London 2012: Olympic park, including Armenia base

London 2012: pink Olympics

*all signs of London 2012 Olympics are in pink :))

London 2012: Opening ceremony with the WOW factor (pictures & tweets)

*pictures - via The Guardian, The Sun, Metro and Time Out London.

And the night, as per my selected tweets (most recent first) :

@nhacizade

#Caucasus at #London2012 - photos and numbers http://tmblr.co/ZxQ40yQGf6xT 

@unzippedblog

Just spoke to my parents. They loved #London2012 opening too. Well done, Danny Boyle. An impressive showcase, indeed.

@unzippedblog

#Lesbian kiss at Olympic opening ceremony sparks praise, fury #lgbthttp://goo.gl/kOF8G  /via @queerza #London2012

@unzippedblog

Same here. Via @KevorkO Proud to call #London my home.#OlympicCeremony #london2012

@TimeOutLondon

We said it on the front cover of the mag and we stand by it. London is the Greatest City on Earth! Danny, you've done us proud. #welldoneDan

Retweeted by Mika

‏@unzippedblog

A class act #London2012

@unzippedblog

"For the first time, all participating teams have female athletes"#London2012

@unzippedblog

The setting, Olympics stadium looks stunning #London2012

@unzippedblog

Amazing #TeamGB #London2012

@unzippedblog

It really does feel like #Eurovision :)) #London2012 cc: @onewmphoto

‏@unzippedblog

Djokovic is all charm ;)) #Serbia #London2012

@GayTimesMag

Hearing that the first lesbian kiss has been shown on Saudi Arabian TV via screening the Olympics and the scene from Brookside. Brilliant!

@mkdotam

True "@Chielie: Nice to see sworn enemies march in same parade. Armenia, Azerbaizjan; Eritrea, Ethiopia."

‏@robhamilto

No matter how cynical you can't help but be moved about how positive the opening ceremony is in representing diversity and acceptance. PROUD

@London2012

Pic: Remember when James Bond & HRH The Queen jumped from a helicopter? Don't see that every day #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/Shz1oQM4

@unzippedblog

Who was responsible for #fashion #fail of #Armenia sportsmen?#London2012

‏@unzippedblog

#Armenia ♥ #London2012 BBC commentators mention oligarch Tsarukyan (without naming him) who promised big sum money for Olympic champions

@anishok

I approve this message. RT @ChristyRae2012 Becks in a speedboat. I really think he should light the torch in nothing but his Armani undies.

@unzippedblog

WOW! Beckham + the Olympics torch #London2012 ♥

@wesstreeting

Yeah. You saw it. The lesbian kiss. When countries present execute gay people you have no idea how important that is. #London2012

@timberners_lee

This is for everyone #london2012 #oneweb #openingceremony @webfoundation @w3c

@unzippedblog

The inventor of world wide web #London2012 the coolest

@unzippedblog

#London2012 ♥ Via @ab_hlebregas British music >

@KeosayanTigran

Бойл своей иронией разбил окаменевшие рамки церемоний открытия Олимпиад. Просто браво! Столько хулиганства никогда и нигде не было)

‏@unzippedblog

WOW! Queen + Bond Craig. WOW! #London2012

‏@unzippedblog

Super excited !!! #London2012

How Armenia born New York based artist Tigran Tsitoghdzyan "mesmerised" Saatchi Gallery

Saatchi Gallery posted on their Facebook page this painting of Armenia born New York based artist Tigran Tsitoghdzyan with the following comment: "We are mesmerised by this painting by Tigran Tsitoghdzyan entitled Mirror. Are you?"

Fascinating work. Handsome artist.

Here is a link to his profile on Saatchi.

And here is a link to Tigran's website.

"Fly to Yerevan. Play a duduk" - British Airways (BA) ad in London's Evening Standard

*British Airways ad, published in London's Evening Standard daily Diamond Jubilee edition. "Fly to Yerevan. Play a duduk" !! :))

Armenia athletes in London 2012 (infographic)

Awesome infographic via reporter-arm: Armenian Athletes in London 2012 Olympic Games

"I sign this petition in memory of my great-grandfather" - To the Government of Armenia: Honor the Constitutional Right of Each Citizen [including LGBT]

As I posted earlier, the Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York has sponsored historic petition co-signed by 20+ leading Armenian cultural figures who have unified their voices to support human rights in Armenia. This is the first time such a petition has been created in support of LGBT human rights in Armenia.

Chairman of Golden Apricot International Film Festival, one of my favourite film-makers, prominent Canadian Armenian director Atom Egoyan is among those who co-signed the petition.

