Film depicting garbage coming out of (Armenian) TV screen - winner of One Minute One Shot film festival in Yerevan

"Television" by Arevik Avanesyan (2009) was named as a winner of One Minute One Shot film festival in Yerevan. The film depicts garbage literally coming out of (Armenian) TV screen.

*For more details of the festival and award winning films at One Minute One Shot - see Hetq Online (in Armenian).

'Breaking news': Gagik Beglaryan 'started'... blogging

Yerevan mayoral candidate from ruling Republican party Gagik Beglaryan, nicknamed Chorni (Black) Gago, 'started'... blogging. Why so late, I wonder, considering that the elections will be in a week time. Not that we'll be missing much. Most comments so far are in line with "hargeli Gagik Beglaryan duq iroq shat lavneq". (example)

Angelina Jolie to adopt an Armenian baby?

I’ve read reports in tabloids that Angelina Jolie is up for more adoptions, which reportedly caused tensions between her and Brad Pitt. But until today I had no idea that Anglenia’s latest preference for adoption is Armenian baby.

Here is what LA Gossip Examiner reports:

Angelina Jolie to adopt an Armenian baby
27 April 2009

Angelina Jolie is going to adopt an Armenian baby with or without Brad. Officials in Armenia would neither confirm nor deny Angelina’s adoption efforts but the Armenian rumors have been strong for a long time. One of the reasons Angelina wants to adopt from Armenia is because there is a lot less “red” tape and the adoption process can be a lot easier. She also believes an Armenian child will fit in perfectly with her African, Cambodian, and Vietnamese babies.

Angelina’s upcoming Armenian adoption has not gone down well with Brad; he wants to adopt from India. Although it would be great for Angelina and Brad to adopt from an orphanage in America, I’m not the type to pit children in different countries against each other. Something tells me, however, that an alien baby is definitely a possibility in the near future.


Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt - Still pretending to be in love
21 May 2009

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt put on an act of togetherness Tuesday night at the Cannes Film Festival. They were there to celebrate Brad Pitt’s upcoming WWII flick, Inglorious Bastards. The film received bad word-of-mouth from the screening, which means that there needs to be major editing done for this film to be a hit. However, that wasn’t the biggest problem.

Several insiders say that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are not getting along anymore and have simply grown apart. Some people think Angelina’s possible adoption from Armenia is causing problems while others believe that the upcoming tell-all book from their former bodyguard is also causing rifts. Brad also is not fond of the way Angelina has been treating two dogs, Bingo and Angel, on the set of her new film Salt. Even though their breaking up would make a lot of jealous people happy, let’s hope they stay together for the sake of the kids….and the gossip columnists!

*photo - Getty Images, via LA Gossip Examiner

Rats become 'Dish of the Day' in South-East Asia

ITN reports:

Soaring meat prices in Asia mean many households are serving up rat as a tasty alternative to pork.

Heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta has sent the rodents scurrying from their holes into the traps of Cambodian villagers, who are exporting them by the tonne to Vietnam.

More than 35 tonnes of rat meat is now said to be crossing the border every day.

"Just my family alone exports one tonne or around 700 to 800 kilogrammes to Vietnam," said rat meat trader Te Lah.

Rat meat was eaten regularly in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s and, when the price of other meat soared last year, poorer households reverted back to it.

Live rats, some as large as piglets, are selling for around $1 (66p) per kilo and dead ones - used for feeding crocodiles in Vietnam - for $0.37 (24p) per kilo.

Cambodians eat them sir-fried, grilled or in soups and rat is increasingly becoming a common dish at home for many in the rural areas.

"Rats can be cooked as Tom Yam, various types of soup, fried with lemon grass or just fried like this," said Cambodian farmer Chan Pheakdey Ratha.

"It is delicious and I eat them almost everyday," said Tuy Kimchheng.

Armenia and Georgia join EU statement condemning homophobia

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on the International Day against Homophobia on 17 May

Brussels, 15 May 2009

In the context of the International Day Against Homophobia, the Presidency of the Council on behalf of the European Union reaffirms the principle of non-discrimination which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The European Union rejects and condemns any manifestation of homophobia as this phenomenon is a blatant violation of human dignity. It considers that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is incompatible with the basic principles on which the EU is founded, and it is and will remain committed to the prevention and eradication of discrimination based on the six grounds mentioned in Article 13 of the EC Treaty, which include sexual orientation.

