Case of 4 employees of Gyumri territorial subdivision of SSSS sent to court

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7846_bIn the framework of the criminal case initiated on the abuses recorded during the process of fixing and paying pensions the preliminary investigation on the part of the abuses found in Gyumri territorial subdivision was completed. The prosecutor implementing prosecutorial supervision confirmed the bill of indictment, at the same time he submitted a petition to the court on restoring the damage inflicted to the state.

According to the factual data obtained during the pre-trial proceeding 5 persons were involved as a defendant for squandering a particularly large amount of pension money, funeral benefits and heritable money from 2008 to 2010.

Thus,
According to the materials of criminal case the head of Gyumri territorial subdivision of Social Security State Service of RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Eduard Varzhapetyan reaching a prior agreement on squandering a particularly large amount of money with the operator of the same subdivision Artur Abrahamyan, from 2007 to 2009 from pension depository had separated the data of pensioners who had not received pension for a long time and in the name of those pensioners had prepared false applications on restarting the detained payment of pension.

E. Varzhapetyan had given the mentioned documents to A. Abrahamyan who had involved the separated data in appropriate payment lists, had confirmed the payment fact with false signatures, received the pension money and passing the received money to E. Varzhapetyan had swindled a particularly large amount of money drawn out in the name of 9 pensioners, as well as had committed official forgery.

According to the materials of criminal case, later, A. Abrahamyan by E. Varzhapetyan’s instruction had removed the data of swindled money from pension depository. According to the agreement E. Varzhapetyan had given A. Abrahamyan 10 percent of the received money.

According to the preliminary investigation data, the responsible person for heritage payment subdivision R. Mnatsakanyan, out of personal interests, abusing official authorities, from 2008 to 2010 being aware of the fact that the inspector-payers of the same subdivision Kima Piloyan and Anya Khachatryan had made groundless payment of pension money in the name of pensioners to the operator Artur Abrahamyan,as well as being aware of swindling a particularly large amount of money by the group of the mentioned people, had not prevented the groundless drawing out and swindling of state budget resources.

On the contrary, he had received and confirmed the reports on paying pension money, funeral benefits and heritable money from his actual wife Kima Piloyan and Anya Khachatryan, had submitted reports on them to payment service, had signed acts of accounts. So, Kima Piloyan, Anya Khachatryan and Artur Abrahamyan had an opportunity to swindle a significant amount of pension money by a group inflicting the state a damage of particularly large amount.

On the base of the obtained evidence E. Varzhapetyan was accused according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Article 314 of RA Criminal Code,

Artur Abrahamyan was accused according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179, the Article 38-314 and the Part 1 of the Article 325 of RA Criminal Code,

Kima Piloyan was accused according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Part 1 of the Article 325 of RA Criminal Code,

Ruben Mnatsakanyan was accused according to the Part 2 of the Article 308 of RA Criminal Code.

Anya Khachatryan was involved as a defendant according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Part 1 of the Article 325. The part on her was separated as a separate proceeding and taking into consideration that it is not known where she is, was detained. Measures are taken to find Anya Khachatryan.

Totally, the damage inflicted to the state was estimated 91.560.299 AMD 3.000.000 AMD of which E. Varzhapetyan restored during the preliminary investigation. The Department of State Interest Protection of RA Prosecutor General’s Office submitted a petition to the court to confiscate the rest of the money – 88.560.299 AMD from the mentioned 4 defendants.

We remind that in May, 2011 a criminal case was initiated on the abuses recorded in the process of fixing and paying pensions in the Department of State Interest Protection of RA Prosecutor General’s Office. The implementation of the preliminary investigation of it was tasked to the Investigation Department of Especially Important Cases of General Investigation Department of RA Police adjunct to government.

PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN CONGRATULATED THE PRESIDENT OF CHINA XI JINPING ON HIS 60TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

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ՍԵՐԺ ՍԱՐԳՍՅԱՆPresident Serzh Sargsyan sent a congratulatory message to the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on his 60th birth anniversary.

“Armenia attaches great importance to the traditionally friendly relations with China, steady and consistent strengthening and deepening of the close cooperation in different areas, which emanates from the vital interests of our two peoples and countries.

I am hopeful that in the nearest future we will have the opportunity to personally discuss issues related to the deepening of the Armenian-Chinese interstate relations and cooperation in the international area in order to further elevate their level.