It has since been supported by more than 300 (at the time of writing this post) Armenian and foreign citizens, including well known activists, cultural, art figures.

Comments are being posted under the petition by people who signed it.

Here is a very touching one by Christine Allen:

My great-grandfather, Shukrey Sanjiyan, was brutally attacked during a pogrom in Tarsus on November 15, 1895. He managed to survive and made his way to the U.S. via France in 1897. The rest of his family was slaughtered during the genocide. It is in his memory that I, his lesbian great-granddaughter, sign this petition. My wife and I have been together for over 26 years and our youngest daughter, Kalie Sanjiyan, carries his name. I work for equal rights for all people in America, and I support equal rights for all people in the homeland of my heart, Armenia.

[For more comments - follow this link to the petition.]

Please sign and share the petition with all your friends, family and allies. [The Armenian translation has now been posted with English original]

Developing story: Red card to ‘Nemets Rubo’

'Nemets Rubo' resigned from being MP. [Embattled ‘Oligarch’ Quits Parliament Over Deadly Violence] Of course, this is simply a damage limitation exercise by Hayrapetyan (and Armenia president Serj Sargsyan), as a consequence of ongoing protest actions by activists coordinated via Facebook. Right one and unprecedented in Armenia, but not enough at all and should merely be the first step.

[For background: Anatomy of violence, or Armenia MP (president of Football Federation) Ruben Hayrapetyan slaughterhouse

Unbearable cruelty of being of Armenia tycoon - turned MP - turned Football Federation president & his entourage]

He should resign from the Football Association too [petition: UEFA AND FIFA Administration: RESIGNATION OF RUBEN HAYRAPETYAN] I want to see Armenia national football team disassociated from a person who is full of hatred. I tweeted to FIFA and UEFA too.

Dear @FIFAcom & @UEFAcom please consider reprimanding #Armenia FA president for #homophobia & anti #gay hatred Armenia Football Federation president Ruben Hayrapetyan ‘against terrorism’ but ‘ready to punish gays and eradicate from society’

In the meantime, activists continue protest campaign, demanding a thorough investigation of the incident, including the role of 'Nemets Rubo'. There has been calls to foreign embassies and wider public to consider Ruben Hayrapetyan a "persona non grata" (with special FB "public event" set up).

*picture by CivilNet/Seda Grigoryan

Anatomy of violence, or Armenia MP (president of Football Federation) Ruben Hayrapetyan slaughterhouse

Military doctor severely beaten by bodyguards of Armenia MP, president of Football Federation Ruben Hayrapetyan (aka 'Nemets Rubo') has died on 29 June. [For background to this story, read: Unbearable cruelty of being of Armenia tycoon - turned MP - turned Football Federation president & his entourage]



Video above details some of the 'heroic' pages from the history of violence of disgraced Armenia MP, president of Football Federation, oligarch Ruben Hayrapetyan, nicknamed 'Nemets Rubo'.

Posting this video, Hetq Online reminds how 'Nemets Rubo' threatened and/or enacted violence towards journalists, drug addicts, and (more recently) gays. The author righty points out that after all the violent rhetoric and actions, there should be no surprise that we witnessed yet another violence, this time with more tragic consequences. [Ռուբեն Հայրապետյանը միշտ զգուշացրել է (վիդեո)]

To remind, following recent firebombing of gay friendly bar DIY in Yerevan, ‘Nemets Rubo‘ said he “condemns terrorism” but “in favour of punishing gays and ready to do it myself”. “We should think of another way of punishing to eradicate them from our society.”

Other high profile MPs from ruling Republican party who supported firebombers and encouraged anti-gay violence include vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament, spokesman of the Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov, and MP, (now) secretary of Republican party parliamentary group Hovhannes Sahakyan. 
[I recommend reading Հոդված ատելության մասին by Sergey Danielyan too]

Last night, there was a candlelight vigil in Yerevan in memory of beating victim Vahe Avetyan. People gathered in front of the restaurant where the violence took place [Harsnaqar restaurant belongs to 'Nemets Rubo'] Many held 'I am Vahe Avetyan' posters condemning violence, calling for boycott of oligarch MP businesses and his resignation as MP and president of Football Federation.

Among protesters rightly condemning violence, I noticed two well known personalities who have their share of moral responsibility for this atmosphere of hatred and violence.

Armenian MP from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Armen Rostomyan said nothing when his colleagues from the ARF party, and in particular Artsvik Minasyan, Hrayr Karapetyan and Artur Aghabekyan supported firebombers and at least in case of Artsvik Minasyan (+ here) and Artur Aghabekyan openly encouraged anti-gay violence.

