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2005 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 ... Civil Initiative 15 JanuaryThe first issue of “Civil Initiative” of 2005 was printed on January 15. It presents post New Year wishes and has wishes to end 2005 with new findings. “Civil Initiative” tells about how Vanadzor residents celebrated New Year, with what mood and money.
• 208 calls have been registered in Vanadzor ambulance station during the New Year days. This index as compared to the previous year is lower. The specialists state that the calls mainly concerned nosebleed as a consequence of flu. Assistance was given to those citizens who suffered from blood pressure and cardiopulmonary dissatisfaction, and it made 50-60%. In the ambulance station 4 birth and 4 death cases have been registered during the holidays. • Human rights protection remains in the focus of attention of HCA Vanadzor office. The actions performed towards Arayik Zalyan’s rights protection continue. This time the advocates of Arayik Zalyan and his two fellow-soldiers called a press conference in Yerevan. Arayik Zalyan, Razmik Sargsyan and Musa Serobyan are blamed for murder executed in the military unit of Maghadis of Nagorno Karabakh on 23-24 December, 2003. During the press conference the advocates presented their concerns the intimidations towards the relatives of the accused by unknown people. No step to prevent these intimidations has been made by the law enforcement bodies. You can read about it in detail in this issue of “Civil Initiative”.
• This year was also signified by an innovation. Since January 1, every citizen of the Republic of Armenia must have a social card, which, according to specialists, aims at facilitating the circulation of documents. This card is a document, given to citizens, which provides the implementation of the citizens’ social security rights. The law says that the aim of creating social card system is to escape from coinciding citizens’ data, as well as to provide the secrecy of the personal data in the information system. If the citizen does not have a social card he will be deprived of his right to get salary, pension or social allowance. The number of card owners in the social service agency of Vanadzor is 58458. 45375 cards are already waiting for their owners. • Legal culture is developed in Armenia. Armenian Constitutional Right Protective Center (ACRPC) began a new project. By the three-year project “Development of Legal Culture in Armenia” it is foreseen to carry out a 20-day training during which the participants will be given literature by UN Public Information Administration, Council of Europe-office in Armenia, as well as the ACRPC fund.
Civil Initiative 31 JanuaryThis year’s second issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on January 31, 2005. The governor of the Lori region and the mayor of Vanadzor presented the progress and challenges of the last year in Vanadzor and Lori region. As all more or less patriotic Armenians, the intellectuals of Vanadzor were complaining about the announcement of Assistant Secretary of State of USA Elizabeth Jones. The newspaper focuses on the problem of dirt not only in the outskirts of Vanadzor but also in its central streets.
• “Prometevs-kimprom” joint-stock company of Vanadzor violates the law “On Work Payment”. The company does not pay the employees; moreover, it has worked out another kind of violation. The company signed a contract with the employees according to which it is foreseen to pay the employees only after December 1, 2005. In fact, before that period the employee does not have the right to prosecute the company and demand his salary. This kind of contract can be called in no other way than slaveholding. You can read more about this in “Civil Initiative”. •
The governor of the Lori region Henrik Kochinyan presented
in his report the failings and executed work in the Lori region.
The representatives from mass media, local authorities, regional
government, NGOs, and citizens were present at the meeting.
Henrik Kochinyan was not satisfied with the results registered
in the educational sphere. The most interesting was that the
governor qualified Lori region as law-abiding, leaving out
facts of human rights violations and the murders taken place
in Vanadzor during the last years. • Vanadzor has an opportunity to become a center for tourism. The survey made by Urban Institute of Yerevan shows that Vanadzor can become a center for tourism due to its beautiful nature and comfortable location. In Vanadzor the project “Development of Tourism” is already being implemented, within the framework of which it is foreseen to restart the ropeway of Vanadzor, and provide comfortable lodgings for the development of winter sports. In the result of the survey made by the center it was found out that Vanadzor has the opportunity to be a place for organizing sports teaching and training meetings. •
We presented the press release of IKV in the second issue
of “Civil Initiative”. In the press release, the
organization expresses its position about the announcements
presented in Azerbaijan press. The Azeri society protested
against the film commissioned by IKV. The Azeri insisted that
it was pro-Armenian. IKV states that it is not true and that
the film presents Armenian and Azeri families who share the
same pain. The second issue of the newspaper also presents an article written by the representative of one of the religious organizations, which is about the problems of freedom of conscience and religion. You can get this year’s
second issue of “Civil initiative” from the editorial
Civil Initiative 15 FebruaryThis year’s 3rd issue of the newspaper “Civil initiative” was printed on February 15, 2005. It presents the latest events in Vanadzor. Vanadzor Municipality persists senselessly
We are not interested in the pocket money of the mayor and his debts. This is really private. But the documents that state how our money is spent must not be secret. Horovel (a dance, music band) used to be in the building opposite the agricultural market, and now it is not clear where they moved to after the building was privatised. We cannot be indifferent to the sum of the taxes that goes to the local budget. We are also interested why it was discussed to build a cinema house in “Artsakh” park while there is a half –built “Gugark” cinema just next to the municipality. It is interesting to know how far human value can go. Even the territories of historical value are being treated with disrespect. It is already for several times that the avagani rejected to adopt the decision on the construction of a hydroelectric station on the Vanadzor River. How concerned they are about a few kW of electricity that would not destroy the whole rest place. Who are the godfathers that sponsor the idea (not the names, that are known to the public, but the ones who approved), the single word of whom is so frightening for the mayor, that he does his best to realise the idea. Maybe, other decisions which were not brought to the HCA Vanadzor office were of this kind and the municipality considered them to be secret. Only one disgraceful thing can be stated by this fact that is 65 decisions of 100 made during two years are either illegal or connected to illegality. If we are not right in our thoughts, the mayor of Vanadzor should present the rest of the decisions to HCA Vanadzor office. Otherwise, it is funny to have decisions with such number of secrets (adoption, custody). But when they try to consider some of them as trade, banking or state secrets it is already senseless and brainless (municipality is neither a trade organization nor a bank and cannot implement secret activities, it is not a state body either and cannot have secrets from the citizens of community). When the municipality tries not to present some of the decisions, even after trials which lasted more than a year, it is evident that they refuse to fulfil the decision of the court and try to cover up possible illegalities. • The firemen of Vanadzor protest and demand to raise their low salary. On February 11, they organized a demonstration in front of the administration building. The public service for disaster relief is aware of it but it cannot do anything. • The journalists of Lori and Taush regions will have a permanent place to meet. They think that it will give them the possibility to get together and protect the freedom of speech and the professional rights of journalists. This opportunity was created by HCA Vanadzor. It established the “Vanadzor Press Club” NGO. The presentation of the newly established organization took place on February 5, in Vanadzor. • Karen Asloyan has already been set free. He was blamed for killing a fellow-soldier during the military service. Now the new Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia granted him amnesty. The 26-year old fellow, who spent more than five years in prison, is disappointed by not only his motherland, but also some people. He imagines his future out of Armenia . You can read about Karen Asloyan in the third issue of “Civil Initiative.” • Builders have been given encouragement awards for their contributions in the field of construction in Vanadzor. In the nomination of “the best building of the year” after Samvel Hakobyan, the entertainment center “Bellissimo” was the first. Though the buildings in Vanadzor that are beautiful and which are built according to esthetic norms are given encouragement awards, “Civil Initiative” offers also to give a prize for the worst building. It is not a secret that in Vanadzor the number of bad and illegal buildings are getting more and more. • The mayor of Vanadzor thinks that we should use the power of our rivers. But this can be realized only by the permission of the avagani (counselor). Avagani of Vanadzor refused to give permission to use the area of Vanadzor river to build a hydroelectric station. Even if avagani agreed such a decision would be considered illegal. According to RA law “On areas of special protection”, the area of Vanadzor river is a special zone which should be protected and its economic exploitation is prohibited. “Civil Initiative” also presents regional news in this issue of the newspaper. You
can get this year’s second issue of “Civil initiative”
from the editorial Civil Initiative 28 FebruaryThe fourth issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on February 28.
