Thursday, 15 December 2011 12:31

The Armed Forces is above any political party, individual, or doctrine. It is, what we believe the entity that forms the backbone of the Nation. It is the guarantor of the Armenian independence and the safety of the Armenian people. Improvement of this ever vital entity is of interest to all Armenians. Independents, pro-Government, Opposition members, all have sons and daughters living in Armenia. They have businesses and property in that country. Their sons, brothers, and fathers (always with obvious and unfair exceptions) serve in the Armed Forces. Many living in the Diaspora also have relatives in Armenia. And many of those who don’t, most certainly care about their ancestral Homeland. It is clear that what the Armed Forces means to Armenians worldwide is a subject that is above politics and shouldn’t be made into a political tool.

There are obvious problems. Unfortunately, the numerous "working" or "official" meetings and eloquent speeches about the "value" of a soldier's life are not producing tangible and satisfactory results. The non-combat deaths of young Armenian soldiers stands at a rate of about (somewhat lower than) 1 soldier per week. Up to this point, the results have been as following. In each case, criminal charges have been filed and those who have committed such crimes have been imprisoned. To the credit of the Armenian Armed Forces, the 1-88 hotline (Թեժ Գիծ) has also been established. But this is simply not enough. We are not dictating anything to the Ministry of Defense. We are not in a position to do so and that is not our goal. We are by no means experts in military affairs and we do not claim to be such. However, our goal is to bring attention to the problem and suggest solutions based on common sense.

This article is not about any individual or group of individuals. We'll leave that to politicians and political parties to decide. However, the reasons why a call for Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan's resignation will most likely not be effective in ameliorating this issue are the following:

1) As a minister of defense, one would not want his soldiers to die. Logic dictates that commanders and generals enjoy leading and boasting larger and more disciplined armies. So his fault is not one which includes malice in that he doesn't intentionally want soldiers to get killed. The only real question is whether the Minister is not doing enough to preventing non-combat deaths.

2) If we presume that he is not doing enough, who would be replacing him if and when he does resign? And what are the chances that the next MOD will not follow the same path of not doing enough? (Again, note that we are not speaking about him being evil, or intentionally wanting young Armenian soldiers to die) Since there are no clear alternatives we reserve our judgment and do not call on anyone's resignation. Additionally, if we presume that he is doing as much as he can, the question becomes, what we as a society, can do to help.

3) The system of hazing, a remnant from the Soviet system plays a crucial role in this matter. However, this shoudl not be an excuse to further delay any urgent reforms. 

When it comes down to such tragic proportions mentioned above, it becomes crucial to:

1) Install COMPETENT and FULL TIME military psychologists in each barrack or sub-unit to ensure that Soviet-era hazing and the directly resulting "suicides" will be diagnosed and curtailed by professionals;

2) Ensure and BRING ABOUT CLOSURE TO THE LOOPHOLES which allow draft dodging based on connections or financial ability. Additionally, take away the available discretion granted to the individuals who assign conscripts to units and install a random lottery selection and assignment system instead. Not only such moves would make service much more fair for everyone, and not force only poor citizens to serve in the front lines, while those with better financial means serve in the “less dangerous” zones, but will also ensure that those with connections and means would lobby for a better overall service experience across the line (as there will be a chance that their sons will serve in any given unit). Justice is fairness.;

3) Launch a PRE-CONSCRIPTION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM for entering soldiers and the general public at large in which each Armenian television or media outlet can dedicate 5 minutes of their air time or a column to this issue; AND

4) PUBLICLY prosecute and punish the responsible parties and culprits of these most heinous crimes against the Nation with extra harshness. (This will demonstrate to the new generation of soldiers that being a bully does not pay and they very well will be paraded on National tv in handcuffs and will not get away with such acts)

If funding shall be a concern, the government can respectfully ask those officials and those with business interests, whose sons are magically exempted from serving in the Armed forces (except those who are medically exempt or waiting to finish their higher education). While according to some, they already do a lot, like sponsoring events and athletes, they should do more. No true parent will ever exchange their child's health, life, or safety for any amount of money. If these selected few do not children who are serving in the Armed Forces, the least they can do is ensure that the rest of the society will have an opportunity to enjoy the presence of their children after sending them off to protect the homeland for two years.

This is not a stab at the government, or a case for the opposition. It goes without saying, that this is also not a pro-Government article, nor one written against the opposition. Those who will attempt to use this text as such will be fools. Those who know our Organization must already know that we stand above and beyond any political faction, party, side, etc.

We greatly respect those who have served our homeland with honor, dedication, and utmost courage. We believe that this issue is of vital importance to our National sovereignty and if left untamed, will present itself as an existential threat to our Republic. Therefore, it must receive the most urgent attention of the Armenians worldwide. The need for combat readiness of the Armenian Armed Forces is one of the few issues that all Armenians must agree on.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

Friday, 25 November 2011 16:43

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

Thursday, 24 November 2011 21:20

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian paid an official visit to Denmark. Minister Nalbandian first attended the opening ceremony of the Armenian Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark, featuring Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs Nikolay Vamen, high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors accredited in Copenhagen, representatives of the Armenian community.