Larisa Alaverdyan, former MP and ex-Ombudsman, effectively sided with homophobes during TV programme discussing attacks towards gay friendly bar and Diversity march.




Below are two pictures from the candlelight vigil protest action via CivilNet and PanArmenian FB page.

*picture via CivilNet/Seda Grigoryan

*"Slaughterhouse" written on the wall of Harsnaqar restaurant, picture via PanArmenian/Hrant Khachatryan [Հանցաքար" և "Սպանդանոց" գրվեցին ռեստորանի պատերին]

Armenia flag now up flying among other Olympic nations in London

In my previous post, I mentioned that contrary to British media headlines re: national flags of ALL Olympic nations are on a prominent display (Regent Street) as a welcoming gesture from London 2012, there was no sign of Armenia flag. Apparently, quite a few flags were missing back then.

Things have changed, and Armenia tricolour has now been put up on upper part of Regent street (picture above).
  

Armenia: A Slow Slide Into Fascism? (Huffington Post)

Very powerful post by Christopher Atamian on Huffington Post. A must read that should act as an alarm bell.

"Now of course is not the time to abandon Armenia. Armenia continues to be a strong ally of the United States. Armenians around the world, in spite of the oligarchs' best efforts to destroy their people's reputation as an educated, hard-working minority, continue to be a symbol of survival and success. But LGBT organizations, the American government and the relatively powerful Armenian diaspora must unite in putting real pressure on the Armenian government to reverse the worrying anti-democratic and fascistic developments that threaten to completely engulf the country. The Armenian government must not only fight corruption, it must publicly oppose attacks on all minorities, particularly LGBT people, and promote an atmosphere of democracy and tolerance in the country. Not to do so is to shame Armenians around the world, not to mention the memory of 1.5 million people who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide."

***

Read it following the link below; also re-posted on Unzipped: Gay Armenia.

Huffington Post

Armenia: A Slow Slide Into Fascism?

Christopher Atamian 

Writer, director, producer and translator 

Unbearable cruelty of being of Armenia tycoon - turned MP - turned Football Federation president & his entourage

News on cruel beating of military doctors by bodyguards or security personnel of the president of Armenia Football Federation, MP of ruling Republican party, tycoon homophobe Ruben Hayrapetyan, nicknamed ‘Nemets Rubo’, or as per this suggestion - 'Fascist Rubo', were shocking but unfortunately not unexpected.

Horrific details of the incident were provided by one of the victims in an interview with RFE/RL. Major Vahe Avetyan, another victim, is in critical condition.

The men, all of them military doctors, were hospitalized with serious injuries. One of them, Major Vahe Avetian, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. Avetian suffered life-threatening head injuries in a reported dispute with restaurant staff on Sunday.
Artak Bayadian, another doctor taken to a Yerevan hospital, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) that the violence was triggered by Avetian’s verbal argument with a waiter. Bayadian said he, Avetian and their three companions were told to leave the restaurant before being attacked by 10-15 other men. He said they were repeatedly punched and kicked.
Some Armenian media were quick to suggest that the attackers were security guards of the expensive restaurant belonging to Ruben Hayrapetian, a wealthy businessman affiliated with the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). He is also the chairman of the Armenian Football Federation.
Hayrapetian has faced opposition allegations of politically motivated violence in the past and is also notorious for insulting journalists. The tycoon has been accused in some media outlets and online social networks of possibly sanctioning or even ordering the beatings." [RFE/RL, picture - by Photolur] 

Although initial reports say that the beating was done by the direct order of ‘Nemets’, I have no doubts he will be spared of responsibility. Some may lose their job in a showcase of ‘punishment’. Like countless of times before, they will find a scapegoat among thugs who beat up doctors. He would claim ‘full responsibility’. Needless to say, there will be no mention of orders from the boss. Quite the contrary, they may even attempt at presenting the case as an “accident” and/or they will blame the victims. The main scapegoat will be arrested, tried. His family and himself will be supported financially and otherwise by the boss and perhaps some time soon, under whatever excuse, he will get out of the jail.

This is the scenario that will be put in place.

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that the incident is shocking but not unexpected. When you condone violence in one case, you do the same towards others too. This particular and similar incidents are reflection of "acceptable" and "justifiable" violent macho 'culture' still prevalent in the Armenian society and on a very high state level.

Reflecting recent firebombing of gay friendly bar DIY in Yerevan, ‘Nemets Rubo‘ said he “condemns terrorism” but “in favour of punishing gays and ready to do it myself”. “We should think of another way of punishing to eradicate them from our society.”