• The employees of the “Prometey-kimprom” Ltd. organized a demonstration in front of the procurator’s office. They worked for 18 months and have not been paid for it. The demonstrators demanded from the procurator to be consistent to realize the court resolutions. The claims of those people have been upheld in 100% and the factory owner took the obligation to pay the salary of the people who worked for many years. • The citizens of the Republic of Armenia are “expelled” from Russia. For some of the Vanadzor residents the border to Russia is closed. The employees of the Russian airport said so when they sent the citizens of Armenia back. No one knows for how long and why the Vanadzor residents have been expelled. The hopeless people applied to the ministry of foreign affairs of RA, Armenian Airlines Company and the ombudsman of Armenia, but everything was in vain. • February 18 was the last day of the regional Olympiad contest in different school subjects. There were about 3000 pupils participating in it. The results of the Olympiad are not satisfying even for the organizers. The worst results were at the mathematics. Out of 157 participants’ results, the results of 85 pupils were zero at Mathematics. The administration of the Lori region decided to carry out a survey to find out the reasons for the low level of preparation. • The family of Armen Ghambaryan lives in a domik district. It is already 6 years they live in a one-room domik relying on luck. The mother of two little children can be often seen begging in the street. The firstborn of the family is sponsored by the Armenian Evangelistic church. They give 50 $ once in a three months to solve the problems of school. 5-year old Robert can’t walk as his feet caught cold. And the youngest child has the impact of hunger and cold on his health. “Civil Initiative” will regularly highlight the terrible situation of the domik district inhabitants. • The newspaper presents the interview of Mikael Danielyan, well-known human rights defender, about the present situation of the Republic of Armenia. You can get familiar with the following issues: the state of human rights defense; whether the opposition of Armenia can make a revolution; who can benefit for delaying the solution of the Karabakh conflict. •
Representative of the Adventist church of Armenia Hovik Mkhitaryan
presents in “Civil Initiative” the Armenian variant
of John Locke’s theory on belief and tolerance. He calls
to gather around a table and show good will. “Civil Initiative” presents the news of Peter Benenson’s death. He was the founder of the organization “Amnesty International”. The newspaper also informs about the support it showed to solve the problems of the inhabitants living in Vanadzor, Kimiagortsneri street. You
can get this year’s second issue of “Civil initiative”
from the editorial Civil Initiative 16 MarchThis year’s fifth issue of “Civil Initiative” was published on March 16, 2005.
• The previous issue of “Civil Initiative” covered the problems of former and current employees of “Prometevs-kimprom” Close Joint Stock Company. Demonstrations went on during the previous two weeks in front of the procurator’s office of Lori region and office of the judicial-executive service. There is no progress and no hope for getting salaries yet. As a way of protest, the workers sent a letter to the president of the republic, prime minister, speaker of National Assembly and prosecutor general. They mentioned a deadline for the solution of their problem that is till March 30th. If there is no change till that period, the former workers of “Prometevs-kimprom” will use other ways of protest. • In this issue of “Civil Initiative” the announcement of different NGOs of Vanadzor has been published which is addressed to the minister of Nature Protection, governor of Lori region and mayor of Vanadzor. The NGOs discussed the information given by media on the construction of hydroelectric station. According to RA law”On the expertise of influence on environment”, the principles of Aarhus Convention ratified by the Republic of Armenia, they demand to provide the citizens of Vanadzor with information on the plan of hydroelectric station and corresponding resolutions. They also demand to organize public hearings on the suitability of the hydro station and possible influence on environment, to organize an expertise of influence on environment involving independent experts, NGO representatives and to publicize the results by media and public hearings. • “Hydroelectric stations have negative influence on environment”. Though ecologists try to teach the next generatoin this idea, the perspectives of constructing hydroelectric stations increase. Our republic has chosen the construction of hydroelectric stations as a way of alternative energy. Candidate of biological science, assistant professor Zaruhi Vardanyan assures, that hydroelectric stations interfere with the ecological balance of environment and influence on the natural development of the world. Vanadzor resident Gagik Davtyan has decided to build a hydroelectric station on river Vanadzor but he is not able to get the permission of avagani for using the territory of the river. For more information read the article ”Environmental challenge”. • It is not secret that in several district offices of self-governmental bodies a well-known method is used for giving the citizens information or a reference. Some make the citizens pay communal fees in order to get information, that is to say they make a bargain. The governor of Lori region ordered to “provide needy citizens with information and references regardless of their debts”. Anyhow, some offices still take money for giving information. • “Civil Initiative” regularly writes about religious organizations, their problems and publishes articles and analyses of their representatives. The representative of Adventist church Hovik Mkhitaryan has the opportunity to present not only his but also John Locke’s ideas about faith and tolerance. “It is already time to understand that democracy which depends not much on obligatory rules and more on virtue of citizens, especially needs a religious basis”. You
can get the 5th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial office: Civil Initiative 31 MarchThe sixth issue of “Civil Initiative” newspaper was published on 31, March.
Is
Armenia in the chain of dominoes?
