Armenia and Orlando

*Also on Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Armenia president Serj Sargsyan strongly condemns “horrendous manifestation of intolerance” and “any expression of hatred”. At least, this is how he formulated his reaction to Orlando in a letter of condolences to the US president Obama following attack on LGBT club Pulse.

President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of condolences to the President of the United States Barack Obama on a horrible terrorist act which took place at a club in Orlando, claiming several dozens of innocent lives and wounded. The President of Armenia strongly condemned this horrendous manifestation of intolerance and underscored that the misfortune, that has befallen the friendly American people, proves once again that any expression of hatred is still a serious challenge to the humanity and it is our shared responsibility and mission to address them.

ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ՍԵՐԺ ՍԱՐԳՍՅԱՆԸ ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՀԵՌԱԳԻՐ Է ՀՂԵԼ ԱՄՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ԲԱՐԱՔ ՕԲԱՄԱՅԻՆ 13.06.2016 Նախագահ Սերժ Սարգսյանը ցավակցական հեռագիր է հղել Ամերիկայի Միացյալ Նահանգների Նախագահ Բարաք Օբամային՝ Օռլանդո քաղաքի ակումբում տեղի ունեցած սահմռկեցուցիչ ահաբեկչության կապակցությամբ, որի հետևանքով զոհվել և վիրավորվել են մի քանի տասնյակ անմեղ մարդիկ: Հանրապետության Նախագահը խստորեն դատապարտել է անհանդուրժողականության այս զարհուրելի երևույթը և ընդգծել, որ բարեկամ ամերիկացի ժողովրդին պատուհասած այդ դժբախտությունը կրկին ապացուցեց, որ ատելության բոլոր դրսևորումները, որոնց հաղթահարումը բոլորի հավաքական պարտքն ու առաքելությունն է, նույնիսկ 21-րդ դարում շարունակում են մնալ լրջագույն մարտահրավեր մարդկության համար:

4 years ago his party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov (currently deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament) endorsed firebombers of gay friendly DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan.

“All those who are trying to protect homosexuals, who are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity. As an Armenian citizen and member of a national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals, who have created a den of perversion in our country and have a goal of alienating the society from its moral values, completely right and justified. And those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values”, said Eduard Sharmazanov.

He echoed his colleague, MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan (currently minister of economy) who justified the attack towards LGBT friendly bar, saying the firebombers acted in accordance with the "context of our societal & national ideology, in the right way”. It was then revealed that Armenian MPs from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan bailed out one of the detained arsonists, while the other one was released on signature that he won’t leave the country.

DIY firebombers were effectively pardoned. They got conditional sentencing and a symbolic fine.

And now Armenia president condemns Orlando using pretty strong wording, albeit without the mention of “LGBT”. A change of heart or simply a hypocrisy directed at outside world? How genuine Armenia president was when condemning Orlando would be determined by whether his regime would indeed crack down on anti-LGBT hatred inside Armenia.

Following Orlando, a significant proportion of users (not just trolls) on Armenian social networks, particularly the Armenian segment of Facebook, either kept silence or could not resist their ‘happiness’ at killing of LGBT people.

They were effectively proclaiming the killer a hero. These are the same people who change their profile pictures demanding the world to recognise the Armenian Genocide. These are the same people who were outraged when an axe murderer of Armenian was pardoned by Azeri president and turned into a ‘national hero’.

One of the organisers of Orlando solidarity event in Yerevan, executive director of PINK Armenia Mamikon Hovsepyan, said “it was painful for him to witness Armenians’ reaction to the attack, which included advocacy of hatred and insults targeting the LGBT+ community.”

“People without the elementary capacity to think began to justify the criminal. I do not understand how a crime against humanity can be justified. Many in Armenia have been aggressive and have even expressed support for the terrorists, inviting them to Armenia, which is very sad and inhumane. Today we came here to express our solidarity with the families of the victims.” Hovsepyan said.

The activist added that he was left “dumbstruck” by Armenian President, head of ruling Republican Party Serzh Sargsyan sending his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama in connection with the shooting; “It would have been great had [the condolences] been genuine and heartfelt. But I don’t believe it; because the same party that justified 4 years ago [the attack on a LGBT-friendly pub in Yerevan] today extended its condolences in connection with a similar act. I do find it ironic, and yet I’d like to believe that they’ve changed.” 

It was disheartening to read PINK Armenia calling fellow Armenians ‘to respect innocent victims & not defend terrorist acts’.

We call on our fellow Armenian friends and citizens to respect the innocent victims, and not to defend terrorism and terrorist acts.

Կոչ ենք անում մեր հայրենակիցներին հարգել անմեղ զոհերին, այլ ոչ թե պաշտպանել ահաբեկչությունն ու ահաբեկչական գործողությունները։

Even two main US-based Diaspora Armenian publications (Asbarez and The Armenian Weekly) kept silence on Orlando for 3 days, before posting a more general op-ed or a report from Yerevan. As my Facebook friends noted, it's because no straight Armenian was killed.

I have to say that mainstream media in Armenia, at least on this occasion, overall reported on the events respectfully, including regarding LGBT people (example).