He said he does not support terrorism. Of course, he doesn’t. He never does. Why would he? He has entourage for such jobs: bodyguards, security personnel, you name it... See, if it comes to gays, he is ready to do it himself. For everyone else, there is his entourage. Perhaps, gays should feel lucky?!

But look who is voicing his support for ‘Nemets Rubo’. Yes, yes... Eduard Shamazanov, vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament, spokesman of the ruling Republican party. The very guy who supported terrorism in his own country. To remind, Sharmazanov dubbed terrorist act by firebombers against DIY bar a “rebellion”, “right and justified”.

What would you expect of him? Nothing less than unreserved support for his comrade. And he didn’t disappoint. He called him a “decent and moral person” at a time when at least three military medical officers/doctors (one in critical condition) are in hospital in a patient’s capacity, severely beaten up.

In the meantime, it’s been two days and there have been no statements from the MoD on beating of their officers/doctors.

No or wrong Armenia flag to celebrate Olympic nations in London

UPDATE 26 June 2012: Armenia flag now up flying among other Olympic nations in London

***
On Friday, the headlining news in British media announced that London's Regent street re-designed to fly national flags of ALL Olympic nations, participants in London 2012. This is intended as a celebratory welcome to all nations ahead of the start of Olympic games in a month time.

On picture it looked like a pretty impressive display of flags. So I decided to capture this historic moment, and of course flying of the Armenian flag among Olympic nations.

Alas... there was none. The display was impressive, indeed, but I saw no Armenia flag whatsoever.

...unless they've made an error by displaying this red-blue-(wide) yellow flag twice (you can see it in a picture below: second row towards left, and repeated two rows behind towards right) and confusing it with Armenia one.

FYI to organisers: here is how Armenia tricolour (red-blue-orange) looks like (via Wikipedia):

I do not know who is responsible for this, or who advised re flags, but I left feeling disappointed...

New image of Armenia police? All is good BUT...

For now, it's a small unit based in central Yerevan only, aimed mainly at foreigners. They know foreign languages, they wear new uniform, they are able to provide first aid...

All this points towards the right direction but...

1. They should learn to be less intrusive, to avoid bothering people by asking if they need help. I do not think a foreigner enjoying evening with friends in downtown Yerevan would appreciate uninvited attention by police, however civilised, polite and smiley they may be. They (police) should be out there to provide assistance IF needed.

2. This is by far more serious point. If you aim to provide first aid, and if you put your blood group type on your uniform (which is GOOD!), make sure you indicate it right. Have a look at 4:33 - 4:34 minutes of the video. Thanks to a friend who pointed this out, blood group "O" is equivalent to "I" not "II" as wrongly indicated on the uniform.

Diamond Jubilee, London, pics (part 1)

 *Chocolate crown, Selfridges, London

 *Traditional British weather, Selfridges, London

*A builders tea party, Selfridges, London

 *Queuing for Britain, Selfridges, London

*Hammersmith, London

For part 2 - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia.

Ombudsman: 'respect for gay rights and tolerance are in accordance with Armenia national interests'

Armenia Ombudsman interview with Regnum (RU), including re: gay rights, recent firebombing of alternative, gay friendly DIY bar, disruption of Diversity march and so called "propaganda of homosexuality". It is headlined as: "Gay parades are not propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation". Ombudsman did a good job in explaining why it is important to respect human rights, including gay rights, in Armenia, and why tolerance is in accordance with Armenia's national interests. Good one. Selected relevant extracts below.
***

Гей-парады - не есть пропаганда нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации - омбудсмен Армении Карен Андреасян


*via ombuds.am

"Толерантное отношение к ближнему еще не означает, что твой ребенок может стать представителем религиозного или сексуального меньшинства", - заявил омбудсмен Армении Карен Андреасян. В интервью ИА REGNUM он поделился своими соображениями в сфере защиты прав человека в различных сферах. Не удалось обойти и недавно имевший место скандал по части сексуальных меньшинств. [...]

ИА REGNUM: Консервативные силы в Армении считают, что в некоторых сферах, например, защита прав сексуальных меньшинств, права человека иногда противоречат национальным интересам. Согласны ли вы с этим мнением?

Первое, что я хочу сказать, что мною уважаемое наше традиционное общество не стало ассоциировать права человека с гомосексуализмом. К сожалению, существует тенденция, когда начинаешь говорить о правах человека и европейских ценностях, сразу пытаются это связать с конкретными группами. Эта попытка дискредитировать понятие прав человека вообще. Поступающие так националистически настроенные группы на самом деле не понимают, что дискредитация сферы прав человека в борьбе против гомосексуализма приводит к тому, что завтра и их движение против какой-то группы будет ограничено, так как под правами человека понимается защита как прав националистов, так и участников гей-парадов. Таким образом, я считаю, что именно из национальных интересов исходит толерантность, цивилизованность и демонстрация миру того, что в нашем обществе насилие всегда осуждается.