• Last Sunday Armenian Apostolic church celebrated Easter. St. Astvatsatstin (Godmother) church in Vanadzor states that the majority of Vanadzor residents celebrate it. This index has increased compared with last year. The same is with Jehovah’s witnesses. They also celebrated Easter but earlier than the apostolic church. • Armenian Constitutional Right Protective Centre continues the protection of citizens’ social rights. The citizens who refused to get social cards expect the assistance of this organization. Those who do not have the cards which according to the law came into force since January, have been deprived of the right to receive salary, pension and social assistance. Thirteen citizens have already applied to the centre. Six applications have been presented to the court of first instance and seven cases should be examined. • The price for water supply has increased. The citizens of Armenia will pay 21 drams more for one cubic meter of water from May 1, 2005. The increased price for water does not solve the problems of this service. In order to provide the minimal demands of this service the prices should be increased again. Taking into account the poor social-economic state of citizens water and sanitation service has chosen the minimal variant. • The term “environmental disease” is used in the 21st century. Specialists assure that today’s ecological violations will inevitably bring to serious changes. Some years later our seminars and discussions will be not on environmental problems but on hereditary diseases. You can read about ecological crisis in the sixth issue of “Civil Initiative” newspaper. • HIV/AIDS in Armenia broadens its geography. According to the information of November 1, 2004 released by the Republican Center of Preventing AIDS, there are 296 registered HIV contagious persons in Armenia. The majority is 29-30 years old, 4 contagious children have been registered. Contagious men prevail. The main causes of infection are injections and sexual relations. The majority of contagious people have been registered in Yerevan. Lori region is in the second place and Ararat, Shirak and Gegharkunik regions are on the same scale. • The institute of Ombudsman in Armenia is one year. Telephone inquiry made by “Caucasus Centre of Peace Initiatives” shows how much this structure solved the problems and gained prestige in the society. The inquiry made among 1000 people cleared up that only 12.1% knows who the ombudsman is in Armenia. More than half of the inquired does not know that our country has an ombudsman. It is interesting that after getting enough information people asked for the address and telephone number of the ombudsman’s office. • 24 citizens applied to HCA Vanadzor office in February. Six of them have complained about the regular illegal actions implemented by “Prometevs kimprom” Ltd. of Vanadzor. Three citizens had problems with pension fund, which refuses to register the years of their work. Five citizens complained about illegitimate actions implemented by the municipality of Vanadzor. You can read about the juridical consultation given to citizens by HCA Vanadzor office in this issue of “Civil Initiative”. • Russian foundation “Public Opinion” carried out a survey on the state of civil rights and freedoms in 100 towns of 44 regions in Russia. According to the data 54% consider themselves free, 39% not free. The Russians think that they do not have rights and freedoms which are important for them. There
is also news about the situation in Chechnya and murder of
Aslan Mashkadov in “Civil Initiative”. Newspaper
regularly presents the publications by John Locke about the
principles of faith and tolerance. You
can get this issue of the newspaper from the editorial. Civil Initiative 15 AprilThe seventh issue of “Civil Initiative” newspaper was published on April 15, 2005. It presents events, republican and international news of Vanadzor, and covers the problems of human rights. •
Since January 22, 2005 the law of the Republic of Armenia
“On Advocates” has been adopted. According to
this law, the Chamber of Advocates of RA was to be formed
in two months period. The advocates could not solve the problem
of forming the chamber. The elections of the chairperson and
other members of the chamber caused disagreements. In the
result, a group of advocates applied to court to annul the
elections. On April 9, 2005, “Juridical Foundation in
Armenia” organized a discussion-seminar on solving this
issue. Human Rights Remain Violated
During the whole last year we made sure that those having the power do not aim at investigating the facts of violations used against citizens and calling to responsibility those officials who had abused their power. The reader will be right if he thinks that the idea is absurd. How is it possible to expect such an investigation by the bodies who themselves ordered to perform violence against citizens? How can we expect that the judges who made the decisions of illegal administrative arrests can be called to responsibility as the same judges had been ordered to do illegal actions? All these facts come to confirm once again the illegitimacy of the administration of the Republic of Armenia. Legal and elected authorities cannot fail to bear responsibility before their voters and take into account their opinions. But the absence of all these, as well as ignoring the voters, the limitation of their right to expression, the right to move, which is characteristic of feudal and serf systems, as well as the impunity of people who had carried out all these confirm once more that since presidential and parliamentary elections of 2003 in Armenia, the rights of citizens remain violated. They will be violated and won’t be restored until illegal authorities have the power. It’s already two years our dignity has been humiliated. Are we going to tolerate and get used to this humiliated situation?
• Our citizens should express their opinion about the
changes in the Constitution of Armenia by referendum. The
survey carried out by “Asparez” journalists’
club of Gyumri shows that 59% of Vanadzor citizens are unaware
of RA Constitution, 71% doesn’t know about the changes
in it but 68% still intends to take part in the referendum.
It is clear that the society should be informed about the
changes in the Constitution. •
The Central Bank of RA started a ten-day exhibition in Vanadzor
for representing the history of national currency. RA Central
Bank is planning to hold such exhibitions in other regions
of the republic. According to Papag Aloyan, director of art
museum, we do not appreciate the value of Armenian statehood.
The exhibition will be part of solving this problem. • 88 families in Alaverdi do not have citizenship. Temporary registration deadline of hostel inhabitants in the neighborhood of copper smelting factory has expired. ACP company intends to demolish the buildings and the new owner of the district does not take the responsibility of giving new flats to citizens. •
In this issue of the newspaper an article about human rights
written by Pope John Paul II is published. Human society is
not perfect. Just there are people whose dignity or sympathy
does not allow to be indifferent towards injustice. God has
created both dignity and human rights. The state or international
organizations only implement what God defined. •
“Civil Initiative” newspaper continues to present
John Locke’s work on faith and tolerance, which is translated
into Armenian by Hovik Mkhitaryan, representative of Adventist
church. It’s not prohibited for anyone to choose freely
and keep Christian faith and everyone is free to profess the
faith he likes. You
can get the 7th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial: Civil Initiative 30 AprilThe 8th issue of “Civil Initiative” newspaper was printed on April 30, 2005. This issue presents local, regional events, refers to the environmental problems of the country, presents issues on faith and tolerance. • Alaverdi residents are going to elect a new mayor in May. Alaverdi is in pre-electoral mood. The governor of Lori region Henrik Kochinyan who threatens by saying “if he is not elected …” supports one of the candidates. These elections can serve a criterion for the coming elections of self-governmental bodies in almost all the regions in autumn.
• The leaders of Communist party met with citizens and parties of Vanadzor. The meeting aimed at keeping Vanadzor residents away from election bribe, inform the society about the programs of parties. They discussed the causes hindering the economic development of Armenia, praised socialist society and talked about its necessity in Armenia. • It turned out that the rector of Vanadzor Teachers’ Training Institute is not legal. G. Ghuyumchyan-lecturer of the same institute proved it through court instances. G. Ghuyumchyan thinks that R. Yedoyan, the rector, has been elected with violations of law. The court upheld the claim of the applicant and annulled the elections. • The investigations of HCA Vanadzor show that the constitutional rights of citizens are still being violated. During March 97 citizens whose constitutional rights had been violated turned to the office. HCA Vanadzor indicates the office of the Judicial-executive service of Lori region, water supply organization, and municipality of Vanadzor. • Environmental changes of the past decade in Lori region have a direct impact on human health. The investigations show that the statistics of heart, respiratory and brain vascular diseases changed, besides the number of young people with diseases increased. This is only according to investigations of journalists. It turns out that authorities do not think about it and no budget is allocated for it but doctors say that scientific researches are necessary to carry out. • Vanadzor residents are worried about wandering dogs. The department of Communal and public service of the Vanadzor municipality prevents the danger. Dog hunting is organized eight times a month. • At the session of Vanadzor avagani the issues on giving territory, alienation of territory and cars, etc. have been discussed. A decision was made on prohibiting to create entertainment centers on the ground floor of multi-apartment buildings. Avagani also discussed to provide students with some privileges, subsidies. • Vanadzor residents inform the local authorities about this or that problem by letters. 1133 citizens have turned to the municipality this year. 65% of their claims have been upheld. Besides, the mayor of Vanadzor Samvel Darbinyan has reception hours for citizens once a week. • People with limited abilities will have the possibility to study in Vanadzor. Computer center opened in the administrative building of the Union of the Blind. Disabled people, soldiers, members of their families can take computer classes here. • UN Commission on Human Rights made a resolution. It mainly refers to the authorities of Belarus and Uzbekistan. The organizations that joined this action make speeches against death penalty in all situations and in all the countries of the world. • The newspaper continues to present John Locke’s work “On tolerance and faith” translated into Armenian. It is mentioned that freedom of religion and faith can serve as a way to create peace among religions, nations and ethnic groups. You
can get the 8th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial. Civil Initiative 13 MayThe 9th issue of “Civil Initiative” newspaper was published on May 13.
