The PEOPLE have spoken

I have stopped believing in anything I hear from any source. Yesterday, I decided to take walk to Opera and see what was really happening. I had heard that the police were forcing people out of the opera square. people, mostly women, had decided to lay flowers and light candles in the memory of those who have lost their lives and for those who have disappeared after the March 1 incidents. We got some calls saying that people were being beaten and women were being forced out by force (violence and electric shocks). Other sources later confirmed these allegations.

However, nearly an hour into the silent protest, where people were to forma long line from the Opera House to the buildings of the Italian and French Embassies, I decided, enough of this hearsay, I want to see what is going on. What we saw was a large number of people - many of them leaders in NGOs and businesses. young and old, some holding candles and standing near a lamp post, but most of them silently walking up and sown the line from the Opera to the Embassies. There was a heavy presence of police and military - mostly for the "in case" situation. I saw no violent acts. On the contrary, people were taking photo and video footage of the entire thing, and the police did not interfere.

This demonstration said loud and clear, that the people are not on the side of this candidate or the other, but they were rooting for the side of fair and just governance. There was no leader guiding the people in yesterday's march... it was just the people.

URGENT CALL

From http://marti21.blogspot.com/

An urgent call to support
the silent protest in Yerevan, Armenia
on Friday, March 21, 5pm-7pm

The announcement outlined below has been extended to the citizens of the republic of Armenia, the vast majority of which continue to live in a state of terror, violence, political persecution, intimidation and total information black-out. On Friday, March 21, 2008, many will form a silent, human chain from 5pm to 7pm to focus the attention of the international community, yet again, on their plight

As indicated in the guidelines below, the sole purpose of the Silent Protest is to mourn and to remember those who have fallen prey to a totalitarian and sick regime, and to do so with respect and dignity.It is the duty of all us to bow our heads before such courage and above all, to support their efforts to regain their human dignity. After all, none of us in Europe, the US and Canada would tolerate a life without dignity and civil liberties for a single moment.Time is of the essence. Express your views to the Foreign ministry, the Prime Minister's Office and the President's office of Armenia.

Invitation to participate in a human chain of silent protest

All the citizens of the Republic of Armenia willing to express their indignation against the brutalities and massacres organized by the authorities of Armenia in the morning and evening of March 1st, those who decry the unconscionable political persecutions, arrests and trials of peaceful demonstrators that continue to this day, and those who mourn the memory of all victims of the events of the March 1st, are invited to participate in a Silent Protest on Friday, March 21, from 5pm to7pm.

Protesters will stand in silence, in a single row. The line will extend from Liberty Square (where the carnage of March 1 against peaceful and unsuspecting demonstrators was launched) through Northern Avenue, Abovyan Street, Republic Square, Vazgen Sargsyan Street and Italy Street. In the latter section the line will be situated on the walkway facing the Prosecutor General's Office.

Participants are urged to adhere to the following strict guidelines:

1. Participants will stand only and only on those parts of the path that are free of vehicular traffic, and on sidewalks, so as not to disrupt the normal flow of traffic in the city;

2. Participants will stand approximately 1meter apart from each other (approximately the span of extended arms);

3. Participants will stand in a single row;

4. If the number of participants exceeds the number of people that can be accommodated in a single row, the group surpassing that number will stand on the opposing sidewalk under the same guidelines to prevent traffic congestions and, to prevent the authorities from condemning it as a mass gathering;

5. In those areas where no opposite sidewalks exist, participants will not form a second row.

To express your protest, it is advised to have with you:

1. The photograph or photographs of any or some political prisoners (with their names and last names displayed) and hold them visibly in your hands or attached to your backs. If possible, print a few photographs of political prisoners and give them to the participant near you. Some photographs can be downloaded from the following website: http://marti21.blogspot.com/

2. You may tie black ribbons on your arms in memory of the victims of the March 1;

3. You may carry candles, placed in glasses (not to be blown out by the wind) in memory of the victims of March 1. And, you may simply wear a black outfit in memory of the victims of March 1.

ABOVE ALL,

1. Please maintain maximum and strict order;

2. Do not be swayed by any provocation;

3. If you feel impending danger and threat of the use of force, please leave your location in the row (you may return to your location when the threat is gone)

4. Answer questions posed by the police, the public, journalists and others without agitation and with calm.

For questions and suggestions please contact: marti.qsanmek@gmail.com

AMOT

El inch assem...