ИА REGNUM: В связи с недавним скандалом вокруг клуба D.I.Y. в Ереване, которое посещают люди нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации. Владелец клуба обратился также к вам. Каково ваше мнение по этому поводу?

Вопрос с нападением на клуб D.I.Y. довольно многослоен. Что касается насилия, то здесь второго мнения не может быть, мы однозначно осуждаем любое насилие. Было совершено преступление, которое необходимо покарать по всей строгости закона. Это - моя позиция относительно конкретно инцидента.

ИА REGNUM: Многие в Армении, в том числе националистически настроенные группы, выступают не против гемосексуалистов, а пропаганды гомосексуализма посредством гей-клубов или гей-парадов. Как вы думаете, насколько закономерна и правильна пропаганда гомосексуализма?

Во-первых, я не считаю, что все вышеизложенные моменты включают в себя элементы пропаганды. Если десять человек собираются в каком-то доме или помещении, это еще не пропаганда. Именно поэтому я бы выделил группы - будь то религиозное меньшинство или большинство, сексуальное меньшинство или большинство, которые должны иметь возможность свободно, в рамках закона претворить в жизнь свои предпочтения. Каждый в рамках своей морали может быть свободным, независимо от того, как другие к этому относятся. Что касается пропаганды, проведения шествий, распространения буклетов, то и к этому вопросу следует относиться выборочно, поскольку необходимо выяснить, на что нацелена эта пропаганда. Вопрос в том, какой месседж направляется обществу. Если показывают ребенку порнографические материалы, то я против этого. Это запрещает и законодательство. Если же речь идет о защите свобод, то я за, поскольку этого требуют как законодательство, так и международные обязательства Армении.

ИА REGNUM: На прошлой неделе в Ереване был проведен "Парад многообразия", который прошел довольно напряженно, так как порядка 100 человек протестовали против него и посчитали его попыткой пропаганды гомосексуализма. Как вы считаете, были ли в этом параде элементы пропаганды гомосексуализма?

По словам организаторов, акция не была гей-парадом. По моему мнению, в понятие "многообразие" входят и национальные, и религиозные, и сексуальные меньшинства. То есть все те, которые не похожи на других, на большинство. Сейчас отличающиеся от большинства люди говорят о том, что желают жить, работать в этой стране и быть защищенными. Думаю, наше толерантное общество не против того, чтобы указанные группы безопасно жили и работали в нашем государстве. Что касается данного парада, то здесь я вижу пропаганду по защите прав меньшинств, но не пропаганду гомосексуализма. Они могут и желают видеть много людей, которые разделяют их взгляды, однако я не считаю, что люди становятся гомосексуалистами, когда видят гуляющих по городу людей нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации. Люди, которые не разделяют этих взглядов, могут свободно пропагандировать свою точку зрения. В конце концов, проблема не решается ликвидацией другого. Проблему можно решить путем представления своей позиции посредством мирных методов. Люди посещают Армянскую апостольскую церковь не для того, чтобы причинить вред религиозным меньшинствам, а по собственной воле и по своему желанию.

Spokesman of Armenia Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country

Absolutely disgusting and outrageous! Pretty much nauseating, in fact. 

Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman, MP Eduard Sharmazanov in a statement to local media explicitly supported firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan. [Republican party of Armenia is a member of the European People’s party]. 

He dubbs terrorist act by firebombers against gay friendly DIY bar a “rebellion” and - echoing ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan - calls it “right and justified” (!!!) 

Another MP of ruling Republican party Hovhannes Sahakyan similarly supported the attackers and the stance of two MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun who bailed out firebomber and (in case of Artsvik Minasyan) justified the attack. He praised firebombers who made a “practical step” and have not just satisfied with online discussions (!!!). 

What is going on in Armenia? Are we seriously moving towards state sponsored fascism? I thought we were moving towards Europe... 

And this is happening in a country that made significant contribution to the fight against fascism... In a country that survived the Genocide... 

This can no longer be considered as "internal affairs" of Armenia. This is developing into a real threat towards lives and freedom of citizens of Republic of Armenia. Terrorists acts are being justified and encouraged at a very high state level of the Armenian parliament and ruling party. Anti-gay attackers are being effectively proclaimed as 'national heroes’.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country.

For more details - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Read also: To do: ‘Persona non grata’ on human rights grounds for certain Armenia officials, individuals and groups