• The anti-corruption information center of Transparency International (“Regional Development Centre”) carried out telephone inquiry in Vanadzor, Ashtarak, Goris and Vayk towns in February-March 2005. 200 citizens from each town have participated in it. The inquiry aimed at revealing the level of transparency of activities implemented by the local self-governmental bodies of the regions and estimating the participation of the citizens in local self-governmental processes. • “Civil initiative” newspaper regularly presents articles on the problems existing in the domik (temporary dwelling) district in Vanadzor. At the end of last year HCA Vanadzor carried out investigations in the circle of 90 families of Leningradyan Street. The inquiry aimed at revealing social and living conditions of the inhabitants. If four years ago the majority of inhabitants were those who lost their houses during the earthquake of 1988, today they are the families who don’t have flats at all, and those that came to Vanadzor from villages. You can read about this in the ninth issue of the newspaper. • In this issue of “Civil Initiative” you can get information about the conflict between the citizen and advocate, and the court case held for that problem. Two years ago Henrik Malkhasyan, Gyumri resident, brought an action against his advocate because he was not satisfied with the service he had been given and demanded the money back. Contradictions became so deep that the court sitting turned into fight. That is why the advocate brought an action against his defendant. Court of first instance of Lori region sentenced both of them to a one-year imprisonment. • On May 4, the results of the competition on “Against racism” were presented in HCA Vanadzor office. The competition of creative works was announced on March 15, during the discussion held at HCA Vanadzor office devoted to the International Day for All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 9-0 form students of 12, 24 and “Evrika” (special school focused on physics/mathematics) schools presented works. All the 7 works were presented and read aloud and through voting the two best works were chosen. Other participants got encouraging presents. The first prize was given to the student of 24th school Misha Moshenok for the essay “Racial Discrimination” and the second one was given to Tatev Kostanyan for “The Strange Girl” from 12th school. The two best works are located in “Civil Initiative”. • Vanadzor resident Yervand Sargsyan is 83 years old. He is a hero of Patriotic War. He got numerous medals, diplomas and the title of National Hero of France for the participation in the World War II. Many participants of the Patriotic War have died. Yervand Sargsyan’s eyes fill with tears while remembering his life, his fellow soldiers; most of his friends died for the sake of motherland. “Civil Initiative” presents the story of 83 year-old hero. You
can get the 8th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial. Civil Initiative 31 MayThe 10th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on May 31.
• It is already for several times that the meeting of the alliance “Ardarutyun” with Vanadzor residents has been cancelled. “The reason is only a technical one”-the opposition leaders comment. The newspaper “Civil Initiative” has information that there is an order not only to inhibit the actions of the opposition but also to oppress any public action that is not desired. The announcement of Robert Kocharyan that our country is a good one and there won’t be any coloured revolution is surprising as “then why they are afraid of the opposition and create “discomfort” for the contact between the opposition and the people”-“Civil Initiative” makes conclusions. • The court of first instance of Syunik region sentenced Arayik Zalyan and his two fellow soldiers to 15 years imprisonment. A. Zalyan is blamed for killing three soldiers. In spite of obvious violations, threats towards the advocates and witnesses during the preliminary investigation, numerous petitions of advocates the court did not provide fair trial and recognized them guilty. The resolution will be appealed in the court of appeal. But the result is already obvious. • This year the cases of suicide increased in different regions of Armenia. During 2004, there have been 24 suicide cases and 8 suicide attempts in Lori region. Before May 16 there have been 2 suicide cases and 4 suicide attempts in Vanadzor. In general, this year in Lori region three people committed a suicide and 4 people tried to commit. Arthur Mkrtchyan, the general prosecutor of Lori region mentioned that the reason was psychological disbalance. • Former lecturer of Vanadzor Teachers’ Training Institute, Garegin Ghuyumchyan is in a judicial trouble for several years. One of the court processes concern the rector of the Institute Rafayel Yedoyan who defamed Ghuyumchyan. The court of first instance of Lori region obliged the institute to refute the article which was written by R. Yedoyan in “Iravunk” newspaper. “Civil Initiative” wrote about the struggle Yedoyan-Ghuyumchyan which already involved the students and their parents. You can read about it in the 10th issue of “Civil Initiative”. • The law of Armenia “On making changes and amendments in the electoral code” raised the discontent of the initiative “Partnership for Open Society”. In this respect, the initiative made an announcement appealing the authorities to reconsider the adopted law and make it into line with the international standards of free and fair elections. The initiative “Partnership for Open Society” does not agree with the estimation given to the law by the experts of the Venice Commission. They expressed their surprise about how the experts could not notice the contradiction with the Constitution about including judges in the electoral commissions. The initiative “Partnership for Open Society” appeals the international experts to pay attention to the problems presented on the RA law “On making changes and amendments in the electoral code” and give an appropriate estimation to the draft law. The initiative “Partnership for Open Society” expressed its concern on the activity program of “European neighbourhood policy”. • In Vanadzor the law “On the restrictions of realization, consuming and usage of cigarettes” does not work. The law that has been put into force since January 1 of this year is not applied neither by the consumers, nor by the sellers and nor by the corresponding departments. In the result of newspaper survey it was cleared up that in the six shops of Vanadzor they are not only aware of the law but they also violate the principles of the law. By the new law it is prohibited to sell cigarettes to people under 18, to use them in establishments, cafes, schools, hospitals and cultural institutions. Almost all the principles of the law are just on the paper. Even in the “Quality administration-Vanadzor department” they are not aware of the law, though one of the responsibilities of this establishment is to provide the application of the law. • The juridical department of HCA Vanadzor presents the state of human rights by its monthly report. In April 47 citizens applied to the organization. The lawyers helped them to turn to different structures, make up questionnaires, and apply to court instances. 18 of those citizens are employees of “Prometey-Kimprom” closed joint-stock company. The company refuses to pay the employees which is decided by the court of first instance. Different actions of protest did not influence on the company. It continues to calm down the employees and not to pay them. HCA Vanadzor advised them to apply to the European court. • “Civil Initiative” regularly presents social problems. This time it concerns the event of the last bell. It is not a secret that one of the main and indispensable parts of school year is the collection of money. During the recent years the demand of school-leavers increased, which is expressed by the increase of money taken from parents. This year the cost of the event of last bell made 8000-10000 drams. • The Opera House of Yerevan presented “Anush” opera in Vanadzor. The aim was to give the youth of Vanadzor the opportunity to listen to classical music. The representatives of the theatre think that it is necessary to develop the art of opera in Vanadzor. “We hope to make the youth to love national art again by means of opera art, as well as form musical taste among them”-says Karen Davtyan, the conductor of the opera staging. • “Civil Initiative” refers the incidents which took place in the town of Andijan of Uzbekistan and the demonstration of human rights defenders in Tashkend which was against the announcement made by the OSCE president of Tashkend. “Civil Initiative” published the message of George Bush made for Georgians during his visit to the square of freedom in Tbilisi. George Bush welcomed the steps of Georgians for freedom and independence and he expressed his support for further democratic developments of the Georgian nation. The newspaper regularly presents the work of John Locke on faith and tolerance that is translated by a representative of the Adventist church Hovik Mkhitaryan. You
can get the 10th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial. Civil Initiative 16 JuneThis year’s 11th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on June 16.