We are deeply concerned by violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity wherever they occur, in particular the use of death penalty on this ground, the practice of torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary arrest or detention, denying the right to peaceful assembly and deprivation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health.

We urge the States to take all necessary measures to ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties and that such human rights violations are investigated and perpetrators held accountable and brought to justice.

The European Union welcomes the ever increasing support to these principles in the world and recalls in this context that 67 States from different regions condemned violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the General Assembly Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity of 18 December 2008.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

European Union

*Thanks to Gay Caucasus for the link.

Armenia: Reports on serious clashes between ruling Republican party and its main coalition partner Prosperous Armenia party members

Incidents happened in 2 Yerevan districts re mayor election campaign. Reported by Haykakan Zhamanak daily, as well as Public Radio. Clashes, beatings, injured, detained. More details to be known later, I suppose.

Scandal of the Day

(sorry, in Armenian only, for now.)

«Հայկական ժամանակ». Կացնահարել են
11:27 • 13.05.09

Օրաթերթի տեղեկությունների համաձայն` երեկ իսկական ճակատամարտ է տեղի ունեցել ՀՀԿ-ի ու ԲՀԿ-ի միջև, որի արդյունքում կան ձերբակալվածներ և տուժածներ:

Կացնահարել են

Երեկ սկանդալային դեպքեր են տեղի ունեցել Քանաքեռ-Զեյթուն և Դավիթաշեն համայնքներում։ Բախվել են հանրապետականներն ու ԲՀԿ-ականները, ինչի արդյունքում Քանաքեռ-Զեյթունի թաղապետ Արայիկ Քոթանջյանը ծեծի է ենթարկվել։

Մեզ հաջողվեց ճշտել, որ երեկ առավոտյան Արայիկ Քոթանջյանի 18-ամյա որդին մտել է ԲՀԿ-ի՝ Ահարոնյան 67 հասցեում գտնվող նախընտրական շտաբ և ծեծի ենթարկել շտաբի պետ Սամվել Հովհաննիսյանին։ Ավելի ուշ Ծառուկյանի տղաները մտել են ՀՀԿ-ի՝ Մոնումենտում գտնվող շտաբ, որտեղ այդ պահին գտնվել է նաև Քանաքեռ-Զեյթունի թաղապետը, և բոլորին, այդ թվում՝ թաղապետին, ծեծի ենթարկել։ Ըստ ականատեսների՝ «սպեցնազը» ձերբակալել է Ծառուկյանի տղաներին։

Երեկ ՀՀԿ-ԲՀԿ բախում է տեղի ունեցել նաև Դավիթաշենում, ինչի արդյունքում հանրապետականներից մեկին կացնահարել են։

*via Tert.am

Video evidence: Armenia opposition activists attacked in Avan district of Yerevan

Opposition Armenian National Congress activists were attacked today in Yerevan's Avan district while distributing leaflets for 13 May local rally as part of the mayoral election campaign. It was the second attack in two days. Below is a video evidence detailing the attack, as well as three injured women's testimony who were hospitalised. Reports point out at ruling Republican party local members as those responsible for the violence. Some additional details - here.

RIP: "European Movement in Armenia"

It’s almost impossible to shock me. Well, never say never, as they say. Today is one of those exceptional moments. I am speechless. No words.

RFE/RL reports that “The Armenian affiliate of a renowned pan-European non-governmental organization [The European Movement in Armenia (EMA)] on Monday proclaimed Gagik Tsarukian, a controversial tycoon and politician, Armenia’s “best European of the year” for what it described as his promotion of European political culture in the country.”

If you think you've read the news, think again.

Keep reading: “In a statement, the EMA paid tribute to Tsarukian for “spreading European traditions in Armenia’s political and public fields” and assisting in a “generation change” in the local political arena. It also praised his “active participation” in the Armenian parliament’s committee on European integration. The EMA, some of whose projects are funded by the European Union, did not specify just how the former arm wrestler has contributed to Armenia’s democratization and closer ties with Europe.”