What about the forceful dispersion of peaceful protesters in Liberty sq by special police force? restriction of media ? civil liberties ? battered civilians ?

As if what happened on March 1st and still continuing to happen is a very casual thing.

Ready to work with the 'newly elected government' ? which one ? the one with stolen votes and spread out terror among civilians ?

AMOT - HAZAR AMOT

For all the institutions who signed this statement. One thing is sure YOU do not represent ME and many other diasporans.

BOYCOTT Armenian Assembly, BOYCOTT ANCA, BOYCOTT AGBU and all the rest until they express in a more committed and responsible way their condemnation of all the injustices in the past events by a government against its people!

Here is the shameful statement (for those who did not receive it yet):

Joint Statement of the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian National Committee of America, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern/Western) and the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern/ Western) on Recent Events in Armenia
As leading Armenian-American organizations, we stand in solidarity with the state and the people of Armenia as the nation confronts the current political crisis.We are deeply saddened by the violence, divisiveness, and deaths during the post-electoral street unrest in the capital and extend our heartfelt sympathies to all the families of the victims. We condemn all violent acts, including assaults, vandalism, and looting, and expect, consistent with due process of law, that the organizers and perpetrators will be brought to justice.We urge all parties to work peacefully within Armenia's civic and legal structures to address their outstanding differences and restore Armenia's political environment to a state of normalcy in as timely and responsible a manner as possible. We join with all Armenians in reaffirming our people's common commitment to the security of Armenia and Artsakh in a challenging and often dangerous region, and to cooperate toward our shared aim of strengthening an open and democratic Armenian homeland, based upon the rule of law, social and economic justice, freedom of expression and the media, and equal opportunity for all.As Armenian-Americans, proud and vital partners in the future of the Armenian nation, we are ready to cooperate with the newly-elected president and the government. We remain committed to doing our part to serve our homeland and the Armenian Nation as we have done throughout our long history. Armenia will continue to inspire and sustain generations of Armenians who have lived, as we do today, beyond her borders.

welcome back

Many of my repat friends were gone for a good period of time. others were simply traveling for work or pleasure... I am relieved that they have either returned or are on their way back.

... Armenia just isn't the same without them!

Spring Fever

Although Armenia accepts March 1st as the first day of Spring, in the west, we were always taught that it was March 21.

This year, Spring (usually symbolized renewal or rebirth) will come in more ways than one this year. It will be the first day after the end of the "State of Emergency". People will embark on the search for truth and justice. Others will go shopping for a new wardrobe. I, on the other hand, will have Good Friday dinner with my kids... and pray for peace.

Will we lose Karabagh?

I am not sure if this message will eventualy get me in trouble as teh phrasing of teh new amendments to the media and information is somewhat unclear. Nonetheless, I think this is very important for us to know.

you can read this news on several sites, reuters, google, yahoo.



On March 14, UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and demanding Armenian forces to withdraw:

The reolution adopted by UN General Assembly says:
1. General Assembly respected for sovereignty of Azerbaijan and recognized its territorial integrity within borders adopted by international laws.
2. General Assembly demands withdrawal of Armenian military forces from occupied lands urgently, completely and undoubtedly.
3. General Assembly recognizes the right on returning the population to their lands and paying compensation to them.
4. General Assembly supports to ensure security of Azerbaijani and Armenian Communities of Nagorno Karabakh and provide condition for their activity.
5. General assembly supports the activity of OSCE MG co-chairs within international legal norms and wished them to increase efforts to gain the peace.
6. General Assembly asked for UN General Secretary to make a report about execution of resolution on situation in Azerbaijani occupied lands in 63rd session.

Pakistani representative spoke on the behalf of Organization of Islamic Conference. He stated that they supported Azerbaijan’s position and noted that there were one million people exiled from their lands as a result of aggressive policy pursued by Armenia and stressed that Azerbaijani religious, historical heritage was ruined in Nagorno Karabakh. He noted that OIC condemned aggressive policy of Armenia every time and called members of organization to vote for resolution . Uganda representative stated that Azerbaijanis are the victim of the war and noted that they support them. Turkish and Ukrainian representatives stated the same position.
Armenian ambassador to UN Armen Martirosyan noted that official Baku caused damage to negotiations raising the resolution in UN. He protested position of Ukrainian, Turkish and OIC representatives. Irrespective of this, 39 states voted for the document, 7 sates voted against it. 100 states took neutral position. The states against resolution were Russia, US, France, India, Angola and Vanuatu.