• “Country of prostitutes, retailers and beggars.” The opposition representatives characterized in this way during the meeting with Vanadzor population. The only way of taking the Armenian authorities from the arena is considered the referendum, without shedding blood, without being defamed before the international society, with taking away Kocharyan in a peaceful way. The opposition considers that the last refuge of Kocharyan is the isolator. • The contradiction between the municipality of Vanadzor and HCA Vanadzor gained another meaning. If at the beginning the municipality refused to give the organization the resolutions of 2002-2003 of the avagani and mayor, then now the problem has another character. The municipality does not execute completely the resolution of the appeal court of RA. The organization received 1250 resolutions out of 2600 in ten months after the adoption of the resolution. Whereas in the municipality they say that they have sent 1500 resolutions, and the rest of them are those which contain secrets. Who was the winner? The coordinator of HCA Vanadzor Arthur Sakunts confirms with this case the immunity and invincibility of the municipality even before the judicial society. • During the recent period the psychologists connect the escalation of suicides with the lack of not worked out programs on psychology. As psychologists mention, as far as there are no psychological centers in Armenia, there is not a chance for the society to have psychological talks, to get explanations and advice. The psychologists consider vulnerable those children who have problems at home. They say that in most cases the surroundings can have a serious impact on the psychological state of the child. The accidents that happened in the early period have consequences. • “Stable water environment“NGO which deals with water resource management, planning, basin management and evaluation of the environment, intends to create a public regional center of evaluating the impact on the environment in Lori region. The goal of the project is to make the society to participate more actively in the process of evaluating the impact on the environment. It means that the public awareness will raise on all issues concerning the environment. • The stories of prostitutes are printed in the 11th issue of the newspaper “Civil Initiative”. The articles are provided by “Hope and Assistance” NGO-Lori branch. It aims at promoting the sexual, reproduction and psychological health protection of the Lori region population, and the development of healthy way of life and prevention of HIV and AIDS. • The newspaper presents the analyses of a young author Edmon Harutyunyan. He analyses a number of works printed in Armenia during the last one year that are of scientific value. One of them concerns the national minorities, the freedom of conscious, faith and religion. The second one presents the functioning youth NGOs and the next one is about the political parties of Armenia. • A citizen of Vanadzor wrote a letter to the newspaper from the USA. He lives abroad for already two years because of being chased by the authorities. Anahit Gasparyan complains about the authorities that corrupted Armenia, performed massacre in the National Assembly, killed those who are concerned about our country and cleaned their bloody hands on other’s clothes. You
can get the 10th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial. Civil Initiative 16 JuneThis time the newspaper “Civil Initiative” presents information on the elections of Karabakh and other issues.
• On June 19 the Karabakh residents formed their parliament. 7 parties were presented for the elections, and only 3 of them took their places in the parliament. 22 members were elected directly. In spite of the opinion that the elections passed with no serious violations, the observing group of “Civil Initiative” registered a number of violations that testify about badly organized voting. The employees of “Civil Initiative” followed the election process in Karabakh with the initiative of Pascal Bokkers, adviser of the project CBP of the South Caucasus network.
•
The chairman of the National Democratic Union party Vazgen
Manukyan visited Vanadzor for finding out the political situation
of Vanadzor and get familiar with the questions they are interested
in. At the same time the politician spoke about national ideology,
the problems and future of Armenians. He thinks that at first
it is necessary to arrange the inner life of the country in
order to live “naturally and in an Armenian way”.
The leader of ADU party considers those who are in the pyramid
of the authorities suck the blood of people and appeals to
struggle for justice. You can read about the details of the
meeting with V. Manukyan in the 12th issue of “Civil
Initiative”. In this issue of the newspaper there are also ecological and religious articles. Vanadzor resident Hovik Mkhitaryan presents the translation of the work by John Locke that is about faith and tolerance, and Edmon Harutyunyan, who finished school this year tells about Islam and why Armenians treat that religion so badly. You
can get this issue of the newspaper from the office. Civil Initiative 15 JulyThe 13th issue of the newspaper “Civil Initiative” presents information on the process of constitutional changes, interview about it and an article for the protection of the constitutional right. It informs about the possible danger and viruses in case of swimming in closed pools in summer.