As was mentioned on the Russian service of BBC, in relation to reactions in Russia, this event showed that not everyone in our society a homophobe ("У нас есть четкое понимание того, что общество уже не едино в гомофобии.”). This is applicable to Armenia too. Not necessarily the most optimistic conclusion but a basis for hope.

#PUTinOUT - protesters in Armenia say “Putin, you are not welcome”, denounce ruling regime

Russian president Putin's visit in Armenia happened on a day when Soviets took over control of independent first Republic of Armenia (2 December 1920). Symbolic, eh? Loss of the independence a century ago, the effective loss of the independence now, after Armenia ruling regime ditched the EU integration in favour of Russia-led customs union. The election motto of Armenia’s ruling republican party was “forward, Armenia”. In practice, they have been doing whatever possible and impossible to turn Armenia steadily into a backwards direction.

*Source: Photolure

People took to the streets in Yerevan to say “Putin, you are not welcome in Armenia”, or using Twitter language - #PUTinOUT. They were out in the streets to denounce ruling regime.

*source: shushanblansh

A very diverse “Sovereign Armenia Initiative Group", including a range from ultra-nationalist, far right to very liberal groups and individuals was established on Facebook, with the aim to hold protest actions against Russian president Putin’s visit to Armenia and against decision by Armenia’s ruling regime to join the Russia-led customs union. In a statement, the Initiative says “Armenians are protesting their government’s September 3rd decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union and pull back from the EU Association Agreement”. The statement then continues: “If implemented, the Russian-lead Customs Union, as the latest attempt by Putin to reestablish formal control of former soviet states, would hand over significant portions of Armenian sovereignty to a primarily Russian controlled and unaccountable commission. As such, membership in this union is unconstitutional and illegal. Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union was a direct result of Russian pressure unbefitting 21st century diplomacy, and more inline with archaic imperial ambitions. Moreover President Serzh Sargsyan, having come to power through fraudulent elections, lacks the legitimacy to make such a decision or to speak on behalf of the Armenian people or in the name of Armenian national interest.”

Reflecting massive protests of revolutionary scale in Ukraine, the Armenian Initiative expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian protesters: “As a sign of solidarity and taking inspiration from the Ukrainian people, Armenians will be carrying Ukrainian flags and expressing their support for their compatriots in Ukraine.” Quite a few of Armenian and Ukrainian flags were later confiscated by police.

Around 1000 people participated in a protest action that was unprecedented for Armenia, considering traditional pro-Russia stance and huge pro-Russia propaganda. A massive detention of estimated 110 protesters followed (most if not all of them were later released). This was truly a police state in progress in Armenia and an indication of things to come with the putinisation of Armenia.

*source: Photolure

The protest action started early in the morning when activists put up large signs in different Yerevan locations denouncing ruling regime and Russia’s president visit. Several activists were detained and later released. Detentions, intimidation followed throughout the day.



“#PUTinOUT”, “Russia is for sad people”, “No to putinism”, “Serj has no people’s mandate”, “Stop RUSSIA” (with “SS” written in red)… these are just few of numerous posters hold by protesters.

*source: CivilNet.am

*source: @nkayserian

It was unprecedented on so many levels. In what was a historic first time ever in Armenia, a rainbow flag was used during a protest action.

*source: @nkayserian

This resulted in a brief scuffle, when ultranationalist participants of the march (from Hayazn group) attacked and harassed activists holding a rainbow flag. For more details - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia - Historic first: Armenia activist holds rainbow flag during #PUTinOUT protest action in Yerevan

Sadly, few days ago, a well known Soviet dissident Natalya Gorbanevskaya passed away. She famously organised a protest action against Soviets military intervention into Czechoslovakia in 1968: “For your and our freedom”. Simple words, and so deep in meaning, and so telling. Current as ever. Revolution in Ukraine. Protests in Armenia. "За вашу и нашу свободу”.

P.S. As news on protest action kept coming, another news broke that ArmRosGazprom is losing the “Arm” part, with Gazprom taking over 100% of the ownership.

Re Heritage MP Zaruhi Postanjyan CoE question: It's not about question per se, she is making a point!

True, making unsubstantiated claims - even if to humiliate a person who deserves it - is not necessarily my type of thing, or to my liking. True, I wish Zaruhi used other than casino question to humiliate president Serj Sargsyan, because there are many more substantiated claims one could have made for those purposes. But the casino question is not the point here.


The whole political system in Armenia is a joke. The real scandals are not being discussed and dealt with by politicians or mainstream media, only the cheap shots, tricks, conspiracies and gossips. Some went as far as to resort to racist remarks towards Zaruhi:

Lawmakers from Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) were particularly furious with Postanjian’s embarrassing verbal attack, comparing it with high treason. “Today Zaruhi Postanjian was more of a Turk than any Turk, more of an Azerbaijani than any Azerbaijani,” one of them, Karen Avagian, wrote on his Facebook account. 

I also read in quite a few places on Facebook that this is 'damaging to Armenia's reputation'. Really?! So it's because of this kind of stupid or not so questions Armenia reputation gets tarnished? I do not think so.

