Armenia Surrenders to Turkish Demands

As you know, I disapprove of Armenia's insistence to develop relations with Turkey without precondition. But now, all is lost.

Robert Kocharian rejected Turkey's offer to set up a joint panel of historians to debate the issue and called on Ankara to accept his suggestion of an intergovernmental commission. "The normalization of bilateral relations is the responsibility of governments, not historians," Kocharian was quoted by Reuters as saying.

"That is why we are ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without preconditions, create an intergovernmental commission and to discuss all issues, including the most sensitive," he added.

We all know that whatever commission is in place to discuss the Armenian Genocide will only be for show. Do you really expect Turkey to discover that it indeed killed 1,500,000 Armenians after decades of lies? Come on!

Sadly, this and other calls from Armenia to open relations have been due to the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway project, from which Armenia was excluded recently, despite attempts by Armenia and the United States to the contrary. Great! Let's sell our our history for money!

Source: ArmenPress

Foreign Soccer Referees in Armenia

For the soccer / football fans amongst you!

...Football Federation presided over by Ruben Hayrapetyan has made a decision to adopt the system of alternative judgment which allows to invite foreign referees in order to conduct the central matches of the RA league and the Independence Cup.

Nevertheless, the press secretariat of the Federation informed that the Federation is not going to invite foreign referees, although they already have that right. This method is mainly used in the countries where there are scandals connected with referees.

If nothing else, inviting foreign foreign referees would serve to create stronger friendships between involved countries, regardless of any scandals or other disputes.

Source: A1+

Armenian-Georgian Border to be Decided

I was not aware of a border dispute between the countries. Were you?

On February 19-21 the Co-Chairs of the Committee deciding upon the Armenian-Georgian state borderline, RA deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan and Georgian deputy Foreign Minister Georgi Manjgaladze will meet in Tbilisi.

The sides will discuss issues about several parts of the borderline.

If this is an important story that develops, you'll be the first to know.

Source: A1+

One Man And His Armenian Musical Instruments

I love blogging about things like this. Why? Because it is about one man and his passion for something which harms no one, and in fact, pleases just about everyone.

Musician Manouk Haroutyunyan has always dreamed of a musical instrument that will be unique and unmatched on the universal level and won’t resemble any European violins and kamanchas. He has carried out researches on national musical instruments, made an instrument of five wires, maple and pear tree woods and called it jut. The latter, in fact, is one of the most ancient Armenian instruments.

"There were moments when I was on the verge of giving up; I decided to sell my collection and buy a flat for my son, but later I changed my mind as the aim of my life is not the purchase of an apartment", he says.

"Once I found the door of my workshop unlocked; someone had broken into my little world and taken the food and trifles; the burglar understood nothing of real works of art", tells the musician.

Don't you just love that anecdote?

Source: A1+

Azeri Loggers Set Free - Without Punishment!

Remember a couple of days back, when three Azerbaijanis were arrested for attempting to steal timber from Armenia? Well, they've been released - without paying the $2,000 fine!

The three Azeri citizens of Georgia who were arrested five days ago in the territory of Armenia have been set free and sent to their home in Sadakhlo. Nevertheless, the Azeris have been set free without paying the sum, due to an agreement reached between the Armenian and Georgian border keepers.

One of the Azeris, Hussein Mamedov, informed agency "Trend" that the attitude of the Armenians towards them was good. "We spent three days in the detachment 'Stepanavan' where we were taken. And I cannot complain of any case of bad treatment".

Hmmm. What could be the political motivation for releasing criminals without any punishment?

Source: A1+

North Park University in Chicago to Hold Genocide Lectures

While North Park University cannot be compared to Harvard, Yale, or other such schools of note, the very fact that the Armenian Genocide will receive even more attention makes it worthwhile.

On February 24, a number of lectures will be held at the North Park University in Chicago titled "Genocides of XX and XXI centuries."

At the lectures experts will discuss the "The Concept of Genocide" based on Holocaust the Armenian Genocide, genocide of Assyrians, as well as genocides in Rwanda and Darfur (Sudan)...

I welcome any reviews of this event if any of our readers choose to attend.

Source: Yerkir

Orhan Pamuk to Return to Turkey

In case you have not heard of him, Orhan Pamuk is a Turkish writer and a Nobel Prize winner who has dared to talk about the Armenian Genocide. In fact, he was charged under Turkey's Penal Code Article 301, which if you remember calls for imprisonment for anyone who "insults Turkishness," though those charges were later dropped.