• Shavarsh Kocharyan, Member of Parliament from opposition considers the last draft of the Constitution as a good basis for progress only if it is realized fully. In the interview the MP mentioned that Armenia can’t be a legal and democratic country if one person is granted most of the rights, a fact which humiliates the other parts of authorities. According to the new draft of the Constitution, the president of the country should have the right to liquidate the National Assembly, to dismiss the prime minister from his position, and appoint the government members by the suggestion of the prime minister who had been appointed by him. Until July 20, the Venice Commission will make conclusions on the last draft, after which on August 29 it will be presented to the Parliament for the second reading. • “It is dangerous to swim in artificial swimming pools”- the epidemiologists worn and they prohibit swimming in the artificial pools of the town. The specialists say that the swimming pools do not regularly get chlorine and it is not excluded that one can be infected with any disease. But Vanadzor residents do not have any way out. The desire of swimming takes them to Hayk square and other swimming pools. Usually the owners of the swimming pools are informed about the prohibitions by the epidemiologists. And they must fulfill their responsibilities. Otherwise, administrative punishments will be applied. • The ambassador of Greece to Armenia is in Lori region. The taxpayers of Greece support Armenia. The projects that are carried out in different towns of Lori region approve of this. So far, 4 projects have been implemented: improvement and restoration of roads, repair of drinking water system, improvement of the quality of drinking water and reconstruction of water supply system. In general, funding from Greece allocated for the projects realized in Armenia is more than 330.000 Euro. • In the 13th issue of “Civil Initiative”, there are publications about the illegal constructions that are held in Vanadzor. Sometimes just in the centre of the town “castles” are erected in the result of eliminating green territories. And everyone in Vanadzor knows that anyone having money can buy a territory anywhere he wishes and can build anything he likes. “In this case who is going to fight against illegal resolutions, those resolutions by which allotting of land is realized in green territories or by which transformations of buildings are allowed?”- asks the author of the article. • In Armenia there is a widespread opinion that the citizens who get social cards are far from faith and those who reject it are considered believers. “At first, the term “believer” is not understandable in the country which is a member of the European Council and the constitution of which declares freedom of religion”-it is mentioned in the 13th issue of “Civil Initiative”. A person can reject social cards being led by other beliefs, e.g. liking himself. And those who are made to take the social cards are “irreligious”. • Russians have different opinion unlike Armenians that still have not realized the necessity and the role of public actions to reveal and solve problems. The public opinion foundation investigated the attitude of Russians against the phenomenon of solving problems by means of protests. Most of the Russians are convinced that it is possible to get the solution of this or that problem by means of protest actions. No one has an idea about the results of protests held in Russia. The willingness of a person to participate in such actions depends on whether one of his acquaintances has ever taken part in similar actions or not. In spite of this, Russians are interested in such events. • “Civil Initiative” also presents an article by Yuri Avanyan, who migrated from Azerbaijan and lives in Dilijan town of Taush region. The article presents the scene of migration and human sufferings. The latest issues of the newspaper present John Locke’s opinions and ideas on religious issues, belief and tolerance.
Civil Initiative 30 JulyThis year’s 14th issue of the newspaper “Civil Initiative” presents its viewpoint on not the final outcome of the results of constitutional changes, as well as information on the positions and benevolence started two months before the elections of self-governmental bodies in Vanadzor. The newspaper also revealed the contradictions of the resolutions of Vanadzor mayor and avagani and now it presents its consequences.
• The governor of the Lori region Henrik Kochinyan stated during the press conference that during the elections he would support the acting mayor Samvel Darbinyan. He presented the general picture of the region according to spheres. The mayor of Vanadzor mentioned during his press conference the development done by him during the last years in Vanadzor. The mayor is not against the other candidates, but he says that he has much to do. • 17–year–old Vanadzor resident Mikael Kalashyan lives in hard social conditions. He suffers from infant cerebral paralysis and he is confined to the carriage of disabled. This is the reason why Mikael is uneducated. In spite of all this, the boy has dreams and wishes and he only relies on God. • What’s the reason that the provisions of the law “On Information Freedom” are not fully applied in the condominiums of Vanadzor. The leaders of the condominiums convince that they won’t reject anyone, who wants to get familiar with the budget and data about the employees of the condominium. The majority of the leaders of the condominium is not aware of the provisions of the law “On Information freedom” but in case of necessity is ready to provide the right of citizens to get information. • “Civil Initiative” presents the opinion of psychologists about fortune tellers. According to psychologists, 99 % of fortune tellers are liars. Only 1.2 % of them are those who can reach the mind of people. • “Civil Initiative” regularly refers to religious issues, John Locke’s opinions on faith and tolerance. This issue of the newspaper also presents the description of freedom of conscience in Bible variant.
Civil Initiative 30 AugustThe 15th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on August 30.
• In its previous issue “Civil Initiative” published the illegal actions taken place under the cover of financial assistance for the best students allocated by the avagani of Vanadzor. Every month 115 thousand drams is allocated to 115 students of needy families from the local budget. In the result of the study of “Civil Initiative” it was found out that only 27 students are considered needy. In this issue the newspaper prints the data of those students who are not really needy. • “Civil Initiative” regularly presented the problems of Debed river basin, that are still not solved. The most important of the river basin is the state of reservoirs of the industrial enterprises. The biggest of them is near Ayrum and Chochkan villages of Lori region. Here during the Soviet times the waste of chemical pest-killers and heavy metals of Akhtala factory gathered. According to environmental rules Metal Prince Ltd. corporation in the balance of which is the reservoir, is obliged to isolate the area from water with the aim of conservation and to cover with earth the sediments. But nothing has been done in this direction. You can read in detail about the ecological problems in this issue of “Civil Initiative”. • August 30 is the International Day of Missing Persons. It is already the second time that HCA Vanadzor informs the public about it. Representatives of international organizations, NGOs, state structures, media and relatives of missing persons will participate in the event. The film made by IKV will be shown on that day. The film is about the problems of missing soldiers of the Karabakh war and their relatives, that are not solved even during the peace. The soul of war is felt after 15 years in the family of a missing person. • Vanadzor residents complain about the restrictions of the information freedom. Some citizens applying to HCA Vanadzor deal with this or that structure for getting information and very often face obstacles. The 15th issue of “Civil Initiative” presents those provisions of law “On Information Freedom” which gives citizens the right to apply and get the necessary information. “Civil Initiative” regularly prints articles about the activities of NGOs working not only in Vanadzor but also other districts. This time the NGO “Huysi Kamurj”-Ijevan branch and ACRPC present their events. You
can get the 15th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the editorial. Civil Initiative 15 SeptemberThe 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” was published on September 15.
• Almost in every district of Vanadzor we can see gas-filling services. There are lots of them near buildings. And if some years ago it was a problem for people to fill their car with gas today we do not have such a problem. But whether or not the security norms are protected and whether or not the security of residents is provided in the case when the gas filling cars are situated in the area of buildings and public places. In the municipality of Vanadzor they say that it is not their problem. The employees of “Civil Initiative” could not find out who was responsible for such indifference. The newspaper will be consistent in finding the responsible persons and will raise the issue before the relevant structures. • On the occasion of the new school year the Ministry of Education of RA made surprises for the schoolchildren. The first formers of this year will study 11 years instead of 10. The next surprise was for the families that get assistance. The first formers of those families received 20000 drams. • HCA Vanadzor organized an event devoted to the International Day of Missing Persons. It aimed at raising public awareness on the problems of relatives of missing persons. During the event the film “Hope Dies Last” was shown for the first time. • Sirush Hakobyan, mother of an Armenian missing soldier is waiting for her son for already 12 years. Vahe Yeghshatyan missed in 1993 during the Karabakh war. The sate recognized him dead for already 2 years though no one knows about his whereabouts. In the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” you can read about missing persons of the Karabakh war. • In Stepanavan the parents of Robert Hovhannisyan buried their 18-year-old son 3 months after he had been called to the army. The parent saw him last time during his oath ceremony in the army. The parents of the soldier do not know how and where their son died. They only know that a criminal action is brought on this case. • Two soldiers were killed in Madaghis village in 2003 and 3 soldiers of the military unit have been charged with the murder. The court of first instance of Syunik region sentenced them to 15 years imprisonment. The advocates of the soldiers and HCA Vanadzor think that Arayik Zalyan, Musa Serobyan and Razmik Sargsyan are not guilty, but the procurator’s office is trying to hide those who are really guilty. The court resolution has been appealed in the court of appeal. Now one of the defendants, Razmik Sargsyan, went on hunger-strike as a sign of protest. “Civil Initiative” continues to present John Locke’s works translated by Hovik Mkhitaryan. You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 30 SeptemberThe 17th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on September 30, 2005.