Imagine Zaruhi is asking the most refined politically relevant question in a calm intelligent manner... And? Do you have any doubts what the answers to those questions would be? It will be the usual blah blah blah by Serj. Don't get me wrong. I do agree in usefulness of 'real question' challenging, but this is just another legitimate tactic of defying the authorities.

Concentrating on 'casino question' is missing the point here.

The real point Zaruhi was making was not in a casino question but right before that when she was explaining why any other questioning would be irrelevant, i.e. fraudulent elections that keep this person (Armenia president Serj Sargsyan) & co in power.

This is very relevant to CoE and EU too, as by accepting the election results they gave Serj the legitimacy. Something they were hoping to get back in return to his 'European agenda' promises which turned out to be another farce of its own.
***
Recommended reading (AM): Զարուհին չէր կարող չասել այն, ինչ ասաց

From my archive: Zaruhi Postanjyan: “Fearless In Face Of Authority”

Armenia: ...when the ‘victory’ against transport fare hikes is good news for the authorities

My first comment about the protest action against transport fare hikes in Yerevan was on Twitter on 20th July:

Re transport price hike in #Yerevan - I wonder if genuine anger was encouraged by #Armenia authorities to distract, solve internal conflicts 

I didn’t comment much afterwards. I could see genuine passion of civic activists and non-activists, ordinary people, who were united for a purpose. What I liked the most re anti-fare-hikes civic action: people stepping up to offer free transportation for those in need.

When you then suddenly see most of pro-regime media, ‘stars’, personalities etc. in support of the action, you realise a relatively safe bet is in place here. The support and encouragement from pro-regime forces was so blatant that at times overwhelming. It was in line with what some high level officials wanted. To deal with their internal conflicts over the control and influences. Presidential administration, PM, government, Taron the mayor, ‘chorni Gago’ the minister, other oligarchs or so called owners of these transport lines...

When I heard today Armenia PM effectively supporting civic protests against transport fare hikes, followed by “suspension” of fare hikes, I could not help myself but go back to my earlier tweet.

I don't want to break the heart of activists, ordinary people who genuinely acted against unreasonable and unjustified increase in transport fare. After all the failures when it comes to bigger, REAL problems, e.g. inability to change the ruling regime via election, these small victories give hope to people and motivate them. This is a good and positive factor in itself, indeed.

Unfortunately, you do not see much similar examples when it comes to politically motivated arrests, dependent courts, corruption, protection of rights and freedom. If only such passion and unity occurs and directed to the root cause of problems...

Unfortunately, the ‘victory’ today was a victory against consequence not the cause... This is exactly what the authorities want. Concentrate on secondary things, get distracted from the root causes of the problem(s). Good news for the authorities, after all.

Will Yerevan election bring what Armenia presidential election fails to achieve?

Here we are. Less than a day before crucial Yerevan council and mayor election. This could either be the ‘official’ end of the process started with #armvote13 presidential election in February or its transformation to a different level, if opposition takes control of Armenia capital.

Low numbers for recent rallies of main opposition parties, including HAK (Armenian National Congress party) and ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, are indicative of general mood of disillusionment in political processes in Armenia. Obviously, I am not even considering here any attempt at comparison with gatherings by ruling Republican party, as we all know that people go there by orders rather than voluntarily.

*Hope* for free and fair election may only materialise if the election observers from all opposition parties and civil society stick to their promise of putting aside party or other differences for the task of proper monitoring. In this sense it was good to hear ex-president Ter-Petrosyan calling for the same. However, whether this will turn into reality remains to be seen. Also, good to see so many election observers lined up for the 5th May election.

*Hope* for change will come if silent majority decides to vote and cast their protest vote, just like they did during presidential election in February, despite disillusionment in political parties. We will know about it in a matter of less than 24 hours.

Opposition mayor will be a huge contribution to changes in Armenia. Having Republican party 're-elected' means that we will not witness any substantial changes in the following 4-5 years, only cosmetic ones.

On a personal sympathy level, among all candidates I support Armen Martirosyan for the position of mayor, although quite a few young people in opposition HAK list are also highly sympathetic to me.

So I would urge anyone to go cast their vote and vote for either #barevolution movement “Barev Yerevan” bloc, headed by Armen Martirosyan of opposition Heritage party (of presidential challenger ex-FM Raffi Hovhannisyan), or opposition HAK party lists.

[for a good roundup of Yerevan election process, read Yerevan’s May 5 Election: Stakes and Specifics by Tamara Voskanian in Asbarez]

Armenia: from the most predictable and ‘safe’ election to slap in the face for ruling regime

The outcome was predictable. Incumbent president won. Well, “officially”. Armenia's ruling regime would never voluntarily *ok* 2nd round of election as this would be = defeat for them. Only the revolt of the masses could possibly force such transformation.

The predictability of Armenian elections is becoming a painful sign to the extent that at times I wonder: why bother following the news if you can simply use material from previous years, copy paste and change the date. From the process of voting to the outcome and international observers’ (OSCE/ODIHR) verdict. Same old, same old. 