Turkish Sabah reports that Pamuk has already bought a ticket to return to Turkey by a plane to take off from New York in the evening of April 5th.

The newspaper also reminds that the Nobel Prize winner left Istanbul after Hrant Dink’s assassination departing for New York. Earlier Media reported that Pamuk, fearing for his life, has left Turkey withdrawing a large amount from his account. One of the suspects of Hrant Dink’s assassination has advised Orhan Pamuk "to think it over."

Here is a country which cannot offer its Nobel Prize winning writer the haven that he needs to produce works for Turkey, even if they speak against Turkey's longstanding policy of denial and manipulation. If you recall, Taner Akcam is another Turkish writer who has received much controversy because of his acceptance of the Armenian Genocide.

Source: Yerkir

Armenian Hummers...Powered by Natural Gas!

I don't normally report on rumors and "he says, she says" sorts of things, but this is a funny one: at least one Armenian Hummer owner has converted his car to natural gas, as it's cheaper than gasoline! Why is this funny? Well...

1) Hummers are expensive: an H2 Hummer costs around $50,000 in the United States, probably more in Armenia.
2) Hummer are inefficient: they burn a lot of fuel, because they're very heavy.
3) Most people hate them, as they are dangerous to others, both cars and pedestrians, and pollute much more.

Now, none of the above is entirely funny, but combine them, if you will: purchasing an expensive, big, heavy, and inefficient car, shipping it to Armenia, causing terror on the streets of Yerevan while displaying your wealth...and having to convert it to natural gas for it to be lighter on your wallet!

Okay, if that isn't entirely great - and to be honest, it isn't that funny after all - rumor also has it that the owners fill their cars up at night so no one sees! Ah, I love Armenia's many contradictions.

Source: ArmenianOdar

Armenia to Invade Silicon Valley

I love that Armenians are working hard to spread their ingenuity to all corners of the globe.

The forum is scheduled to include 1,950 Armenian companies, from Armenia and elsewhere. The main theme: automation and management, semiconductors and nanotechnology, business software, internet and digital communications, military, aerospace and transportation systems, automated systems design.

Armenia can also take business hints from Israel: build weapons, sell them to everyone, get filthy rich. Won't be easy, but think about it.

Oh, and if you're wondering: the above picture is that of Max Zorin, the evil villain who attempted to destroy silicon valley! Thankfully, James Bond was there to save the day. Thanks, James.

Source: Yerevan.ru (translated)

Science is 0.29% of Armenian GDP

Before we go any further, I'd like to dedicate this sentence to that man's academic-looking outfit; reminds me of the Renaissance! But seriously, we've covered the topic of scientific reform in Armenia previously.

It should be noted that the wages of scientists is aimed to increase from AMD 28,000/$79 to AMD 44,000/$123. In 2007, Armenia plans to invest AMD 5.5 Billion/$15.5 million, compared with AMD 5.1 billion/$12.3 million.

These days, young people choose business and other careers over science and part of that certainly has to do with economic possibilities. With this changes and many other ones to come, I am hopeful that Armenia will once again rise to its rightful place among scientifically significant countries.

Source: Yerevan.ru (translated)

France to Restore Two Saryan Paintings

I've always loved Martiros Saryan's work, and not just because half of all Armenian artists nowadays are trying to emulate his use of colors!

A French town is allocating $3,000 to the restoration of two Saryan paintings from 1925 and 1928.

What is not known is whether these pieces are truly in need of a restoration.

Source: Yerevan.ru (translated)

Three Azeris Caught Attempting to Insult Treeness!

A more horrific crime I cannot imagine!

Armenian Border Guard caught three Azeris having Georgian citizenship. They were trying to pass the Armenian-Georgian borderline to realize deforesting.

The frontiers caught the third Azeri in the neutral zone between the Armenian-Georgian borderline the boundaries of which are not decided by the two sides yet.

The third arrestee was also heading to Armenia after timber.

We have enough people cutting down trees illegally as it is: we don't need any outside help. But thanks!

Source: A1+

ArmeniaBlog Exclusive: Rare Interview with Armenian Boxer Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan!