I wish you excellent health, happiness and new success in your work for the benefit of the friendly people of China,” the congratulatory message of the President of Armenia reads.

The winner of the 9th Aram Khachaturian International Competition is Andrei Ionita

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arm137123075650On July 14, the closing ceremony of the 9th Aram Khachaturian International Competition took place. The jury chairman Aram Talalyan announced the names of the winners. So, the winner of the 9th Aram Khachaturian International Competition is the cellist Andrei Ionita. The second prize was awarded to Anna Morozova (Russia). And the third prize was awarded to Aleksandra Perlova (Russia) and Gayane Khachatryan (Armenia).

The jury also gave a number of special prizes.

The honorary guest of the competition artistic director and principal conductor of the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra Pavel Kogan mentioned in his speech, that the main aim of the competition is to help the young musicians find their professional path. He said that the winner, Andrei Ionita, will be given a chance to perform with Moscow State Symphony Orchestra.

The MIDEM classical and jazz worldwide director Cornelia Much awarded a special prize to Andrei Ionita, inviting him to take part in the festival in 2014. She also invited pianist Armen Babakhanian and cellist Gayane Khachatryan. Cornelia Much noted the high level of the competition, especially highlighting the impartial and professional work of the jury.

The official orchestra of the competition State Youth Orchestra of Armenia gave a special prize “Audience Award”. It was awarded to Levon Arakelyan from Armenia.

Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas gave a special prize for the best pianist of the 9th Aram Khachaturian International Competition. The jury awarded the prize to Armen Babakhanian and Arthur Avanesov.

Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund awarded a special prize to two participants from Armenia, Hakob Atyan and Michael Navasardian, who will have a number of concerts in CIS countries in 2013-2014.

According to tradition Aram Khachaturian House-Museum awarded the prize to the best solo performance. The prize was awarded to Andrei Ionita (Romania).

Head of Planning of the Dresden Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Caron Kopp compared Aram Khachaturian International Competition to European competitions. According to Caron Kopp, it is important that the competition not only identifies talented musicians, but also introduces the music of Aram Khachaturian to the world.

International Competition named after the great composer was launched on the 110th anniversary of Aram Khachaturian, on June 6, and consisted of 3 rounds.

During the closing ceremony Andrei Ionita performed with the official orchestra of the competition, the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan), while during the opening ceremony of the competition the Youth Orchestra performed with the world-renowned cellist Gautier Capuçon from France, who played cello concerto by Aram Khachaturian.

The project was implemented thanks to joint efforts of RA Ministry of Culture, “Aram Khachaturian-competition” Cultural Foundation and Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. It is held under the high patronage of the First Lady of RA Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, who is honorary president of the board of trustees of the competition. Since 2010 the main partner of the competition has been the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation.

It is noteworthy, that Aram Khachaturian International Competition now has a different status: since May it has become a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions.

“Aram Khachaturian-competition” Cultural Foundation

Serzh Sargsyan attended the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected Mayor of Yerevan

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President Serzh Sargsyan attended today the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margarian which took place at the special sitting of the Yerevan City Council.

The President congratulated Taron Margarian, all members of the City Council, and the staff of the City Hall on the successful conclusion of the Council and Mayor elections and assumption of new responsibilities. He expressed confidence that they would conduct their responsible duties with honor.

Underscoring that the Republican Party has entrusted Taron Margarian to lead the Party list on the Yerevan City Council elections, the President expressed gratitude to all Yerevanians for showing the same degree of confidence to Taron Margarian. The Yerevanians have placed their trust in the newly elected Mayor because, according to the President of Armenia, in the previous two years, Taron Margarian has manifested himself as a modest, honest, congenial Mayor who is concerned with the problems of the capital.

“After every election inevitably comes the time of responsibility and hard work, and I am confident that now is the right time for Taron Margarian and his team to double their vigor, efforts to further develop qualities which I have just mentioned,” the President of Armenia said.