Excellent customer care

In response to a previous log, I wanted to share a different reality regarding customer service in Armenia.

Lara and I returned to an old location from where we used to do most of our furniture shopping. Julianna is a relatively decent Furniture shop located on the strip along the highway leading to the Airport paralleling the numerous casinos (most of you who have traveled know the strip I am talking about). They offer a range of imported as well as locally made office and home furniture. They also do custom designed items... overall a one stop shop for furniture.

Gagik and Karen are two of the most knowledgeable, kind and service oriented sales agents I have ever seen. Without overdoing it, they were friendly enough, accessible but not stuck to you throughout your shopping, and get this... smiling ALL the time!

so, we ended up buying the necessary and left the store feeling happy and satisfied.

Interesting times

The March 1 incidents will go down as a turning point in Modern Armenian History. The clashes between peaceful demonstrators and police/military/special units and later "hooligans" which led to the call for an all out siege of the country by its government with a State of Emergency, will be remembered as First Day of a New Armenia.

Now what this New Armenia has in store for us is the real question. Armenians in the Republic and its Diaspora are more and more divided. To be honest, we have never been a united people (I am referring to ancient historic times up to recent politics).

See the following links as an example of what I mean:
http://unzipped.blogspot.com/2008/03/armenians-for-peaceful-civil.html
http://www.Armenia2008.com/



I am able to write this message since the President of the Republic of Armenia lifted the ban on information sharing. However, I want to remind the readers that journalists in Armenia are hesitant to go all out for fear of repercutions in future "state of emergency" cases. So read EVERYTHING (pro or con) with that notion in mind.

the worst censorship is the media censorship!

Learning a few things from Beirutsi's

The Lebanese are known to party and celebrate amidst an all out civil war.

Recently, a new pub opened its doors to young Armenians. Beatles"The Black Bird" as it is called, is located on Pushkin. Although I missed the event, it seems close to 200 people attended with all the "elita" present.

The performers of the night were none other than the young Bambir. And yes, the played Beattles music all night long.

So, to all those wondering how we are coping, I hope this tells you something about current life in Armenia.

Manoukians of the world

Alain Manoukian - famous French Designer :
Vatche Manoukian - Wealthy British Entrepreneur and Philanthropist (also HSBC in Armenia)
Andre Manoukian - French music composer-producer, also a jury member for the French version of Pop Idol, "Nouvelle Star"
Catherine Manoukian - Young violinist from Canada
Martiros Manoukian - Artist/Painter from Armenia
Andranik Manoukian - Minister of Transport and Communications of RA
Nicholas Manoukian - American Cpl. died in Iraq in 2007

but best of all is :
Guy Manoukian - Lebanese musician. Most recent work is with Wyclef Jean and Lucina - videoclip : www.guymanoukian.com

Qele Qele

Very soon, during the Eurovision competition, most of you will hear Sirusho sing one of the better songs I have heard coming out of Armenia. The song in called Kel kele... or Qule quele (in Hayastan). It is a dance song with rhythmic and Armenian folk nuances. Lyrics are in English.

This song was written and arranged by none other but, Harout DerHovakimian (Repat from Toronto). I know that he has worked hard to get the song all the way here and it must have taken a lot of convincing since he is not necessarily "in" the H1 crowd. What I mean is that there are several individuals who have a strong hold on what and who should appear on H1 (Hratch Keshishyan, Hayko, etc).

Once again, BRAVO to DerHova for providing such great work!

This will be the third year that Armenia is participating in Eurovision. in 2006 Andre was the representative of Armenia and Hayko wasteh rep for 2007. I think Sirusho is by far the best candidate for this show.

International Women's Day

When I woke up this morning, I wanted to write about this topic... that damned saleswoman distracted me (see Happy Shopping).

So March 8 in Armenia has turned into a celebration similar to Valentine's Day where women expect gifts, chocolate and flowers from their male entourage (father, brother, uncle, boyfriend, husband, lover, employer, colleague, etc).