It is with great pleasure that I present to you a rare and exclusive interview conducted by Armenia Blog with none other than the fearsome Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan! In case you have been living under a rock for some time, Vanes is the undefeated 12-0 Armenian boxer in the Super Welterweight category. If you remember, we reported his last victory in January!

ArmeniaBlog: Let's start from the beginning: what made you decide to be a boxer?
Vanes: At the age of 7, my dad started taking me and my two brothers to train at local boxing gyms. We were all pretty good, but I guess he saw it the most in me, and since that age always pushed me to be the best and to never quit. As I got older, I loved the sport more and more and making the US Olympic team in 2004 made me realize that this was just the beginning of my boxing career. Once I got back from Greece, I had many offers to turn pro and in early 2005, I finally signed my professional contract with Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

ArmeniaBlog: Are there any particular boxers in history that are your heroes?
Vanes: As heroes, I'd definitely say Muhammad Ali, because he was just an icon and so much more than just a boxer. As far as role models go, Oscar De La Hoya has always been a person as well as boxer that I have looked up to. His class and charisma both in and out of the ring have always amazed me. We are friends now, and he refers to me often times as "the Armenian Golden Boy" which is kinda nice.

ArmeniaBlog: Moving on, my Armenian friends always ask about your unusual name. Is Vanes your birth name?
Vanes: Sure is, - Vanes Martirosyan, oh and so is "Nightmare" (wink)

ArmeniaBlog: What was it like participating in the Olympic Games? If given the opportunity, would you do it again in the future?
Vanes: Ah, The Olympic Games. Wow! It was just incredible, and probably the most memorable two months of my life. I met so many different people from so many different countries in the Greek city of Athens which was so beautiful and historic. My family was there with me, and it all felt like a dream, especially after I won my first bout against Algeria. I feel proud being the first ever Armenian US Olympian, and the first ever out of Glendale, CA. I got a lot of love here on my return home, it was all surreal.
As far as participating in the 2008 Olympics, of course Id love to, but that is no longer an option given professionals are not allowed in the Olympics since it is an amateur only sporting event.

ArmeniaBlog: Having a perfect 12-0 pro record must take a lot of work. How much do you train normally (like now) and before upcoming fights? Do you ever not train?
Vanes: I’m constantly training, there really is no off-season with boxing. I have to stay ready and focused to fight on just a few days notice if I have to. My regular training schedule near fight time is a 5 mile run very early in the morning, then I get a bit of rest and hit my boxing gym in the afternoon. At the WildCard Boxing Club in Hollywood, I train with one of the best trainers in the world, Freddie Roach. My physical fitness workouts I do with another world class trainer of mine, Justin Fortune.

ArmeniaBlog: Speaking of upcoming fights, do you know when you'll be fighting next and who?
Vanes: The opponent we don’t know yet, but looks like my next fight will be on April 13 in Chicago, Illinois. It's Friday the 13th, hmm... should be fun.

ArmeniaBlog: Here's an interesting one: which one of your fights was most memorable to you and why?
Vanes: I’d say my latest fight, from Jan. 27 at The Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The reason being I was very excited to be back home so close to my local fans here in Southern Cali after one whole year of only fighting in Las Vegas. The turnout was LOUD to say the least and that noise and support was from Armenians, Mexicans, and everyone else in that packed arena. Of course my 2nd round TKO victory helped the noise level.

ArmeniaBlog: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself professionally in 10 years?
Vanes: Wow, 10 years, that seems so far ahead, God knows. The boxing world moves so fast that I really want to look ahead just 1 or 2 years from now. By the end of this year, my management team, headed by Shelly Finkel, wants me to be a Top 10 contender for all the major world title belts. This is a huge build up year for me because in 2008 we plan on going after the Jr. Middleweight world champions.

ArmeniaBlog: Based on your experiences, what words can you impart to young athletes who wish to become successful?
Vanes: Determination and focus has to be number one. It is never easy to wake up at 6am to run 5 miles when it's dark and you know most others are sound asleep, but it's definitely worth while when you go in the ring and out class your opponent due to that extra mile.
Also, a healthy diet is a must so you gotta watch what you eat and take care of your body. At last, just stay humble, because that personality trait will always be valued more by your friends and fans compared to your physical sports talent.

ArmeniaBlog: Besides boxing, what other things do you like to do?
Vanes: Oh I'm an all around athlete. Any time off of boxing I like to spend with my close friends playing some basketball, soccer, tennis, and even some poker (ya, they call that a sport too these days). I do enjoy the nightlife on occasion with my close friends.
Boxing takes a lot out of you both physically and mentally, so relaxing is a must, and that’s best done with my family.

ArmeniaBlog: Tell us something about you that only you know. The stranger, the better!
Vanes: My official website address... www.VanesBoxing.com
I’m joking, but hey what a nice way to get that in the interview huh.
I am a bit superstitious though, I do things like always put on my right hand boxing glove first before I wear the left. Ya, I guess im not all that strange, or just don’t have the time to be.

ArmeniaBlog: What are your final words to your friends and fans to conclude this interview?
Vanes: I want to tell you all how much I love you and what you mean to me as part of Team Nightmare. I will always train and fight hard to keep you proud and cheering loud.
2007 is a very big year for me and I hope to see you up close at all my fights and thank you personally. I would also like to thank ArmeniaBlog for this great interview. I wish you all peace and happiness, God Bless.

I want to thank Vanes very much for the interview! Armenia Blog wishes him a great boxing career!

The Koran Translated into Armenian

Do you have one of those days when you long to read the Koran, only to realize that you can't read Arabic or Persian? Worry no more!

In Yerevan, 700 copies are already in circulation, due to increase to 3,000. The translation was carried out by Edward Ahverdan, a noted translator of modern Persian poetry and prose.

Edward Ahverdan stressed that worked with pleasure, a sense of responsibility. Each of the thirty parts was translated with proper approval.

Only 700 copies? Not something you're going to see sitting in medical offices, then. Jokes aside, Armenians have to learn about other cultures much more than they currently do. This is an age when everyone must embrace difference and change!

Source: Yerevan.ru (translated)

Robert Kocharyan to Vacation in Paris

Maybe not a vacation per se, but not hard work, either!

Armenian President Robert Kocharian is departing to France on a 4-day formal visit on February 17. In Paris the Armenian leader will meet with French President Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Senate President Christian Poncelet and National Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debre.

The Armenian President and the first lady will be present at the "Charles Aznavour and Friends" concert to take place in the Opera Garnier in the framework of the Year of Armenia in France. They will also attend an exhibition of outstanding painter of sea-scapes Ivan Ayvazovsky in the Navy Museum and an exhibition titled "12 capital cities of Armenia".

In Lourve the Armenian and French President will open "Saint Armenia" exhibition. The RA leader is also expected to meet with the Armenian community and take part in the opening ceremony of Armenia Garden in Nice...

So which part of the above requires hard work? Maybe it's all the walking he'll be doing at the Louvre.

Source: Yerkir

Yet Another Armenian Soldier Killed by Azeri Sniper

Remember this a few weeks back? Well, another Armenian soldier has met the same fate.

On February 14, at about 09:30, an Azeri sniper wounded the major Ervand Pashikyan (b. in 1958), contractual serviceman, in the chest. Ervand Pashikyan died on the spot, RA Defense Ministry reports.

The investigation is under way.

I find it sad that virtually nothing is done after such killings: a few words condemning the act here, a few harsh words there, and that's it. Then again, short of an all-out war, what can be done? Obviously, we have to involve the international community, but all too often these soldiers get forgotten shortly after all is said and done.

Source: A1+

Armenia's Population Increases...Barely

Not quite the breakthrough numbers anyone was expecting, but progress is progress!

Armenia reported today a slight increase in overall population number last year saying it grew by 3,600 people to 3,222,700.

Over 95% of the population are ethnic Armenians. In addition, Russians, Yezidis, Kurds, Greeks, and Assyrians are among the minorities who call Armenia home.

The same article mentions that over 1,000,000 of those people live in Yerevan!

Source: ArmenPress

Child Cancer Cases Increase 15% in Decade

What could be the reason for this increase? Perhaps pesticides and other chemicals in the soil and fruits? Perhaps pollution from cars and trucks? I certainly don't know.

Cancer cases in children have surged 15 percent in the last decade with about 100 new cases diagnosed every year, Haykanush Yukchian, a doctor with the Center and executive director of a non-governmental organization called Friend of Children with Cancer said.

She said the National Cancer Treatment Center treats annually 250 children and about 65 percent of these children recuperate.

How very sad. I wonder, though, if at least a part of the increase is due to better reporting and diagnosis.

Source: ArmenPress