Speaking about the problems of the capital, Serzh Sargsyan noted that there do not exist insoluble and soluble issues, rather there are tough problems which are to be solved through hard work. The President expressed confidence that if Taron Margarian, his team, and the members of the Yerevan City Council continue to have the trust of the residents of Yerevan they can achieve a lot: the trust of the Yerevanians will indeed help solve many problems. As an example, the President of Armenia noted that through the hard work of the Mayor and the Council and with the help of the residents of Yerevan, hundreds of backyards of the capital’s multi-apartment buildings have been returned to their lawful owners – the tenants and first of all to children, which in turn allowed to once again regain the trust of the residents. Serzh Sargsyan noted that in the beginning of the 1990s, numerous garages located in these backyards, playgrounds were used as kitchen gardens or something else and the residents of Yerevan were skeptical that it would be possible to regain them for their original purpose. They thought that if they’d removed their garages there would be an official or a money bag who would install his own. Considering the work accomplished in recent years, President Serzh Sargsyan expressed confidence that in the next four years there will be no ugly backyard left because the process is going on: the City Hall is increasing collection of its own resources, funds allocated by the state are also on the rise thus with this regard the problem may be considered almost solved. “I expect that at least in the end of the third year, Taron Margarian will be able to announce that there are no ugly or uncomfortable backyards in Yerevan. Certainly, today I will not speak about all problems existing in Yerevan. I trust that the City Hall with the renewed vigor will be able to make our beloved Yerevan even more comfortable, enjoyable and more beautiful for the Yerevanians and the guests,” President Serzh Sargsyan said and wished success to the newly elected Mayor, members of the City Council and the staff of the City Hall.

 

President Serzh Sargsyan received the world famous opera singer Montserrat Caballé

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Today, President Serzh Sargsyan received the world famous opera singer Montserrat Caballé.

The President of Armenia welcomed the celebrated opera diva in Armenia, noted that he was aware of the difficulties related to her visit and expressed gratitude to the renowned singer that she nevertheless had overcome all that and visited Armenia as well as Artsakh which was a great and noble enterprise.

At the meeting, President of Armenia endowed Montserrat Caballé with a high state award – the Order of Honor, for her outstanding contribution to the world’s musical culture. The President underscored that he was greatly pleased and certain in awarding one of Armenia’s most distinguished awards to a singer who through her presence, inimitable voice and art has honored almost every best and famous stage in the world and has a huge army of admirers.

The world famous Spanish opera singer Montserrat Caballé accepted the award with gratitude, which in her words is a token of admiration and warm feelings. She spoke with reverence and love of Armenia and the Armenian people, our centuries-long heroic history and culture. “Armenia is an island of peace and love. You’ve got a wonderful country and the nation of immense spiritual power,” Montserrat Caballé said.

The celebrated singer noted that she was leaving Armenia with unforgettable impressions and was sure that even though this visit is coming to an end, it will have a continuation.

President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Embassy of the United Kingdom

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On the occasion of national holiday of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – the official birthday of H. M. Queen Elizabeth II, President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Yerevan.

President Sargsyan congratulated Ambassador Jonathan James Aves and the staff of the Embassy, wishing them productive work. The President of Armenia reiterated the willingness and readiness of our country to develop relations with the United Kingdom in all areas – political, economic, and cultural and noted with satisfaction that particularly in recent years the political dialogue between the two countries has become more dynamic. Among the recent high level visit, President Sargsyan highlighted the visit of the Permanent Under Secretary of the UK Foreign Office Simon Fraser and visit of Prince Charles, which took place days ago and whose participation and sponsorship for Yerevan, My Love program, according to the President, is appreciated by the Armenian people not as a charity act only but as the royal family’s attitude toward Armenia. He said that the Armenian nation is highly appreciative of such attitude.

Ambassador Jonathan Ames noted that he absolutely shares the President’s assessment of the development of bilateral relations and stressed the importance of developing along with the political relations economic cooperation as well.

The parties underscored that the political relations would become even stronger based on the efficient economic cooperation.

In this context, President Serzh Sargsyan and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom Jonathan James Ames discussed issues related to the development and expansion of bilateral relations.

Working visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to Tavush marz

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Today, President Serzh Sargsyan arrived to Tavush marz on a working visit. The President of Armenia visited the international school in Dilijan, familiarized with the construction works at the educational center which is being built in compliance with international standards and use of modern technologies, learned about existing problems, large-scale investments and works related to the development of the curriculum for the school.