Speaking at the event, Minister Nalbandian noted: “Raising the Armenian flag in the capital of Denmark, we demonstrate our willingness to raise our bilateral relations to a new level.”

Minister Nalbandian referred to the historic ties between Armenia and Denmark, the humanism the Danish missionaries demonstrated towards Armenian Genocide survivors, the assistance provided after the earthquake of 1988, as well as the support to Armenia ever since independence.

The Armenian Foreign Minister voiced hope that the opening of the Embassy would contribute to the deepening of comprehensive relations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs Nikolay Vamen highly appreciated the decision of the Armenian authorities to establish a diplomatic mission in Denmark. He hailed the dynamically developing relations between Armenia and the European Union and voiced hope that the bilateral relations would seriously advance thanks to joint efforts.

Source: Armenian Public Radio

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

Written by Harut Sassounian Tuesday, 22 November 2011 12:48

In a few weeks, when high-priced Turkish lobbying firms file their mandatory reports with the Justice Department, important revelations will  emerge about their behind the scenes role in pushing through Congress a bill which would give Turkish companies a monopoly for investments in American Indian tribal lands.

These reports would disclose the chain of contacts leading to the approval of Resolution 2362, the “Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011,” by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources by a vote of 27 to 15, on November 17.

One should not be surprised to learn that this innocent sounding resolution, meant to “facilitate economic development by Indian tribes and encourage investment by Turkish enterprises,” was gliding through Congress helped by the lavish flow of funds -- the mother’s milk of politics -- to some House members.

Of course, there is nothing wrong in helping Native Americans to attract foreign investments, except that Congress was being asked to give preferential treatment to a single country -- Turkey! Strangely, majority of the Committee members were willing to go along with this unusual and illegal request, ignoring strong warnings from the Congressional Research Service that extending special privileges to only one country would violate provisions of major U.S. trade agreements -- Most Favored Nation (MFN), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and World Trade Organization (WTO).

Moreover, there was no need whatsoever for Congress to approve a pilot program for any one country, when the same Committee was simultaneously considering a more inclusive bill -- House Resolution 205 -- which would provide to all countries an equal opportunity to trade with and invest in Indian tribal lands. In fact, the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs testified that he had serious reservations about Resolution 2362. That is why he preferred to support Resolution 205 which would “foster the same goals…on a broader scale.” When Cong. John Sarbanes (Dem.-Maryland) tried to introduce an amendment to expand the scope of Resolution 2362 beyond Turkey, it was ruled out of order due to a technicality.

Before the vote, several Armenian-American and Greek-American organizations submitted to the House Committee letters in opposition to Resolution 2362, pointing out the impropriety and illegality of giving Turkey a monopolistic access to Indian tribal lands. These organizations raised five key objections to Congress extending special privileges to Turkey because that country:
1) Remains an unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against millions of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians.
2) Continues to blockade Armenia, occupy Cyprus, confront Israel, attack Kurds, and undermine U.S. regional interests.
3) Threatens U.S. commercial interests in the Mediterranean region.
4) Is linked to American Turkish entities suspected of involvement in illegal activities.
5) Supports Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

The possible aim of the proponents of Resolution 2362 is to pass this particular bill before the more inclusive Resolution 205 is approved, in order to give Turkey a head start and undeserved advantage over all other nations. Turkey could then strike exclusive trade deals with Indian tribes for up to 25 years, renewable for two additional terms of 25 years each, for a total of 75 years. This means that by the time companies from other countries have a chance to sign contracts with Indian tribes, Turkish firms would have snatched up the most lucrative deals, leaving the others empty-handed.

Immediately after the Committee’s adoption of Resolution 2362, Turkish Americans and the Turkish Embassy inWashington rushed to celebrate a premature victory. The Turkish Coalition of America issued a press release on November 17, expressing its joy that the Resolution was approved by the Committee, and would soon be adopted by the full House. That same night, the Turkish Embassy hosted a reception in Washington “to mark American Indian andAlaska Native Heritage Month and celebrate the successful passage of H.R. 2362 out of the House Natural Resources Committee.” Turkey’s illustrious Ambassador Namik Tan was personally tweeting pictures of American Indians in their native costumes as the festivities were taking place at the Embassy.

The Ambassador should be reminded that a victory celebration is premature because there are no guarantees that this defective bill would ever reach the House floor, let alone the Senate, since it grossly violates a number of U.S. trade agreements. Even if the bill receives Congressional approval, American civic organizations and many countries would file lawsuits to block this discriminatory piece of legislation.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites