Benetton is back

Last week saw an interesting milestone in Yerevan, with the opening of the womens Benetton store on the Amiryan Street side of the Hotel Armenia Marriott. We've already mentioned the opening of similiar shops such as Levi's, MANGO, etc on this blog, but Benetton is special - because it is returning to Yerevan over a decade after having left.

Right after Armenia's independence, Benetton came to Armenia and established a factory here, and also opened a store (where there is a Porsche dealership now, by the Republic Square metro/Tourist information office). It may have been the first normal western investment in Armenia. After a few years of struggling (due to the closed borders), it closed in 94/95, but not before I bought a couple of "Made in Armenia" Benetton shirts as gifts. That they are back marks a good milestone for Armenia - though I'd still love to see a factory reopen as well.

Protest in Yerevan - new US Ambassador to Armenia

Tonight there's going to be a protest in Republic Square - simultaneous with the Senate confirmation hearings in Washington DC for Ambassador Evans' replacement. It will be a candlelight vigil, hopefully with a good turnout, and the Senate will be informed of the event. So if you're in Yerevan and want to do a bit of activism for a great cause, show up at (I think) 10pm tonight and be a part of this. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow if I get some good ones.

What an email!

I just wanted to share this one email with all of you. I used to have a lot of stuff printed at this printing house in Pennsylvania for ANCA related work, and my contact there learned a lot from just printing the materials. It's amazing what impact you can have on people in your daily life. I never met this woman in person, but just a few phone conversations apparently went a long way. Here's what she had to say:


Hi Arsineh,

I hope this e-mail find you well and that you are able to make a difference in Armenia.

Think I finally found one little thing I could do to help since this was on my mind so much. I got the movie Hotel Rwanda and was just amazed by how moving it is. I have sent that movie to Texas and they have returned it, to Virginia and it has been returned. To six people in my own office so far. Everyone comes back and says "What a strong movie this is." I always make sure to tell them that genocide still exists in our world today and the reason I am passing around the movie is to make people aware of what is happening now.

Just wanted to share that with you since you are the person who made me aware of this.

Stay safe,

Brenda
(Beard Printing)

Calling all American looking people!

Armenia TV is producing a commercial for an insurance company and they need extras.

They need people who look Americanish. Physical appearance is not as important as having the right attire ... shorts, sneakers, backpacks, bandanas, walkmans, and all that American kinda stuff.

The shoot will only take one day (sometime in the next couple of weeks), on the outskirts of Yerevan (Vahakni Residential District.) Once finished, it will be aired on Armenia TV in Armenia as well as Armenia TV's satellite for viewers outside of Armenia (including the USA.)

If you're in Yerevan, you wanna be in a commercial, and can use some pocket change, write to Vahe at vahe@armeniatv.am. Casting is taking place early next week.

AIPRG Dual Citizenship Conference

[I should start with a disclaimer that this blog is purely my biased perspective and reflection on the Dual Citizenship conference and no one else’s. In this blog I represent no official positions of any organization or institution. If you want an unbiased perspective on the Conference, feel free to read all the papers presented at the Conference on the AIPRG website at www.armpolicyresearch.org. Otherwise, perhaps the professional reporters’ coverage of the event should provide the information you need. I am not a professional reporter, nor do I intend to present an official position or proposal. I am just sharing what was discussed with those interested the best I know how, full of varying opinions. Since this will be a very long blog, I will try to highlight sections to offer a brief overview of each subject.]

I’m sitting on the sidelines of the AIPRG Conference on Dual Citizenship, at the start of day two of what I like to call “The Diaspora Showdown.” It seems to have touched a few controversial subjects, but I’m not sure the controversies serve the purpose or goal of the conference, rather the need to express perspectives that may influence intentions, restrictions and implementation of the law. A few people have used the Dual Citizenship subject to vocalize their perspectives on other issues, mostly rooted in cultural and ideological differences.

DEFINING ARMENIAN IDENTITY – IS THAT REALLY THE ISSUE?
The subject I’m listening to right now is the issue of cultural differences of many Diasporas and varying identities. The presenter argues that people are looking at Dual Citizenship as just a legal issue, whereas there are many other social issues involved in this debate. He talks a lot about identity negotiation, suggesting that Armenians around the world have negotiated their identity and have fused with other cultures of their host-land therefore are extremely diverse. These Armenians find themselves “in between” cultures and cannot pledge loyalty to one or the other.

WHAT IS THE HOMELAND TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE?
Perhaps this also varies their view on homeland and nation as very different things. Thus, many Armenians do not accept Armenia as it exists as their homeland. This argument was also made by Richard Antaramian, who spoke yesterday as well, who represented the Diasporan Armenians who culturally do not identify with the culture that exists in Armenia today at all, rather that of Western Armenian from where their families were expelled during the genocide.