At the conclusion of the familiarization tour, Serzh Sargsyan together with Ruben Vardanian, who had come up with the idea to create such school, and an investor to the school’s curriculum Gagik Adibekian watered the tree planted back on April 9, 2010 to mark the commencement in Armenia of the Dilijan International School program. Later, the President held a working meeting with the founders of the Dilijan International School, members of the Board of Trustees and responsible officials related to the school, urban development of Dilijan town in general as well as other important ongoing and prospective issues.

On Prime Minister’s Instructions, Large Family From Mrgashat Community Gets Private Housing

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6739_en_4On Prime Minister’s instructions, the large family of Mkhitaryans was provided with a private home in Mrgashat community of Armavir Marz.

To recall, during a working visit paid to Armavir Marz on May 22, the Prime Minister was hosted in the 14-member-strong Mkhitaryans family (with 11 children). As the family lived in a badly damaged unsafe house, consisting only of 2 rooms, the Premier promised to solve the problem within the shortest possible time.

On Tigran Sargsyan’s instruction, the family of Mkhitaryans was provided a new two-story dwelling-house with a 2,500 square meter-wide plot of land attached to the house.

In addition, they will get 2 hectares of agricultural land from the administration of the community.
 

The newly appointed Ambassador of Croatia presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan

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Today, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic Croatia to the Republic Armenia Ivan Starcevic (residence in Athens) presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President of Armenia congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in the fulfillment of his diplomatic mission in our country. Speaking about the almost twenty-year long history of the Armenian-Croatian cooperation which started since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, Serzh Sargsyan noted with satisfaction that relations between the two countries are developing steadily and there is mutual interest to further and diversify them.

At the meeting, the parties stressed the importance of cooperation of the two friendly countries also in the framework of international structures.

Ambassador Starcevic assured that he would do his best to further strengthen and deepen the Armenian-Croatian relations.

 

President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait

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President Serzh Sargsyan received today the delegation of the National Assembly of the State of Kuwait headed by the Speaker of the NA Ali Fahad Al-Rashed.

President Sargsyan greeted the guests and underscored that in Armenia, we are always happy to welcome delegations from the friendly Kuwait. Serzh Sargsyan noted that parliamentary ties between Armenia and Kuwait and cooperation have commenced from the very beginning of the relations established between the two friendly states. According to the President of Armenia, our common history clearly testifies to Armenia’s and the Armenian people’s relations with the Arab world. Today that history has become a base for the development of the interstate relations.

The parties noted with pleasure reciprocal visits on different levels which contribute to the enhancement of the political dialogue. Speaking about his visit to Kuwait conducted back in 2009 and agreements reached in the framework of the visit, Serzh Sargsyan stated with satisfaction that they are being implemented: there are embassies in both states, this year the intergovernmental commission will hold its second meeting in Kuwait which will relate to the ongoing programs and the prospects of deepening cooperation in different areas, and encouragement of investments.

The President of Armenia and Speaker of the National Assembly of the State of Kuwait discussed also regional issues and challenges.

The state Commission on coordination of the activities dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide held a meeting

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Today, the third meeting of the state commission on coordination of the activities dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide took place at the Government House. The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Commission, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.

Welcoming the members of the Commission, President Sargsyan stressed the importance of the fact that in the intervals between the meetings, the Commission continues to work on a daily basis and fulfills tasks set before it. The President of Armenia informed the participants of the meeting on his recent correspondence with a young Turk man residing in Germany and clarified why he was speaking in detail about that correspondence. “Mehmed Hakan Yail, that’s the name of the 30-year old Turk, who sent me a letter, notes in particular, “I spent my childhood in Istanbul… where numerous Armenian families live. I used to have many Armenian friends. But growing up, I started to feel more acutely that people, I don’t know why, had unjustified animosity toward Armenians. In my life, I never attached any importance to that but it hurt, because the best friends I had were Armenians. Now I live in Germany. As it’s said, the best way to see things is to look at them from a distance. It is true, in that case one is able to be objective.” He also said in his letter that he was planning to visit Armenia on his summer vacation and goes on saying, “I want a kind of permanent friendship which will allow to reciprocally forgive the mistakes of the past; it will have a peaceful influence on the future of the people,” the President read from the letter of the young Turk for the participants of the meeting and informed them that yesterday he responded to that letter. “I would like to read a small extract from my reply: “The fact that today a generation of young Turks is growing up whose the most progressive part is not constrained with the decades-long policies of the Turkish authorities, inspires me with hope and optimism. That very generation questions the credibility of these policies and most importantly it is ready to face its own history, admit the mistakes of the past and to achieve reconciliation through the open and constructive discussions.”