In reality, March 8 is a socialist holiday dedicated to honor the women's rights movement, which in itself assists in achieving universal suffrage for women. You can find very interesting historic details in the following links (especially in Wikipedia refering to Armenian traditions)

www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women's_Day

Following this important day is Mother's Day, which is on April 7 in Armenia. So, tradition has called for celebrating womanhood and all that is feminine for an entire month (March 8 to April 7). Only in recent years, with the development of consumer society, these holidays have become extremely commercial offering discounts and promotions anywhere one can think of.

Bari Marti ut.

Happy Shopping

I am sure you could appreciate the fact that there is little that I can write about at the moment. I have many replies for all those who left me comments as well as new thoughts which I wish to share. I will wait for March 21.

In the meantime, I want to share a story. Just today, I experiences how the more things change, the more they stay the same.

At 11:40 this morning, I accompanied Lara to do some furniture shopping for her center. The first place we went was the store on Vardanats street where we usually get our stuff. It's close and has somewhat of a variety. We have spent more over 2000$ in this store in less than a year. Today, as Lara was looking around, I told the salesgirl that the 120$ office chair we bought about 3 months ago broke from the bottom part (where it should not have broken). She replied : "ed inch tsevi ek nsdel vor?" (what kind of way where you sitting). I smirked as I am used to this kind of arrogant answers by now. I told her with the usual sarcasm : "jishtn asadz vren eyi tsakrdum" (tell you the truth I was jumping on it). Then I walked further down to look for more chairs. I found one and asked if this was a better quality one. She told me well you are a fat guy so I don't know... she is litteraly trying to sell her products, she is not being obnoxious (or so she thinks). To that I answered, well perhaps you should write the maximum weight each of these chairs carry (always with the smirk). To my surprise, she started raising her voice telling me that I am not one to tell her what to do. I started getting annoyed and told her that I am the customer and that as a customer service tactic she shouldn't raise her voice like that if she wanted to make a sale (especially since we were actually there to buy and not just browse).

So far, this conversation may be typical to those who have visited Armenia, or have lived here for some time. Her following answer is what pissed me off most. I lost it and started yelling at her and at her male staff who had now gathered around her and were telling me that I should not talk to a woman like that. I don't care if today is International Women's Day (in Armenia, this holiday has become a celebration of beauty, not at all a celebration of empowerment and fight for equality) NO ONE should talk to me that way and utter such vile sentiments.

She said: "TSER YERGROUM E AYTBESS, AYSDEGH, YES VONTS UZUM EM AYTBESS EL GKHOSSAM"
(that's how it might be in your country, but here, I speak the way I want)



NOTE: I think I have earned the right to have replied to her that I live here and this IS my country.


So you see, the more "developed and civilized" we get, the more arrogant and resentful some (I stress on some) people get!

Turning point

Could this be a new turning point for civil society in Armenia? I have been hearing through many friends and peers that the demonstrations at the Liberty Square were dispersed and that people were beaten by police and that LTP has been under house arrest for over several hours ... but what is interesting is that people have finally come together and in big numbers to voice their collective concerns about the regime and the leadership of their country. I have not been to these sites and I have not seen any rioting on the streets myself, and the worst part is that I have not seen any news coverage of the events on the media.

The events started at 6:30 a.m. this morning, by 3:00 p.m., we saw the first police press conference aleging that they only attacked after the demonstrators started throwing rocks and yelling out words to overturn the government... They showed footage of guns and sharp objects collected from the surrounding areas of the Opera claiming that they were tipped on he arrival of truckloads of arms and other metal harp objects. To my disappointment, none of the TV stations attempted to cover any of the action that was taking place on he streets (near the French embassy and now at the Shahumyan square). H2 was off the air until early afternoon. H1 was broadcasting cheaply dubbed films, Shant, Shoghakat, Gentron, ALM, Yerevan, Hayrenik TV and Armenia TV (owned by Cafesdjian) were all carrying on with their cheasy video clips, reruns of poor imitations of American game shows, and more dubbed foreign films. Only Yerkir Media had the courrage to air footage and voice out their outrage of what was taking place in our country.

I am not sure what all this will lead to, but I know that Armenia will not have the same apathetic society it had for the past several years.

I am hopeful that the people will prevail and will build its country to have a more fair and just political and judicial system... or at least it will die trying!