Read the rest of the story...

*photo - RFE/RL; /emphasis mine/

Ոստիկանություն ունենք, աշխարհը չունի...

Quote of the Day

RFE/RL: Armenian law-enforcement authorities are doing their best to stop periodical attacks on local journalists mostly critical of the government, a senior police official claimed on Friday. Colonel Hovannes Tamamian, head of the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations at the national police service, also said he believes the authorities should go as far to allow Armenian reporters to carry guns.

“I believe that an educated and clever person must have the right to possess a weapon,” he said, answering a question from a female journalist. “Let a criminal know that a girl like you has a gun that she can take out and fire from. I am not against that.”

Tamamian was speaking at a news conference held less than two days after the beating of a prominent television journalist, the second such incident in just over a week. Both Nver Mnatsakanian of the private Shant TV and Argishti Kivirian, editor of the Armenia Today news agency, were attacked by unknown assailants just outside their Yerevan homes. Kivirian suffered particularly severe injuries and was hospitalized as a result.

Independent banned TV station A1+ launches news channel for mobile phone users in Armenia

For the first time ever in our country, independent (pro-opposition) banned TV station A1+ launches news channel for mobile phone users in Armenia. Twice a day - 2pm and 6pm local time, news will be updated. For details, see video below. Well done, A1+! Yet another example of breaking state imposed censorship via the use of modern technologies in Armenia.

Orhan Pamuk visits family of murdered Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink at their home in Istanbul

Truly, Quote of The Day by Orhan Pamuk, via Hurriyet:

Turkish author Orhan Pamuk visited the family of murdered journalist Hrant Dink at their home in Istanbul yesterday, stopping to make a few statements to reporters on exiting the Dink home.

Pamuk, who told reporters that words could not even describe his sorrow, said "In a sense, we are all responsible for his death. However, at the very forefront of this responsibility are those who still defend article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. Those who campaigned against him, those who portrayed this sibling of ours as an enemy of Turkey, those who painted him as a target, they are the most responsible in this. And then, in the end, we are all responsible."

*Thanks to L.P. for the link.

A guide to the wall in Baku: 'Sexual Revolution' or 'Death to Israel'?

*via Frontline Club

Well, not as historic as the Berlin wall, but still interesting one with graffiti across all spectra of political scale. Slogans vary from "Sexual Revolution" and "Our Fatherland is USSR" to "Death to Israel" and "F@#$ Bush!". With an English guide by the members of local OL! movement!.

Armenian police 'in action' at opposition pre-election Yerevan mayor campaign rally

Live reporting by Onnik Krikorian

‘I am a European’

I do consider myself a European, and my vision of Armenia is that of Europe.

I wish this Quote of the Day by Armenia president Serj Sargsyan is true:

“Armenia wants to live according to European laws.”

“Every Armenian considers him/her-self a European, regardless of whether the Europeans think so or not."

Армения хочет жить по европейским законам, заявил президент Армении Серж Саргсян участникам неформального сбора молодых политических деятелей Европы. “Мы хотим изменить правила нашей жизни, и жить по европейским канонам, но вместе с этим внести в эту общую гамму свой собственный оттенок ”, - сказал президент в ходе проходящего 1-3 мая в армянском курортном городе Цахкадзор сбора. Президент добавил, что Армения вошла в различные европейские структуры и добровольно взяла на себя обязательства, которые обязана выполнять. Саргсян также отметил, что любой «армянин чувствует себя европейцем, независимо от того, считают так европейцы или нет”.

Sargsyan will be in Prague on 7 May for the official launch of the Eastern Partnership – new EU initiative of closer ties with its Eastern neighbours, including Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus.

Poster in Goris, Armenia

It’s been more than a year since the last presidential election in Armenia, but you may still spot this poster in Goris.


*photo - by M.B.

Breaking news: Armenia Today news agency coordinator beaten and shot at in Yerevan early morning

Breaking news:

Reports that coordinator of Armenia Today news agency, lawyer and human rights activist Argishti Kiviryan beaten and shot at in Yerevan 5 o'clock morning local time. No other details known.