As soon as polling stations closed, the results of regime-sponsored 'exit poll' were announced, giving incumbent president 58%, and Raffi 32%. To remind, exit polls in Armenia are conducted by fake Gallup with the help of discredited Armenian Sociological Association. Basically, a double fake.

The only reason Armenia authorities started using fake Gallup is to provide sense of legitimacy for their f*-ed up election, a kind of PR coup for both internal [psychological intervention to prepare for pictured percentages] and external consumption [‘hey, here we are, we commissioned ‘exit polls’, with the “Gallup” name on it’ - a successful tactic, as this gets subsequently cited by international media, without any checking of the real source of such ‘exit poll’]. 


And... surprise-surprise: With all polling stations cast, the preliminary official results are 58.6% for incumbent vs 36.7% for Raffi.

Numerous images of intentionally invalidated ballot papers (as a sign of protest) could be found on Facebook or media reports. Ironically, this helped incumbent to increase his %.



The most sensational result of the night, however, was a crushing defeat of incumbent in Armenia’s second city Gyumri, with Raffi getting a massive 70% (!)

Even with official numbers (36.7%) I do not trust, this protest vote for Raffi is more than I expected. And here is hoping, after all.

This is no less than a big slap in the face for incumbent president. Plus, as ‏@Akhtamar89 added: "@unzippedblog Good! It might also be a slap in the face for all those who withheld their votes or gave into bribes thinking they've no voice
".

While I sympathise Raffi and endorsed him for the election, he is not necessarily your typical fighter figure for mass mobilisation. Unless people took to the streets and make Raffi fight for his votes, it’s difficult to imagine any changes in election results.

Nevertheless, a sheer volume of protest votes will act as a signal for the authorities that they are getting too close to the boiling point (if not reached already), and the reforms are inevitable. Armenia will change as a result of this election.
***
And in case you were wondering, a predictable verdict of international observers: election was "in line..." and a "step forward". [From friend’s FB status : ODIHR. Oh, dear.]

Their attitude was summed up perfectly by this hilarious Twitter account @OSCEIntObserver: "We don't understand what all the fuss is about. Isn't #Armenia just a Russian exclave? Like Kaliningrad? #armvote13"

Another classic from ‏@OSCEIntObserver (in response to my tweet that I started working on election related blog post): "@unzippedblog You should do what we do. Our report was written long before election day. #armvote13 #Armenia"


And the video of the day. How activists stole the show at international observers’ press conference. 




P.S. For more updates and insight on #armvote13 and more, see my Twitter page @unzippedblog


Armenia: Theatre of absurd called “presidential election” (or shall I say “assassination”?)

On Twitter, I said I was not sure who could have ordered this ‘assassination attempt’ towards one of presidential candidates Paruyr Hayrikyan but speculations and conspiracy theories were abound. I could not imagine Armenia authorities would want to postpone the election as no candidate, let alone Hayrikyan, pose any real risk to them. PR? Provocation? But why? Framing others?

These were the question marks I posed in the immediate aftermath of this ‘assassination attempt’. Now these question marks reduced to one: PR.

The only person who (at least initially) gained PR-wise was the ‘victim of assassination’ himself. The only possible change this may result in, if at all: some re-ordering in the placing of election runners-up (No.2, No.3 or No.4).

And here we are: 'Victim of assassination' #Hayrikyan won't seek #armvote13 delay. Of course, he won't. It's his 'star moment' #Armenia #theatre [one of my latest Twitter updates @unzippedblog]

Apologies for cynicism, but the ‘victim’ got the best opportunity of public exposure that no campaign would have ever provided to him.

He got a prime time coverage focusing on his persona, with almost non-stop ‘exclusive’ interviews during which recovering Hayrikyan put forward versions of the incident from the strange to the bizarre.

While initially quite a few activists, commentators were more supportive of Hayrikyan, things have changed as soon as he started elaborating on the possible reasons and details of this incident.

He blamed ‘special agents’, current or former KGB or whatever. He claimed he started remembering the face of the ‘assassin’, and he reckons the ‘assassin’ is not Armenian because... he (the ‘assassin’ that is) didn’t say a word in Armenian (!) So not only that ‘special agent assassin’ didn’t cover his face but he was expected to have a lovely chat with perhaps a cup of tea with the intended ‘target’...

Even “assassination attempts” during this election are extremely boring. And very safe, indeed. [I am happy that it was safe, of course, but that’s not the point]

You want the reality show where borders between fiction, theatre and the reality are hardly discernible? Welcome to Armenia. The whole country turned into a big theatre with a play on stage called #armvote13.

Prepare your popcorn. Seat back. Relax. And press the button. Or do not.

In the meantime, the best to come out of this election is DIY satire, internet meme and similar that Facebook and other online forums are full with.

Armenia’s incumbent president: why bother campaigning?

Looking at Serj’s campaigning one may wonder why he bothers to campaign at all? The only reason he campaigns is to show the international community that this election is not a farce but rather ‘exemplary’ one. Ironically, with each passing day, he is making more and more mistakes, to put it mildly, damaging further his reputation. Not that this decreases his chances to be elected. With or without people’s votes.

Today, marking the Army Day, a woman managed to approach the president and started complaining about social hardship she is living in. This has angered Serj. Seriously. He had nothing better to say than get back to the woman and complain arrogantly that with her coming here and crying she is spoiling the holiday. This is more like a քուչի տղա response, rather than president’s.

Regardless how annoying or inappropriate this woman’s complain may seem to him, this is absolutely not a way any official, let alone president, should speak to the very people he (supposedly) serves.

Հայոց բանակի կազմավորման 21-րդ տարեդարձի առթիվ ՀՀ բարձրաստիճան պաշտոնյաները այսօր այցելել են Եռաբլուր պանթեոն, ծաղկեպսակներ դրել արցախյան հերոսամարտում զոհվածների շիրիմներին: Իսկ մինչ  Սերժ Սարգսյանի գլխավորությամբ բարձրաստիճան պաշտոնյաները կատարեցին իրենց պարտքը եւ ցանկանում էին լքել տարածքը, նրանց մոտեցավ մի կին եւ խնդրեց, որպեսզի լսեն իրեն, հաղորդում է Galatv.am-ը: Սերժ Սարգսյանին մոտեցած կինը հայտնեց, որ ապրում է ծայրահեղ ծանր պայմաններում: Նախ թիկնապահները փորձեցին հեռացնել նրան ճանապարհից, սակայն կնոջը հաջողվեց մոտենալ, իսկ երբ կինը լացակումած պատմում էր իր ապրելակերպի մասին, Սերժ Սարգսյանը արձագանքեց. «Եկել ես ստեղ, լաց ես լինում, մեր տոնը խանգարում ես, որ ի՞նչ անես»:

Read also:

“Towards secure Armenia”: Public admission of fail with bizarre stage-managed election campaign launch

and

It's Christmas Day in West and end of an era in Armenia politics

“Towards secure Armenia”: Public admission of fail with bizarre stage-managed election campaign launch

“Towards secure Armenia”- this is Armenia’s ruling republican party slogan for presidential campaign. Effectively, this is a very public admission that president failed in ensuring one of his main duties, as per Constitution:

Article 49 The President of the Republic shall be the guarantor of the independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic of Armenia. 

Their campaign launched with a music video where everyone is happy smiling and dancing literally everywhere. It depicts a disturbing picture of nation under drugs. The only dancing part that - unfortunately! - looks believable is dancing in the airport before the plane’s take off. “Towards secure Armenia”? Ha!

The very threat to the security of Armenia is a current political establishment headed by republican party with formally accepted neo-nazi style ideology. A party whose high level officials, including the spokesman, publicly and unashamedly support terrorism against a group of their own citizens and spread intolerance and discrimination towards anyone who does not fit into their ‘national standards’.

Never before my friends and relatives in Armenia were so indifferent to presidential election. It’s no news for them, just a time for occasional mocking (in a #funnysad way) looking at the clownery named “campaign” (with few exceptions of Heritage party leader, ex-FM Raffi Hovhannisyan and ex-PM Hrant Bagratyan).

Just how fake everything connected with the ruling republican party is perfectly illustrated in this video.... Not that we needed any additional proof. 

Here in this video, unzipping a blatant stage-management of the campaign, school children were trained to greet current Armenia president. The video then continues to present slightly different version of ruling party's presidential election campaign music clip. Closer to the reality.



And in case you were nostalgic of Soviet/Stalinist style “Dear party leader” nauseating lines, watch this pretty #funnysad clip from one of week No.1 election campaign meetings of current president Serj Sargsyan. I will never look at my childhood favourite Cheburashka the same way again. Not only they ruin the country. They ruin my childhood memories too.

It's Christmas Day in West and end of an era in Armenia politics

Here we are. It's Christmas Day in West, and now officially end of an era in Armenian politics, as ex-president and leader of (what remains of) opposition HAK group Levon Ter-Petrosyan formally withdrew his candidacy from upcoming presidential election citing age (68). Not surprising, considering the circumstances. Considering the fact that over the last 5 years he failed in building up a viable opposition force. He failed in contributing to the rise of new leaders ready and able to challenge the status quo on a national level.

That flirting - unashamedly - with oligarch-led party and the oligarch himself illustrated the impotency of those on the scene and inability to lead. Ironically, Gagik Tsarukyan (oligarch head of the BHK [‘Prosperous Armenia’] party) became ‘the only hope’ for the opposition. It was painful to see how political figures downgraded to become oligarch-pleasers.

Here is hoping this ‘end of an era’ will stimulate the rise of new political leaders to match an increasing importance and influence of civic activists in Armenia.

As for the February presidential election, the only candidate that I will support is the leader of Heritage party, Armenia ex-FM Raffi Hovhannisyan. Although I disagree with Raffi on number of internal and foreign issues, and criticised his populism in past, currently he is my favourite Armenian politician (compared to others in public view). I also respect immensely his post-DIY stance, when he came out in support, even though it was obvious this would not be in line with the majority of average voters and in defiance with the prevalent anti-gay hysteria. I will never forget his stance.

But there should be no doubt that Serj is the winner. I can safely say Armenia is heading to the most predictable presidential election. This time, he won't need any violations, any fraud. This could be a textbook example of 'free and fair elections' in Armenia. It will be 'picture perfect'.

‘Free and fair’ only from a technical point of view but never by essence.

Balloon explosion tragedy at Armenia ruling Republican party pre-election rally exposed blatant disregard to human lives

RFE/RL: “At least 144 people were hospitalized with burns after mass explosions of campaign balloons during a pre-election concert and rally held in Yerevan’s main square by President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) late on Friday.” 

My Question No.1: 

What on earth these balloons were filled in with?

Unconfirmed reports suggest that instead of helium they were filled in with cheap gas-like substances. I am inclined to believe this version.

My Question No. 2: 

Why after such huge incident "concert" continued? And why after such incident Armenia president went on to deliver his planned pre-election speech as if nothing happened?

No, it is NOT always OK to say: “Show must go on”.

RFE/RL reports: “President Sarkisian addressed the crowd shortly afterwards. He did not mention the unprecedented emergency in his speech. The concert continued after the speech.” 

BBC reports: “Despite the incident, President Serge Sarkisian went on to address thousands of people at the rally. The balloons were decorated with the governing Republican Party's slogan "let's believe in change". 

My verdict: 

What a blatant disregard to human lives!!
***
I am extremely sad and angry. My thoughts are with injured people...

Armenia: garbage 'ballot' box

Ballot box = garbage bin? This is how some in Armenia view the process of "elections" here.

A sign on garbage bin in Yerevan reads: "ballot box"

*picture - via @reporter_arm

“Sorry” seems to be the hardest word for Oskanian & co. Preparations for 1-March-part-2 underway?

Ha! Vartan Oskanian's statement (via Civilitas Foundation): “Yesterday I submitted my application for membership to the Prosperous Armenia Party [...]"

The expected happens. No surprises here. Pro-notorious-ex-president-Kocharyan Armenia ex-FM Vartan Oskanian formally joins oligarch-lead pro-Kocharyan party to participate in upcoming parliamentary (and more?) elections.

As expected. No surprises... Civilitas and Oskanian 'rock'... in a very expected direction...

I already posted why Oskanian cannot be trusted in his ‘commitment’ to”free and fair” elections. [Re: Armenia ex-FM Vartan Oskanian and “free and fair” elections]

Here is a list of some of 1 March lies that Oskanian did not clear himself off. In fact, he did not even apologize. For a start. The very least he could have done. Sorry would not be enough, but apparently even “Sorry” is a very hard word for Oskanian.

And here is a video of interview with CNN where Salpi Ghazarian, director of Civilitas Foundation (then Asst. to Armenian Foreign Minister Oskanian), was effectively ‘justifying’ the use of force against protesters by putting forward the notion of “armed protestors”.



They should be ashamed of their actions. Instead, they are trying to play a democracy game.

Until they come clean re their role in 'rationalising' or 'justifying' previous election fraud (example - presidential election of 2003) and the 1 March post-election bloodshed, it will be impossible for me to believe their words and intentions re democracy, human rights, and free and fair elections.

It's pity, so many good people work for Civilitas... For example, CivilNet.TV is doing OK job in covering various important, including not so mainstream issues. However, with all these connections, I can’t help myself but wonder whether this is all part of a bigger game, and all those good guys who are currently part of Civilitas unwittingly became part of the 'game’...

If we add to the picture an introduction of the law in the Armenian parliament (adopted in its first readings) making the use of army “in case of emergency” effectively “legitimate” for internal affairs then... It is not impossible to suspect that this looks more like preparations for a version of 1-March-part-2.

Re: Armenia ex-FM Vartan Oskanian and “free and fair” elections

In a statement released by Civilitas Foundation, Armenia ex-FM Oskanian didn’t deny & left open the possibility of his alliance with the Prosperous Armenia party led by oligarch Tsarukyan. This party is widely regarded in Armenia as affiliated with the ex-president Robert Kocharyan whose human rights record is the most appalling among all the presidents of independent Armenia. [Civilitas Foundation is founded by Oskanian who served as Foreign Minister during Kocharyan’s reign in power]

[...] My own political engagement is driven by this conviction. Talk about my involvement with the Prosperous Armenia party is not without basis. I have had such discussions with the Prosperous Armenia party as well as with other political forces. At this time, I have still not made a decision, and believe there is still time to do so. Political processes, however, may accelerate my decision.[...]

Says Oskanian: “I firmly believe that it is of utmost importance that Armenia hold free and fair parliamentary elections.”

[...] Armenia needs serious and deep reforms and I’m convinced that all our citizens share this belief. Reforms and change can only happen when there is a new political configuration in the National Assembly. And such political balance can only be assured through free and fair elections. [...]

Sorry, still cannot trust your words re commitment to ”free and fair” elections. Memories of 2008 & so still not far behind. Indeed, we witnessed your ‘commitment’ to “free and fair” elections from 2003 onwards culminated in 2008.