The subject of diversity among people means very little to me coming from the United States where diversity means something completely different. Where Armenia as a “nation” (Armenia and its Diaspora) is made up of Armenians who have dispersed and have “negotiated” their identity, the US is made up of people FROM different countries who have maintained their culture and exist within a nation unified by law, not culture. If it works on that level for the US, the minor differences that exist among many communities around the world should be insignificant to the implementation of a legal issue such as Dual Citizenship. It can be argued that the interest of these dual citizens and their definition of Armenia as a nation and/or republic would shape the country and thus their perspectives must be considered in order to know how their views will impact Armenia, especially when it comes to voting rights. If it is the cultural issue we are discussing, we need another conference, but I’m not sure what purpose that serves other than defining Armenian cultural identity. Perhaps the language is an issue which is important for the linguists and necessary to discuss… but not at this conference.

WHAT IS THE HOMELAND TO VARYING ARMENIANS AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO INVOLVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC ARMENIA TODAY?
There is an obvious underlying nationalistic intension by some to allow Dual Citizenship. For diasporans who have lived outside of their “homeland” for all these years, some seem to think this serves their patriotic sensibility. I have doubts about that reasoning. Most of those people who are interested in that link to the homeland seek out special residency status and are satisfied with this much. It is those who have more long term involvement in Armenia that Dual Citizenship should be geared towards.

Another issue some argue is that most diasporans do not identify with Armenia as the borders are drawn today and therefore should not be involved and have the rights of voting, etc. Their interests are obviously off beat and may cause friction if they are granted voting rights and ability to sway the political balance. At the same time, it is argued that because of the historical dispersion of Armenians by force, there is a moral obligation for Dual Citizenship.

DEFINING THE ARMENIAN NATION
The discussion of Armenia as a Republic and as a Nation has continued to this conference from the last AIPRG conference that took place in DC. It seems like people are using these forums to define Armenia as a nation and/or Republic and create an identity or identities. But I am of the camp that this is not purely an identity issue. The Residency status fulfills identity issues. Dual Citizenship serves the purpose of people (diasporans, non Armenians, people who have much more invested in this country than sentimentality) who invest and participate in two countries… their home AND hostland. For non Armenians, there are the few who live and contribute in Armenia far more than their homeland. Then for the diasporans, there are those who have repatriated who find themselves in-between countries, thus cannot relieve their citizenship, but wish to obtain citizenship in Armenia as well in order to participate in the country of their residence more than allowed with the special residency status.

THE TRUE ARMENIAN?
The heated moment of day one fell after scheduled hours at the tail end of the last session. An argument made by Anna Ohanyan (born in Armenia, studying in Boston) that Dual Citizenship may bring more investment to Armenia, as well as skills and understanding of a democratic society. The delivery of her presentation in English apparently touched a nerve with someone claiming she is not a true Armenian and left her country and therefore her education is not welcome here… essentially. I’m paraphrasing of course, but the sentiment sounds the same.


Restrictions are the issue. There are many threats that people have raised, but these are realities that you deal with and are not reasons to avoid Dual Citizenship altogether. This is the case of any issue in any situation. People talk about Dual Citizenship as if it will be given out to any takers (for example Turks, traitors, etc.) Sadly the reality is that there is risk rooted in instability of our own infrastructure. There is corruption, there is risk. Some have also argued that Dual Citizenship is not just a law, you must create the process, the paperwork, the procedure to implementing the restrictions that Armenia is not capable of supporting. Others have argued that Armenia will only raise its level of operation when faced with the challenge. We must set the goals in order to aim for them, rather than wait until the lowest denominator is at that level. It will never be the case.

AND WHAT OF THE REPATS?
The Barskahye Commmunity in Yerevan was a big discussion since they are the largest percentage of repats in Armenia today. There’s a concern that they are not being integrated into the culture of Armenia. Where does the lack of citizenship in Armenia leave those who are in Armenia? Are they expected to just hang and create ghettos as if they were in a foreign land? That seems to be what is happening, but who’s responsibility is it to integrate repats? Perhaps Dual Citizenship serves these people the most in allowing them to have the choice to participate in everything, rather than withdraw into ghettos.

NOT AN END, BUT A MEANS
One thing that was regularly stated throughout the conference was that this should not be viewed as a solution to all our problems. What single decision ever is? The bottom line is that this needs to happen, but with restrictions and precautions in order to illiminate the risks and threats that everyone presented at this conference.

