us. In the international arena, we have never, never accused anybody of genocide, be it real or so-called from the past. But the Armenian Diaspora unfortunately is doing exactly that for years and years. They are underlining the fact that there has been a so-called genocide in Turkey. This is not something that we can accept, something that has not taken place. In 2005, I wrote a letter to President Kocharyan and I said, this is an issue that needs to be investigated by historians. I said, let historians, legal experts, archeologists, sociologists examine this issue, let them prepare a report, and let us politicians then decide on the basis of this report. However he never answered my letter. But now, a positive process has started, as you know, on the occasion of the national football team game in Armenia, the President of our Republic went to Armenia and then they came together again on an occasion in Washington, then I met Mr. Sargysan in Davos. Our Foreign Ministers are constantly talking to each other, at lower levels the bureaucrats, technocrats are in contact. We want to solve this problem. But that solution has certain other connections. For instance, there has been for the last 17 years the Minsk troika working on this issue, composed of United States, Russia and France. What are they going to solve the problem of Nagorny-Kharabagh, which is a problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia. As long as that problem is not resolved, it is not possible for us to adopt a healthy decision. But we have still taken certain steps as a preparation of the way, and we are trying also to prepare the region for this development. We are talking to our Azeri friends, we are talking to our Armenian friends. But we tell them, Russia, France and the United States, they should accelerate their work, and they should conclude that work so that they can facilitate our hand. We established the Caucasian Cooperation and Stability Platform, and we are working on that. We are working on a geographical basis: Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia. Five countries belong to that platform. Russia has serious problems with Georgia, for instance, how can they come together? In the same way as Turkey will come together with Armenia, for instance. Because we want a world based on peace, where the neighboring countries do not hate each other, do not fight with each other. And, even for two years we have been elected to the Security Council of the United Nations, and so we have a responsibility in that framework as well.

Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan is visiting the US

According to A1plus, Mr Harutyunyan will be visiting the US on a State Department sponsored trip, and having meetings related to Human Rights. On April 9, he will be giving a lecture and subsequent discussion in Michigan, and apparently its going to be webcast live. So, for the first time, those of us who have only ever seen the small snippets of him from YouTube will get to see so much more.
Not only that, but the Press Release (English, Armenian) mentions that viewers can send emails during the talk, of questions they want to ask the Ombudsman.
It's a little frustrating that it will be midnight or so Armenian time when the webcast will be live. But I don't see why questions can't be emailed in advance, and maybe they'll make the video available afterwards as well.  

Wouldn't it be great if the webcast was shown Live on large screens around Yerevan, or shown on television, on April 9th? But I suppose if the freedom to do that existed in Armenia, the Ombudsman wouldn't be visiting the US to "have meetings" about Human Rights.

So many questions to be asked, especially as there seem to be increasing tensions between the Opposition and the Ombudsman. So many questions...

See the Press Releases above for more information.

The email to send questions to is: armenianstudies@umich.edu
The site for the Live Webcast is: http://umtv-live.rs.itd.umich.edu/asp/asp040909.asx