Truly, Mr Oskanian (or shall we say Kocharyan?), you must try much-much harder to make your statements sound believable.

Exposed: racism and 'blood purity' part of ideology of Armenia ruling Republican party?

Thanks to a Facebook friend of mine, I did something I have never done before (or never had any desire whatsoever to do). I looked at the library of ideological publications produced by Armenia's ruling Republican party. In particular, one ‘fundamental’ and pretty 'mind-blowing’ publication. Trust me, that was more than enough for me. What I read there is disgusting, and believe you me, "disgusting" is an understatement.

It's a publication about ‘foundations’ of Armenian family and gender roles (published by Republican party in 2002 and available under the “library” section of their official website).

It uses N-word to refer to black people and 'justifies' the notion of 'purity of blood' calling for no mixed marriages in order to preserve... yes, that very same 'purity of blood' + more racist rant. I am not even going further into their 'defining' of gender roles etc. If this is not a Nazi and racist ideology, then what is it?

For a country with European inclination, or in fact for any country, this is an appalling display of what should have no place in modern world, let alone as part of the ideology of ruling party.  I wonder if Armenia president and PM, as party leaders, are aware of these ideological 'pearls' and whether they share what is supposedly part of their own party ideology? Either they should immediately ditch them from their 'library' and distance themselves from what was expressed in this and similar party publications or people associated with the Republican party risk putting shame on themselves and on Armenia's reputation.

Just to illustrate the point, below are only few extracts from the “Armenian Family” (“ՀԱՅ ԸՆՏԱՆԻՔ” - AM) publication (Republican Party of Armenia, Yerevan 2002):

Երբ մի քանի տարի առաջ ժառանգաբան Նվարդ Քոչարին հարցրեցինք, թե արդյոք ինքը համաձայն կլիներ, որ հայը, օրինակ, նեգրի հետ ամուսնանար, նա պատասխանեց.

- Եթե ընտրեց, ամուսնացավ, այո, համաձայն եմ: Կարեւորը որ նա հայկական միջավայրում ապրի եւ հայանա: Ինչ վատ կլինի, եթե նեգրի երաժշտականությունը, ռիթմի զգացողությունը ներմուծվի:

Թե ինչպես պիտի նեգրը հայանա, նույնիսկ երեւակայությունը թույլ չի տալիս պատկերացնել: Իսկ որ հայերս երաժշտականության բնածին պակաս ունենք եւ ստիպված պիտի ուրիշից ներմուծենք, շատ անլուրջ է:

Ներկայումս խառնազգի ամուսնությունները մեզանում (լինի Հայրենիքում, թե Սփյուռքում) առավելապես կատարվում են հաշվենկատորեն, երբ, բարեկեցիկ կյանքի ակնկալիքով, շատ հայեր “ամուսնանում” են եվրոպացիների, ամերիկացիների, արդեն` նաեւ պարսիկների, արաբների հետ:

Արյունախառնության կողմնակիցները գտնում են, որ իբր խաչասերումից առաջացած սերունդն ավելի ոժեղ և խելոք է լինում: Դժվար թե: [...] օրինակ, մուլատների մոտ ակնհայտ են մտավոր պակասությունները:

"От перемены мест слагаемых..." - re: so called sackings and resignations in Armenia ruling circle

In case you have a (even the tiniest possible) thought that what's being happening now - number of high profile reshuffles, including police chief and speaker of the parliament - may somehow positively or negatively impact your life or that of your country... It will be the same. Nothing has really changed. A bit better, a bit worse, doesn’t much matter. This reshuffle has a very specific internal meaning and importance. Internal in terms of power reshuffle within the ruling party and administration in the run-up of the elections.

Have a look at the ‘new’ police chief who replaced the 'old' one. It’s the same guy who instead of tackling root causes of violence in the army (as deputy MoD), started blaming everything on... 'foreign-sponsored groups' who has been voicing their concerns re status quo in the army, threatening with 'legal actions', a claim repeated afterwards by the minister himself. I am not even going into details of his 'heroic' track record. You may have thought that Alik was the worst possible choice for police chief. Think again. It’s very difficult to decide who is better here: Alik or Vova? “Better” is not the word to be used. It’s from worse to worse. 

In its essence, it’s all about elections, loyalty, although have to be honest, I am not entirely sure that Vova Gasparyan (new police chief) is any less or more loyal than Alik Sargsyan (now former police chief).

But above all, its about their perceived ability to “secure" winning the upcoming election. What the word “secure” means in Armenian election context, no need to explain. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

Ironically, now ex-speaker Hovik Abrahamyan (nicknamed "muk" - AM for mouse) will be heading - yet again - the election HQ of the ruling Republican party. Some say this was his ‘punishment’ for alleged alliances with (pro-Kocharyan) Prosperous Armenia party and ex-president Kocharyan himself. Who cares?

There is an expression that describes what's being happening perfectly. I do not know why but I like saying it in Russian: От перемены мест слагаемых сумма не меняется.