In my reply, I expressed consent with his notion on the importance of forgiveness noting at the same time that in order to forgive, it is necessary that forgiveness is asked for and misdeeds are acknowledged. Yes, the Armenian nation, and I am confident the Turkish people too, want to live a peaceful and dignified life. I trust that one day that wish will come true and I hope that the growing generation of the new, progressive Turks will become the architect of that endeavor.

Why am I speaking in detail about this letter? Because I have been considering and continue to consider that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey is important and possible even today, perhaps in the framework of its 100th anniversary. With this regard we do have things to do. We may be able to reach the milestone of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide together with the Turkish society, Turkish authorities; we may be able to help them to pass the road toward relieving themselves from the burden of the past and to stand by them during that excruciating process. I believe it is a very important area of our Commission’s work and we should pay particular attention to that. I also believe that nobody sees me as a naïve person. I believe nobody thinks that I cherish great hopes or expectations, especially when it comes to the Turkish authorities. However I have always considered, consider it now and will continue to consider in the future that works on this direction are important,” the President of Armenia underscored.

The members of the state Commission on coordination of the activities dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide discussed works on different directions conducted after the previous meeting, the ongoing administrative activities and core issues and discussed future steps. It was decided to conduct the next meeting of the Commission in May, 2014 in Yerevan. Meantime, the working groups will continue to work vigorously.

 

The Board of Trustees of the All-Armenian Hayastan Fund held a meeting

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Today, at the RA Government Reception House, the Board of Trustees of the All-Armenian Hayastan Fund held its annual meeting which was chaired by the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.

The President of Armenia welcomed the participants of the 22nd meeting of the Board and underscored that just as it was with the previous meetings, today’s meeting too would be of a strictly working nature. He said that decisions would be made not only to provide for a smooth functioning of the Fund but also with the aim of responding efficiently to the problems existing in Armenia, Artsakh and Spyurk.

Before referring to the agenda items, in his introductory remarks the President noted that last year in Armenia has been full of events, the election year: there took place parliamentary, presidential and then Yerevan City Council elections which have become an excellent occasion to highlight all these problems, to discuss them publicly and view the entire spectrum of possible solutions. According to the President, there has been no major issue of a national, social, economic or any other nature which in that period of time was not voiced and considered. The President of Armenia deemed it normal that the elections have also formed great expectations within our society which the responsible officials have to meet. “I believe in the coming years not only for the authorities of Armenia but also for the entire Armenian nation should be years of hard and efficient work. I also believe that we have the necessary base to register serious results and the fact that these will be no-election years is the perfect opportunity to talk less and work more.

There is no doubt that problems of Spyurk continue to be numerous and diverse. However, nowadays the situation in Syria and situation of the Armenians in Syria continues to be an open wound for us all. We, as the Armenian state and as the Armenian nation have been supporting and will continue to support our brothers and sisters in Syria regardless of whether they have come to Armenia or stayed in Syria.
No other all-Armenian structure reflects the aspirations and potential of the Armenian nation and of the Armenia-Artsakh-Spyurk triumvirate as it does the All-Armenian Hayastan Fund. Thus we have to work and with this I invite you all to work,” the President of Armenia said.

After adopting the agenda of the meeting and watching the report film on the activities conducted through the Fund’s financial means in 2012, the members of the Board of Trustees discussed the agenda items. The Executive Director of the Fund Ara Vardanian presented the report on the works conducted by the executive department in 2012. The Board approved the report, taking note of the report of the oversight commission. The Board also discussed and approved the issue related to the Fund’s Marathon-2013 key subject matter which was presented by the President of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakian.

 

President Serzh Sargsyan attends Republic Day celebrations

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3057President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the memorial complex of Sardarapat to attend a Republic Day-dated festive event and deliver congratulatory remarks on the Republic Day.

On this occasion, a military parade was held in Sardarapat. The Guard of Honor made a demonstrative appearance after which, accompanied by the Guard of Honor, the President laid a wreath at the monument perpetuating the names of the heroes of Sardarapat.