• For the first time avagani (counsellors) of the community will be elected by all the voters of the community. If before this time, the 15 members of avagani were selected from three different districts, 5 people from each, then now a new way of electing has been accepted. This new form has positive sides. • On October 16, the elections of local self-governmental bodies will take place in Vanadzor. The survey carried out in the streets of Vanadzor show that not everybody believes in the “welfare of future”. The citizens do not reject election bribes, but…
• “In fact the unsolved problem impacts on the economy of all the countries”-mentioned Hovhannes Igityan, executive director of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Armenia who made a report during the event organized for the World Peace Day and 11th anniversary of the ceasefire of the Karabakh war. The event aimed at stressing the role of peace in the development of the state. The first economic consequence of the Karabakh conflict is the size of investments in Armenia. “First of all societies must understand that without solving the conflict it is not possible to live. At last, society is the motive of the conflict” –assured H. Igityan. • In August 2005, 28 citizens applied to HCA Vanadzor for getting juridical support. 2 citizens were presented the order of guardianship, one citizen was given assistance in applying to the court of appeal. Citizens continue to complain about water sanitation service, 17 citizens were given support in getting information from different structures. • “I wish to go Erzrum and bring from there the gold that my grandmother hid.” – says 73 year-old Vanadzor resident Artush Sargsyan. He is the son of Hambardzum Sargsyan who escaped from the Armenian Genocide in 1915. The family of Sargsyans was displaced from Erzrum and has struggled for 16 years against their destiny. At last, they settled in Gharakilisa in 1930s. And now the generation of H. Sargsyan still lives, 90 years after the disaster. • On March 4 of this year, in the maternity hospital of Alaverdi the most sensational death case was registered. In unknown conditions during caesarian operation 39 year-old Gohar Muradyan died. The prosecutor’s office of Lori region concluded that Muradyan died because of not normal anesthetization. This was approved by the judge of the court of first instance of Alaverdi and sentenced doctor Hovik Avetisyan to 3 years probation imprisonment without depriving him of his previous job. • “Civil Initiative” continues to present the translations of Hovik Mkhitaryan on faith and tolerance. You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 13 October18th issue of “Civil Initiative” was published on October 13.
• The editorial column of the newspaper presents pre-electoral tension. Unlike 2002 this year the number of candidates for the mayor according to rumors was more. One of the candidates, Vahan Mkhitaryan, was not nominated because of oppressions. At last, 3 candidates have been registered. Samvel Darbinyan, the acting mayor, and his supporters use the style of their behaviour of 2003: oppressions, violence and intimidations. Famous Vanadzor intellectuals who, before the elections thanked to the other candidate Gagik Hovsepyan for his benevolence which was shown on TV in his pre-electoral clips, some days later announce another thing. They publicly state that those thanks did not have pre-electoral meaning and they will give their votes to Samvel Darbinyan. It is difficult to anticipate the result of the tension in Vanadzor. • On October 16, three candidates fight for the mayor’s position in Vanadzor. According to the declaration presented to the district commission, during the last 6 years by the right of co-owner Samvel Darbinyan lives in a flat with 120 m2, has got a “Lexus” car produced in 2005. During the period of January 1-December 31, 2004 his finances made 21 million drams. He did not mention other sources of his business. In the declaration of Gagik Hovsepyan it is mentioned that only “Avtomatika factory” company belongs to him. And his income is only his salary, 420 000 drams per year. The next candidate, Andranik Ghukasyan, does not work anywhere and does not have any income. The pre-electoral campaign in Vanadzor is held with violations, bribes and in the atmosphere of promises. • On October 10, seven policemen came to Gagik Hovsepyan’s place without any documents. They asked questions to his father, wife and 11-year-old daughter. Four of the policemen were from Yerevan, three from Vanadzor. They did not tell anything about their visit and aim. They only mentioned that they fulfilled an order. The candidate is sure that they try to intimidate in this way to refuse from his candidacy of a mayor. G. Hovsepyan is intended to apply both to the district electoral commission and procurator’s office of Lori region. • On September 27, 2005 about 500 citizens of 25-50 year old of Lori region, received call-up papers for going to the military enlistment office. The majority of the present people were unaware of why they had been called, for how long and where they would be taken. According to rumors the three-month gathering has been organized for restoring the peace at crossborder zone of Armenia. In the military units the citizens were treated indecently and contemptibly by the officers. People have been waiting in the sun for hours when “Mr. officers” would register their presence. They were left without food and water the whole day. • 21-year-old resident of Alaverdi, Siramarg Mkhitaryan’s 6 month pregnancy was artificially stopped in the hospital. The equipment of ultrasonic research found out that his baby had a defect: it did not have some part of the brain. Director of the hospital Amalya Azatyan says that 37 defect cases were registered during the last 5 days. The doctor assures that the reasons for defects are different. “One of the reasons is ecology. We do not exclude its impact”-says gynecologist and director of 35 years. The woman’s relatives ascribe the reason to the pollution of the air in Alaverdi because they exclude hereditary defects.
You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 31 October19th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on October 31.
• Court of first instance of Lori region upheld the claim of HCA Vanadzor against law enforcement office. The service was obliged to get the copies of resolutions of avagani and mayor from the municipality. • The schools become vacant. After the optimization program the number of teachers in Lori region makes 3910 and the number of schoolchildren is 42500. The schools lack in students and the teachers remember the years when they had at least 40 students in each class. The general number of the students at school 12 is 191 during 2005-2006 school year. When in 2002-2003 the temporary dwellings (domiks) were taken out from the area of the school the number of students at school decreased. Lack of students in a number of schools of Vanadzor became a serious problem. The journalist of the newspaper Manana Amyan tells about this. • The newspaper “Vanatur” has been closed. The last issue was published on September 15. According to the editor the reason is connected with the pre-electoral mess. The editor thinks that one of the reasons is the criticizing position of the newspaper towards the municipality. • During September 2005 the requests with which citizens applying to HCA Vanadzor to get legal advice concerned the problems of the right to labour, marriage and contract. You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office.
Civil Initiative 15 NovemberThe 20th issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on November 15, 2005.