*Via Armenia Today and Regnum

*UPDATE: in comments section, photos - Hetq Online

Joke of the Day: Dashnaktsutyun is... ‘opposition’

They’ve got to be kidding...

Nationalist ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bears its ultimate share of responsibility for whatever happened in Armenia since they became the ruling coalition member. Quitting the coalition – as was announced today, and rumoured few days ago - do not spare them of that responsibility. They had the opportunities to put forward their objections or policies. Even if (theoretically) they were unable to do so or got ignored, for whatever the reasons might have been, they preferred to remain in the coalition up until now, enjoying all the benefits it could provide them.

And what a convenient time Dashnaks chose to show off that they are the party of ‘principles’, to flesh up their muscles as a ‘national’ party with ’national’ ideas, and, of course, in ‘opposition’ to the ‘treacherous’ government. Just in time for Yerevan municipal election, and in preparation for the next presidential election.

Unfortunately, genuine anger and deserved widespread criticism in relation to timing and the secretive nature (as of today) of the so called Armenia – Turkey ‘roadmap deal’ is being exploited by some circles, and not only Dashnaks, to stir up their nationalist agenda. I cannot see how nationalism could be an answer to the challenges we face. It will never solve our problems, but rather will exacerbate them.

Dashnaks are so out of touch from contemporary realities. They are so last century.

Armenian Genocide commemorative march in London, 25 April 2009

There was another anti-genocide protest in London too.

For more photos - see my Picasa Web Album.

Obama 'recognised' the Armenian Genocide... for Armenians only

As expected, after that 'historic Armenia - Turkey normalisation', Obama backed away from his campaign promise, and referred to the Armenian Genocide as "one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th century" and "Meds Yeghern".

In Armenian, Meds Yeghern means genocide, but only in Armenian. Better than nothing, of course, but still not quite the G word. No surprises, though...

Effectively he recognised the Armenian Genocide for Armenians only (who understand the meaning of "Meds Yeghern") but not to the outside world.

Below is his statement in full:

The following is President Obama's statement on Armenian Remembrance Day:

Ninety four years ago, one of the great atrocities of the 20th century began. Each year, we pause to remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were subsequently massacred or marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. The Meds Yeghern must live on in our memories, just as it lives on in the hearts of the Armenian people.

History, unresolved, can be a heavy weight. Just as the terrible events of 1915 remind us of the dark prospect of man's inhumanity to man, reckoning with the past holds out the powerful promise of reconciliation. I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed. My interest remains the achievement of a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts.

The best way to advance that goal right now is for the Armenian and Turkish people to address the facts of the past as a part of their efforts to move forward. I strongly support efforts by the Turkish and Armenian people to work through this painful history in a way that is honest, open, and constructive. To that end, there has been courageous and important dialogue among Armenians and Turks, and within Turkey itself. I also strongly support the efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize their bilateral relations. Under Swiss auspices, the two governments have agreed on a framework and roadmap for normalization. I commend this progress, and urge them to fulfill its promise.

Together, Armenia and Turkey can forge a relationship that is peaceful, productive and prosperous. And together, the Armenian and Turkish people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and recognize their common humanity.

Nothing can bring back those who were lost in the Meds Yeghern. But the contributions that Armenians have made over the last ninety-four years stand as a testament to the talent, dynamism and resilience of the Armenian people, and as the ultimate rebuke to those who tried to destroy them. The United States of America is a far richer country because of the many Americans of Armenian descent who have contributed to our society, many of whom immigrated to this country in the aftermath of 1915. Today, I stand with them and with Armenians everywhere with a sense of friendship, solidarity, and deep respect.

Hrant Dink Agos weekly employees marked 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in an intimate ceremony in Istanbul

In an intimate ceremony, around 20 people from an Armenian bilingual Agos weekly of assassinated Turkish Armenian editor Hrant Dink commemorated 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Istanbul at Hrant Dink’s tomb.

*via Jean Eckian and Nouvelles d'Arménie