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 Address by President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on occasion of the Republic day

 

SUPREME COURT URGED TO REVIEW – AND CORRECT – LOWER COURT DECISION ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE-ERA INSURANCE CLAIMS CASE

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Igor_Timofeyev— Plaintiffs Submit Comprehensive Response to Solicitor General’s Efforts to Curtail States’ Ability to Defend Rights of Citizens in Private Legal Matters
WASHINGTON, DC – The plaintiffs in the Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims case filed an incisive and thoughtfully argued brief urging the Supreme Court to “review and correct” the Ninth Circuit’s 2012 decision striking down a California law extending the statute of limitations on such matters, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The plaintiff’s brief came in response to one filed by the U.S. Solicitor General less than two weeks ago, which urged the Supreme Court not to review the case.  The Supreme Court is set to consider all submissions dealing with the Armenian Genocide-era insurance case on June 6th, and will issue a decision whether or not to take the case soon thereafter.
“This case raises important questions of states’ ability to enact laws for the benefit of their own citizens that do not conflict with the federal government’s foreign policy or actions,” noted Igor Timofeyev of Paul Hastings LLP, who is serving as the lead counsel for plaintiffs on a pro-bono basis.  “Along with several Attorneys General from around the country, we believe the Supreme Court should resolve this issue.”
In the 19-page response, plaintiffs argue that while the Solicitor General’s brief does not cite any Congressional or Presidential action that would have blocked California’s ability to extend the statute of limitations on Genocide-era insurance claims, the Government is advancing a “revolutionary proposition that states lack all authority to enact legislation concerning their citizens’ private claims if they originate in events that occurred abroad.”  The Solicitor General’s position “advances an unprecedented theory of federal foreign affairs preemption” that is “antithetical to the respect due to states as separate sovereigns,” the brief continued.
The plaintiffs’ response to the Solicitor General’s brief, as well as all filings associated with this case, can be viewed at:
“We would like to thank Igor Timofeyev and the team at Paul Hastings LLP for their expert legal representation,” said ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian.  “Whether or not the Supreme Court agrees to review this case – which will be based on federalism grounds and not the merits of the claims – we will not be deterred from pursuing what even the Solicitor General and lower courts have recognized as unremedied claims.”
The Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims case has traveled a long and complex legal path, which has included three separate and conflicting opinions from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the most recent on February 23, 2012. That decision struck down the California law extending the statute of limitations for certain life insurance claims based on an unprecedented expansion of the rarely invoked doctrine of foreign affairs field preemption.  Defendant Munich Re, a German insurance company, is represented by Neil Soltman of Mayer Brown’s Los Angeles office.

 

ANCA TESTIMONY TO CALL FOR CONDITIONS ON TURKEY TRADE DEAL

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— Will Ask U.S. to Require Ankara Lift Blockade of Armenia and End Occupation of Cyprus during testimony before U.S. Trade Panel
WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Government Affairs Director KKate_Nahapetian_ANCAate Nahapetian will testify this coming week before the U.S. International Trade Commission in support of strict rule-of-law conditions on any new American trade agreements involving Turkey.
Nahapetian will appear before a hearing called to consider public comments regarding the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which will take place over May 29th and 30th.  It will be chaired by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and include a panel of senior officials from member agencies of the Trade Policy Staff Committee.
The Turkish government, has, in recent months, lobbied Washington aggressively for inclusion in a proposed far-ranging Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the U.S. and the European Union, as well as for its own U.S.-Turkey bilateral free trade agreement.  The ANCA, consistent with a joint written statement submitted earlier this month to the USTR along with the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), will encourage the U.S. government to require, as a pre-condition for any trade deals involving Turkey, that the Turkish government have fully withdrawn its unlawful military occupation of Cyprus, unconditionally lifted its illegal economic blockade of Armenia, and ended all obstacles to trade, investment, and other forms of commerce has Ankara imposed on Cyprus and Armenia.
The full text of the joint AHI-HALC-ANCA testimony is available on the ANCA website:
https://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=2274
Also offering testimony will be a broad range of corporate, labor, citizens, and trade associations, including U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AFL-CIO, American Insurance Association, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, Software Information Industry Association, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Public Citizen, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Consumer Federation of America, Underwriters Laboratories, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Transatlantic Business Council, American Association of Exporters and Importers, American Apparel and Footwear Association, and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
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Preliminary investigation on the part of abuses found in SSSS Gyumri subdivision completed

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7823_b (1)In the framework of the criminal case initiated on the abuses recorded in the process of fixing and paying pensions the preliminary investigation on the part of abuses found in territorial subdivision of Gyumri was completed.