SO WHAT WAS PROPOSED?
The 3 proposals presented were quite similar, delivered by the AIPRG, ARF, and the First Deputy Minister of Justice. I wont go into details of the proposals because I don’t want to misrepresent them, but they should be available as well online. My belief is that this is necessary, but my God, there better be a strict implementation of restrictions in place.

Of course there was sooooooo much more discussed, but this is long enough for now. If you’d like to know more, feel free to comment and I’ll elaborate.

EL Style Billboard / Armo Car Chase

A billboard on Tumanyan Street - cover of the current issue of EL Style (Elite Life Style) Magazine, featuring lots of risqué pics of the group HAYQ. I wasn't there for the photo shoot, but I went mute when I saw the pics. All I could think of was, "Armenian parents are going to hate these guys!" The group just recently did an ice cream commercial for Grand Candy as well.

I witnessed my first car chase the other night. The idiot was flying down Mashdots, and all around central Yerevan, through red lights, on-coming traffic, cops chasing him. All I could do is pray for no one to get hit. Not all locals look out before crossing the streets.

On your feet!

So, as I've mentioned in an earlier entry, I'm quite the walker. Hmm... I've heard of someone being quite the "looker", and I don't know, maybe I fall into that category, too. It depends on who's "looking", of course. ;-) Anyway, I wanted to use this blog to perform a public service to all those who walk in Yerevan.

Yerevan's streets are not exactly... "designed" for the walker, to put it one way. In particular, the street lights seem to be inclined to work more in favour of the vehicles. At first, I thought it was just me, or maybe some pessimistic selective memory, you know ? I mean, it must have been my fault that I ended up at one side of Sayat Nova, waiting, waiting... Well, of course, cars move from different directions, but - and perhaps I'm being naive here, all the same - one would assume that there would be a point when the street would be empty enough so that someone on two feet, as opposed to four wheels, could also pound the asphalt. Hmm.... No, sir, the cars keep on coming and going, incessantly, unceasingly...

Much as I admire the assiduous nature of our cars, this presents something of a dilemma, and I have come to discover that there are two ways out of it. You could do the ol' half-n-half, i.e. -

1) Don't bother looking at the lights

2) Just cross that part of the street that is without vehicles at a given point of time. Invariably, it's half the street.

3) Then, patiently wait in the middle of the street until the second half is also free of cars, and cross there.

4) Repeat as necessary.

Simple enough.

There is a down side to this, though. (This part constitutes a disclaimer) See, at certain street crossings, there is NO point when half the street does not have moving traffic. You have to go lane-by-lane in those cases. And one crossing in particular - one end of Baghramyan, to the HSBC kiosk, near the Opera - is downright dangerous, I'd highly recommend never crossing the street from there as such. (And, I may add, that was not a joke, I really do make it a point to avoid it.)

The other option is, and this is not meant to be funny either, crossing the street from the middle of the road, as opposed to the zebra crossings. See, the cars tend to accumulate at lights, very often stopping right ON the zebra crossings anyway. Most drivers also tend to be "pedal-happy" there. Please bear in mind that you are a two-legged, flesh-and-bones entity, quite incapable of withstanding the onslaught of a four-wheeled, iron-and-steel mass. Simple physics, don't you know... So, all in all, crossing from the middle is actually often effective. It's also philosophically sound, especially if you're a Buddhist, as you'll be on "The Middle Path".

I have found, though, that pedestrians generally do have the right of way in Yerevan. As long as it isn't in the way of cars, of course. That's the right way. ;-)

Super Dram

Those of you visiting Armenia this summer will notice that the Dram has appreciated a great deal against the US dollar (and even the Euro). The dram has gained more than 30 percent in value against the dollar in the last two and a half years - much of it this past year. It now stands at 418 drams to the dollar. Since many people depend on the dollars sent to them by relatives from the US and Russia, their purchasing power has dropped a great deal. Companies producing exports from Armenia are suffering as well, since their products now bring in much less money when they convert their dollar sales - and Armenia's biggest manufacturing company is threatening to move abroad. So who profits? Simply importers and people whos entire salaries are denominated in drams. The largest importers of course are government officials - usually holding monopolies on importing certain items (fuel, sugar, etc). Imports to Armenia have surged 13% already and exports dropped 8%. A country concerned with encouraging exports would of course intervene to weaken their currency. China for years fought the increase of value of its currency, only caving in to massive international pressure to do so this year. The Armenian Central Bank, which sets the dram’s exchange rate, argues that its main mission is to suppress inflation, rather than protect local exporters and jobs... perhaps they need to be informed that their mission is wider than that, and that jobs and exports are as important as inflation?