Serj Tankian in Yerevan: Dorians, the audience, messages, and the most bizarre 'weapon of mass destruction'

Yerevan Diaries

Bottle cap as a 'weapon of mass destruction'

The weirdest thing happened before the concert started. Security or stewards demanded bottle caps to be separated from plastic bottles and thrown away before one can enter the concert area. I & friends could not get it: why bottle caps? Someone suggested that they could be thrown at others during the concert, but plastic bottles could be used for the similar purposes too, if one had such a desire. Whose 'genius' idea this was, I wonder?

Dorians - more than an opening act

Absolutely loved Dorians. Always liked them via their YouTube clips, but now that I managed to enjoy their performance live, I am 'officially' their fan. Top class rock performance, in line with best young rock groups elsewhere.

Serj Tankian

Despite criticism re not powerful enough sound and choice of music, Serj Tankian was good too. I expected higher energetics, but he didn't disappoint me. And I loved the stage design, very tasteful, and organic with the outside environment. And symphonic orchestra from the Yerevan Opera House was pretty good too.

Messages & the audience

The audience was very mixed. Not in a good way mixed. Quite a few young people didn't REALLY know why they were there. They probably came in for a free concert and/or to say 'we were at Tankian's concert'. They were minority, perhaps, but a sizeable minority. This group typically had no clue what Tankian was singing about, and was funny to observe how they followed others' to start clapping etc. :)

There were some powerful messages from Serj Tankian about ridiculousness of borders - between people, countries and nations. He made it loud and very clear that "all walls are f*cking empty". But it seemed to me, that for a sizeable proportion of people present at the concert, the only message they got from Tankian was one with the G-word.

Calls for universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, expectedly, followed by huge applause. But immediately after, Serj Tankian mentioned that we should pay attention to problems within Armenia too, without specifying them. Much weaker applause followed.

(just one of those problems) Environmentalists managed to make their point known during the concert by waving a huge poster "Mining is killing".

And the least applause of the night goes to... Armenia president Serj Sargsyan

People were shouting Serj (meaning Serj Tankian), accompanied by the huge applause for his performance. Then he mentioned that there is another Serj present at the concert - Serj Sargsyan, the president of Armenia, that is. No shouting of his name, and only very weak, hardly noticeable applause followed. This was yet another message of last night, but this time from the audience...

Russia + Armenia + Azerbaijan: presidents in tracksuits

Apparently, Russia president Dmitry Medvedev likes photography. As reported by News.am, during last meeting (5 March) in Sochi with Armenia president Serj Sargsyan and Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev, he followed his hobby and personally took pictures of Aliyes and Sargsyan wearing tracksuits. Although those (Medvedev) pics are not available, News.am posted other no-tie-but-tracksuit pics from the meeting. Can't say I am impressed with those tracksuits, especially by AM and AZ presidents. But hey, they are all 'smiles'. Well, sort of.

Президент России Дмитрий Медведев, который не раз во время поездок в разные страны и города делал фотоснимки для личной коллекции, на встрече с главами Армении и Азербайджана на горнолыжном курорте Красная Поляна под Сочи 5 марта не изменил своей традиции. Как передает корреспондент Новости Армении – NEWS.am, после официальной части встречи, когда политики сняли галстуки и надели спортивные костюмы, Дмитрий Медведев сделал несколько фотоснимков Сержа Саргсяна и Ильхама Алиева вместе. Затем Медведев продемонстрировал армянскому и азербайджанскому коллегам получившиеся снимки в своем цифровом фотоаппарате. [...] Лидеры встретились у подножия одного из горнолыжных склонов на Красной Поляне и вместе выпили по чашке чая в кафе. Затем президенты на фуникулере поднялись на хребет Псехако.

#1mar - Yerevan, Armenia, 3 years on...

#1mar is 'official' Twitter hashtag proposed by opposition activists to refer to live news / events / commentary marking the 3rd anniversary of 1 March 2008 bloody crackdown on the opposition in the aftermath of falsified presidential election in Armenia. Depending on events, I will probably write a more comprehensive blog post later today, tomorrow or some time this week. Until then, follow my twitter updates @unzippedblog and live news (via Twitter) from Yerevan, Armenia re #1mar.
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UPDATE 2 March 2011:  BBC video report

The WikiLeaks files - Armenia: (then) Deputy Finance Minister David Avetissian attacks president Sargsyan’s “empty gestures at reform” and “empowering thuggish elements in and out of government”

This is a very interesting extract from the US embassy cables and a clear indication of disillusionment and divisions post- 1 March within the ruling regime.

[By: Charge d'Affaires Joseph Pennington]

Polchief recently met with Deputy Finance Minister David Avetissian, a leading young

reformer in the government, who expressed profound cynicism about the direction in which the government is headed. He predicted a severe political and economic crisis by the end of this year, and is convinced that President Sargsian is making nothing more than empty gestures at reform to satisfy international and domestic audiences. He said that behind the scenes, however, the new president is centralizing control, marginalizing reformist voices, and empowering thuggish elements in and out of government. As a result, Avetissian said he will probably resign from government service this summer, and is headed to Washington in May to look into employment opportunities with the World Bank.

*US embassy cables in full.
**source of picture