According to the factual data obtained during the pre-trial proceeding 5 persons were accused of squandering a particularly large amount of pension money, funeral benefits and heritable money committed by the employees of Gyumri territorial subdivision from 2008 to 2010.

Thus,

Eduard Varzhapetyan was charged with squandering a particularly large amount of pension depositor money of 4. 337. 835 AMD and official forgery committed by a group together with Artur Abrahamyan -according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Article 314 of RA Criminal Code.

Artur Abrahamyan was charged with squandering a particularly large amount of pension depositor money of 4. 337. 835 AMD committed by a group together with Eduard Varzhapetyan, supporting the latter to commit official forgery, forging documents, squandering a significant amount of funeral benefits and heritable money of 71.932.125 AMD by a group together with Kima Piloyan, as well as squandering a significant amount of pension money of 13. 990.929 AMD committed by a group together with Kima Piloyan and A. Khachatryan – according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179, the Article 38-314 and the Part 1 of the Article 325 of RA Criminal Code.

Kima Piloyan was accused of squandering a significant amount of funeral benefits and heritable money of 71.932.125 AMD committed by a group together with Artur Abrahamyan, as well as squandering a significant amount of pension money of 13. 990.929 AMD and forging documents committed by a group together with Artur Abrahamyan and Anya Khachatryan – according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Part 1 of the Article 325 of RA Criminal Code.

Ruben Mnatsakanyan was accused of causing a property damage of 85.923.054 AMD to the state in the result of abusing official authorities – according to the Part 2 of the Article 308 of RA Criminal Code.

Anya Khachatryan was involved as a defendant for squandering a significant amount of pension money of 5.884.397 AMD and forging documents committed by a group together with Artur Abrahamyan and Kima Piloyan – according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Part 1 of the Article 325 of RA Criminal Code. The part on Anya Khachatryan was separated as a separate proceeding and detained. Measures are taken to find her.

The preliminary investigation on the part of E. Varzhapetyan, A. Abrahamyan, K. Piloyan and R. Mnatsakanyan was completed. The materials were given to the parties to get acquainted with.

We remind that in May, 2011 a criminal case was initiated on the abuses recorded in the process of fixing and paying pensions in the Department of State Interest Protection of RA Prosecutor General’s Office, the implementation of the preliminary investigation of it was tasked to the Investigation Department of Especially Important Cases of General Investigation Department of RA Police adjunct to government.

In general, 60 persons were involved as a defendant on the case. The preliminary investigation on 13 of them is in process.
10 criminal cases on 41 persons were sent to court with the bill of indictment.

Totally, the damage caused to the state by this crime makes 965.039.611 AMD 602.474.171 AMD of which is on the parts in the process of preliminary investigation.

Abuses were found in territorial subdivision of State Service of Social Security of Armavir, as well in the direction of which a preliminary investigation is being carried out. The professional examinations appointed in territorial subdivisions, post branches of Masis and Kotayq are in final phase.

 

Armenia: Anyone Want a Factory?

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նաիրիտYerevan rubber factory may be moribund but its staff are still hoping it will bounce back.
By Arpi Beglaryan – Caucasus
CRS Issue 688,

At a major industrial plant in Armenia that shut down three years ago, the employees are still holding out hope that an investor will come in and revive production.

Staff at the Nairit rubber factory, located in the capital Yerevan, remain on the payroll even though nothing is being made there.

“This is the third year since production halted at Nairit, and 70 per cent of the staff sit at home on two-thirds pay,” said Serzhik Bezhanyan, a long-serving foreman. “The other 30 per cent come into work to keep the factory in decent shape and make sure that nothing gets stolen and that it doesn’t fall into disrepair…. They receive full pay, although they get it late.”

On April 29, workers held a demonstration outside the Armenian government, demanding payment of back wages for the last ten months.