Another earthquake?

I haven’t written in a while – I guess I’ve been in a twilight zone and had lost my literary inspiration. I just read an article today that disturbed me and instigated me to begin writing again. It’s related to the risk of another earthquake primarily targeting Yerevan. I don’t know how credible the sources are, but it’s bothersome nonetheless. My husband says that there are other sources that negate this claim; I hope he’s right, but I’m still not totally convinced.

Here’s part of the article:

YEREVAN AT RISK OF CATASTROPHIC EARTHQUAKE'
By Shakeh Avoyan
Radio Liberty. Czech Rep.
June 13 2006

Armenia is at risk of suffering another catastrophic earthquake that would wreak havoc on its capital Yerevan and kill hundreds of thousands of its residents, a leading Armenian seismic engineer claimed on Tuesday.

Mikael Melkumian, who heads the Armenian Association of Seismically Safe Construction, said the apocalyptic scenario is based on research conducted by himself and other local seismologists. Those include Sergey Balasanian, the late former chief of the National Seismic Protection Service.

"We arrived at the conclusion that the territory of Yerevan is a very high-risk area," Melkumian told a news conference. "If we have an earthquake in Yerevan with a magnitude similar to that of the [1988] Spitak earthquake ... then almost nothing will be left of Yerevan because according to our calculations, about 80 percent of buildings will be destroyed and we will have about 300,000 victims," he said.

I know that Armenia is very susceptible to seismic attacks, as are many other countries in the world. But what disturbs me the most is that I haven’t heard of any significant precautions that the government of Armenia has taken to protect or even inform its people. I guess I’m going to have a hard time sleeping comfortably for the next little while…

Tark's in town

I'd heard from a couple of ppl that Jerry Tarkanian was in town, and sure enough, there he was at the Marriot Cafe yesterday having a drink and people watching. His interactions here must be refreshing for him since probably without exception locals don't know who he is. I wanted to take a pic to post here, but I hate to bug people, so I passed on this one.

The heat wave here continues. I don't know if it's supposed to let up or not, but I've been going to a pool to cool off. It is amazing how much of a difference a pool makes, the summers here are always quite hot (though usually not this hot until later in the summer). I know Armenia needs all kinds of other things at this time, but I must also argue that building a bunch of public swimming pools throughout Yerevan would raise the quality of life here immeasureably! :-)

Raffi Cubed

Such a great Yerevan night... Started early as we gathered to see our friend (Barsga-Hay from LA) become the Swedish Consul to Armenia. Had a bite at the Marriot Cafe which has the most expensive drinks in Yerevan ($2 for a beer!). Headed to Cactus to "watch the world cup games" and meet some others (I still have no idea who played, nor do I care) and have some drinks. Around about midnight, who should happen to walk up but Raffi Meneshian and Natasha! So what with me and Raffi Niziblian there already (not to mention Arsineh), we had all three Raffi loggers at one table... I don't remember that ever happening before. There was also a new logger (Amerigatsi) there who is yet to dive into writing, but said that would change soon. It was a good time and it just occurred to me it would be fun to have a get together with all the others writing here while Raffi's in town, since we discussed most of them anyway...

I should also welcome Jilda (from France) on the Diaspora blog as well as two new bloggers, Mariam and Aram on the Local blog. It's great to have more contributors on those pages and I'd be interested in having even more bloggers...

Armenia Diaspora Conference #3

ARMENIA DIASPORA CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

The third Armenia Diaspora conference will convene on September 18-20 in Yerevan.

This year will also mark the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. In that context, ArmeniaDiaspora III will examine, analyze, assess our past and consider how history and current geo-political realities raise new issues before our nation, and how the possibilities and prospects for resolving them together.

The agenda of ArmeniaDiaspora III will consist of various strands.

On September 18, at the first plenary, we will explore the current condition and future prospects for Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation – a traditional concern which requires new approaches, taking into consideration ever-changing geopolitical development. During this session, speakers will include the leadership of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, as well as other spiritual leaders, and the heads of all Diaspora-wide structures.

During the second half of the day and on the next day, we will focus on the second agenda item – rural development in Armenia. To secure Armenia’s total development, and from the perspective of certain strategic concerns, the comprehensive development of Armenia’s rural communities must be assured. Therefore, our objective is to rally the resources of the Armenian government and Armenia’s business community, the Diaspora and international organizations, to renovate rural infrastructure, facilitate economic development and create the necessary contemporary conditions to live and work in rural communities.

As a starting point, and for obvious strategic reasons, we have decided to begin with Armenia’s border villages.