Berzhanyan was less than optimistic that wages would now start being paid on time. After a similar demonstration in November 2012 last year, officials pledged not only to pay 11 months in wage arrears but also to restart production. Berzhanyan said there had been several previous protests followed by similar promises.

“Every time, after each protest, we get paid our wages for one or two months, and then the debts mount up again,” he said. “If it’s possible to pay out the money, why don’t they do so beforehand? If they need to borrow money to do it, why don’t they take out a bigger loan? We don’t understand what’s going on.”

Launched in 1940, Nairit played a key role in the Soviet economy as the only manufacturer of synthetic rubber. It also branched out into a range of other chemical products.

The Armenian government says it would take 512 million US dollars to get Nairit back on its feet – 146 million to pay off past debts, and 366 million for a modernisation programme.

In 2006, Nairit was acquired by a consortium including Polish, United States and Russian companies, with the Armenian state retaining a ten per cent stake. But the factory’s debts continued mounting until they exceeded the value of the shares, so control reverted to the bank which had underwritten the investment.

A big explosion at the factory in 2009 was a further setback for production.

In 2011, a tender to manage Nairit company was won by a German firm, but it subsequently disappeared.

On April 15 this year, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan said three companies had already submitted business plans. He would not name them, but said a major Russian oil firm, Rosneft, was now putting out feelers.

“Rosneft has not made any investment proposals; it’s only coming to that now,” he told the online news servicewww.1in.am. “Rosneft is one of the world’s largest companies, and if it has expressed an [interest], that has to be a major coup for Armenia.”

The Moscow newspaper Izvestia reports that Russia has agreed to offer a loan of 400 million US dollars for Nairit.

Even with possible investors on the horizon, there are question marks over whether Nairit can compete in a modern global economy, and what it would cost to get it into shape.

According to Tatul Manaseryan, an economist and head of the Alternativa think-tank, “With every year, the factory’s products become less attractive and important to the world market. We used to occupy a leading position, but now our rubber and other products are less competitive… than Chinese companies make.”

Manaseryan said that if the plant was salvageable, the right kind of investor would need to be found to take it on.

“There may be giant companies or international corporations for which the risk is acceptable, and which can afford to invest without tangible, immediate results or quick profits,” he said.

Bezhanyan said he had heard promises of imminent deals before.

“Every time, they tell us that talks are going on and that in time, the factory will operate properly again,” he said. “Some British people and Russians have been here to look at the factory, and there’s hope production will be revived, though we don’t know when.”

Although the Nairit factory has retained staff, Manaseryan warns that key technical expertise has been lost as Armenians leave the country in large numbers.

“We have to take into account that many of the engineers and technicians have already left Armenia. This exodus is not a new problem, but to retain the remaining workers and train up good people, we need to launch targeted programmes and reassure the remaining workers that they will keep their jobs,” he said.

Arpi Beglaryan is a reporter for the emedia.am website in Armenia.

 

President Bako Sahakyan signed a decree and an order

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QG3Z2884Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan signed a decree according to which for personal bravery shown in battles defending the Fatherland freedom fighters Ararat Avanesyan and Arthur Gasparyan were awarded with “For the Liberation of Shoushi” medal.

The President also signed an order on handing in valuable gifts to a group of Artsakh Liberation war veterans and to a freedom fighter’s widow in connection with the Victory Day, the Day of the NKR Defense Army and the 21st anniversary of Shoushi’s liberation.

 

Opening the monument of perished freedom fighters in the village of Patara

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20.05.13PataraHushahamalirOn 20 May Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the village of Patara in the Askeran region and partook there in a solemn ceremony of opening the monument of perished freedom fighters.
In his speech the Head of the State considered important the construction of such monuments perpetuating the memory of heroes martyred for the independence and freedom of the Motherland and thanked all those who contributed to the implementation of this patriotic initiative.
Bako Sahakyan noted that the residents of the Patara village, who devotedly fought in all the fronts of Artsakh and demonstrated themselves as brave and courageous fighter, today continue to serve in the Defense Army. He expressed confidence that the residents of the village would continue to live and work with the same vigor to the glory of our state and nation.
The President handed in state awards and valuable gifts to a group of Artsakh Liberation War veterans.
Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, chairman of the National Assembly Ashot Ghoulyan and other officials partook in the events.

 

 

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