Participating in this agenda item will be the representatives of those communities, organizations, groups as well as those individuals who have already agreed to take part in this program. Of course, those conference participants who are interested in this topic may also attend.

Beginning Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday, September 20, there will be a forum entitled “New Answers to Old Questions for a New Nation-State in the 21st Century.” Armenian identity in the context of globalization – preservation, language, culture, education, dual citizenship, repatriation as a phenomenon, the history of Armenian repatriation, its organization, new repatriation possibilities, prospects, as well other issues will be on the agenda.

Also on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development will be holding a forum on economic developments and prospects.

On Thursday, September 21, independence day celebrations will take place throughout the capital. All conference participants are invited.

On Friday, a major exhibition on Armenia’s economic activity, agricultural development, prospects and partners will take place in the same venue as the conference, at the Demirchian Sports Complex, and all conference participants will be encouraged to attend.

Additional information about the agenda, registration forms, as well as modalities of participation will be available and regularly updated at www.armeniaforeignministry.am or at www.armeniadiaspora.com.

The conference is open to all who wish to be present and take part in Armenia's future.

recent updates

I have not been logging much not knowing what to say. Today, I have something great to announce. Shushan Avakyan, one of our closest friend with whom we did LCO in Karintag in 1999, launched her first novel at the Naregatsi Art Institute. I am very proud of her. She has dedicated the book to Varanta (our second) to whom she is Godmother. If all Godmothers (even Godfathers) could leave such a legacy to their "sanigs" our kids will start looking up to them as role models. Bravo Shushan!

Lara is in Latvia for a conference so I am with the 3 kids for a week... living the life of a single parent!

Tonight, after a nice visit at A's new apartment, I took the kids to Hrabarag for the fireworks (Verchi Zang - like a a national PROM day for graduates).

Tomorrow, a relaxing day at the poolside.

... such is life in Armenia!

Download Qami Pchi

I'm glad to announce the official release of "the" song on the internet. It's available for downloading on the newest Armenian showbiz portal Starmenia.

HAYQ's Qami Pchi can be downloaded at this site www.starmenia.eu/hayq

This is the first official legal release of the song, and unlike the pirated versions that have been spreading around, this is not a low quality mp3 release. It's a high quality file (192kbps) WITH the extended "zurna" bit.

All profits will go towards the HAYQ project, which the group and I are very dedicated to continue. We look forward to every fan's support :-)

World Chess Champions!!!

What a great party at the Opera last night celebrating Armenia's victory in the world chess championship in Italy! The party started in the evening with recorded music, then live, then the big names, then the chess players arrived directy from the airport at 1:30/2am and said a few words, the crowds went wild, then finally, fireworks...

Crowd having fun before the champions arrival...

Bad photo of the champions on the stage behind the Operahouse.

Qami Pchi

Along with a friend of mine, we are now working on a site, which should be up and running any day now, where people can purchase a high quality mp3 version of the song. I'd like to mention, the version we are selling for a very low cost is an alternate version no one yet has. It's very similar to the mix the group uses in their live shows. A version so many are seeking in Armenia right now.

We'll most probably have the site up before the weekend. Please stay tuned. And we look forward to every ones support.

The wind is blowing... in all the speakers.

Der Hova was not exaggerating when he said the song he produced, Kami Pchi (roughly meaning "blow wind", ie. commanding the wind to blow) has swept the country. It IS everywhere, it has captivated the country, and the first time I heard it I knew immediately that it was the song he was talking about. Everybody is talking about it and listening to it, and I really love it, like I haven't loved an Armenian song in a long time. Really Der Hova, fantastic work! Everyone I talk to loves it - this is not one of those songs people disagree on... and everyone agrees this song would have likely as not won Eurovision. Any chance it can be Armenia's next entry? I think it would really blow people away (no pun inteneded!) well beyond Armenia...

New Yerevan

Here, without commentary, is a photo of the first open section of the new pedestrian street (the Northern Avenue) which is shooting up right in the heart of Yerevan. None of the restaurants/cafes which I assume will line the street are open yet. Other than that, the weather here is scorching hot!

The Cascade and surrounding areas were busting at the seams last night. What a huge crowd, excellent entertainment, and a good time had by all.

Bravo Madlene and cohorts for the street party of the year! It was a great kick off for the summer!

And here's a picture (distorted because i don't know how to use my new cam) of crowd and personal favorites--HAYQ. [removed due to size problems!]

Armenian Navy Band at Cascade...

What a great night... Yerevan really celebrated International Children's Day this year in a big way. Here's a pic of the Armenian Navy Band's free concert at Cascade...

Shikahogh State Preserve

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let them speak for themselves... these are pics of the Shikahogh State Preserve in southern Armenia.