• On November 10, 2005 in the office of HCA Vanadzor a press conference took place which was devoted to the constitutional improvements. HCA Vanadzor is against the referendum of the constitutional changes. On November 11 HCA Vanadzor will organize public discussions for the citizens to express its position on the referendum. • The process of the constitutional improvement is not accessible for the deaf and dumb. Today these people do not have the opportunity to get information and therefore to participate in the referendum. According to Gagik Serobyan, the head of the NGO “Union of the Deaf of RA-Lori region branch”, 110 deaf and dumb people of Vanadzor apply to him for everything. He is very worried and he mentions that no one provides the right of people with limited abilities to get information and participate in the elections. It is found out that those people are deprived of having their personal opinion, the right to be informed and as far as they don’t have the opportunity to get information they do according to other’s instructions. • “The system of state registration is open”. The law gives any citizen the chance to apply to the office of cadastre service and to get information about real estate. When we tried to find out how Vanadzor department of cadastre service applies the right of citizens to get information and we sent an inquiry to the office we received funny answers. The first time the head of Vanadzor department of cadastre service demanded to present a passport and pay for the information. After fulfilling his demand the answer was rejected. Last year cadastre office Vanadzor branch gave the citizens information without demanding passport data and with no payment. This year the office adopted another style. First of all the citizen himself will apply, fill in the application, show the passport and pay 500-7000 drams. Here the “Law on information Freedom” does not work. Other rules function here and they follow their law. • There are 11 national minorities in Armenia. The biggest community is the Russian community. They settled in Armenia in 1830s. At present there are 16000 Russians in Armenia, they mainly live in Yerevan and in northern parts. In particular their number is 4800 in Lori region. The important peculiarity of Russian communities is that they are united in NGOs. In this way they want to maintain their national image, their culture which is not so easy if we take into account that the Russians who live here made families with Armenians. • During June-September 2005 monitoring of rubbish cleaning service was carried out in Vanadzor. It became clear from the photo observations of the working group, that during 4 months the initial and final results were more or less evident. The rubbish piles decreased. But we cannot say that the town is perfectly clear. • The “enemy image” is not a human image. It is a political image. When somebody says Armenian at the presence of Azeri a negative reaction comes at once. In personal relationship it is not the same. The editor-in-chief of the Azeri newspaper “Gyun” Arif Aliyev considers this a positive phenomenon, which anyhow cannot influence the elimination of the enemy attitude. The Azeri journalist does not anticipate any improvement in the Armenian-Azeri relations without progress of negotiations. He is sure that even a small political progress can bring to a little change in the relations of people and organizations. • In May-August 2005 Yerevan Press club carried out sociological inquiry among the youth of Yerevan, Gyumri, Ijevan and Gavar with the support of OSI Armenian branch on “The attitude of youth of Armenia towards European values and integration of Armenia in Europe”. The inquiry aimed at finding out how much the youth is ready and willing. It was found out that Armenians are not so tolerant. Are the Europeans ready to accept such people, not only poor but also so intolerant and rather pretentious? This is still a question… You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 30 NovemberThe 21st issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on November 30, 2005.
• The editorial column of the newspaper presents how the Constitutional Referendum took place in Vanadzor. The governor of Lori region and the mayor of Vanadzor were rather active in propagating “Yes”. Their pre-electoral activity contradicted the “Law on Referendum”, which prohibits the representatives of state government and local self-governmental bodies to be busy with preaching. During the only event organized by the preachers of “No” which was held in Vanadzor, the inter-town transportation was stopped. It aimed at inhibiting the participation of citizens in the meeting with those who were for “No”. With the aim of highlighting Constitutional changes HCA Vanadzor initiated meetings in educational Institutions. Only in 9 of them meetings took place as the other 10 institutions refused to meet for this or that reason, mentioning that they would say “Yes”.
• Vanadzor residents were so excited with the Constitutional Referendum that before afternoon unprecedented records had been registered in some polling stations. The employees of HCA Vanadzor witnessed that one of the heads of condominiums together with 12 people voted in the polling station 30/31, and then they continued voting in different polling stations. But when they noticed that the employees of HCA Vanadzor followed them they went away. The coordinator of HCA Vanadzor, Arthur Sakunts insists that the Constitutional Referendum in Vanadzor took place with mass violations and filling the ballot-boxes. The employees of the municipality did their best to provide for the citizens to vote for several times no matter they were the voters of that polling station or not.
• There are other ways of “punishment” of media in Poland. There is no need to oppress or close the means of media in order to “close” the journalist’s mouth. Just it is necessary to apply to court or just oppose through public opinion. For Polish journalists the important thing is the principle of keeping the source of information and journalistic ethics norms in secret. In Poland journalism is a some kind of business. For Polish journalists the most important value is the freedom of speech, for the formation of which the Polish media did their best. Finally, Armenia and Poland got rid of communist regime during the same period. But unlike Polish media the Armenian media chose not the variant of independence but the variant of having powerful political protection. Armenian journalists lack in the will and wish to do everything to form the freedom of speech and not obey oppression for the sake of democracy. • In May-August 2005 Yerevan Press club carried out sociological inquiry among the youth of Yerevan, Gyumri, Ijevan and Gavar with the support of OSI Armenian branch on “The attitude of youth of Armenia towards European values and integration of Armenia in Europe”. The inquiry aimed at finding out how much the youth is ready and willing. It was found out that Armenians are not so tolerant. Are the Europeans ready to accept such people, not only poor but also so intolerant and rather pretentious? This is still a question… You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 15 December22nd issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on December 15, 2005. It presents the reader the problems of the disaster zone after the earthquake of 1988, the original syndrome of the Constitutional Referendum. The newspaper refers to human rights, especially the facts of violating Razmik Sargsyan’s rights and ecological problems existing in Armenia.
• After the Constitutional referendum the most characteristic word for the present situation is “shock”. It is natural that many people should think how much we will go towards collapse and in what cases there should be the word “enough”. Those who oppose are few and the rest say that it is not their business. • There are temporary dwellings in Vanadzor since the earthquake of 1988. 130 buildings were destroyed because of the earthquake. During the 17 years 459 buildings and 71 cottages were built. The inhabitants of the former “Fotoetyud’ building prefer to live in temporary dwellings than in flats offered in other districts of the town. At the same time housing problems of 243 families are not solved. But local authorities do not initiate anything on this.
• Constitutional referendum in Alaverdi got the image of false and cynism. The employees of the municipality who were responsible for “Yes” were on duty in the yards of the polling stations. Those who had a job had been warned that in case of not saying “yes” they would be dismissed from their job. Anyhow, gathering 6491 “yes” the Constitutional referendum in Alaverdi was considered not realized. You can read about this in the article of the newspaper. • There has not been impartial highlighting by media on the Constitutional referendum. In media, issues of general character prevailed. Yerevan Press Club expresses this opinion after the monitoring. You can get familiar with the details in this issue of “Civil Initiative”.
• In Armenia human rights are still violated. And RA authorities refer to these facts very rarely. Razmik Sargsyan, who has been on hunger-strike, and his friends Musa Serobyan and Arayik Zalyan are still kept in the isolator of Nubarashen. A group of NGOs concerned by this, call all the citizens to apply to the state bodies of Armenia with protest: “your immediate intervention is necessary”. • 80 % of the Armenian forests is of protecting importance. In the result of the energy crisis of 1995, 4 million 500 thousand m3 wood was cut. 80 % of the Armenian forests were deserted. Specialists don’t know whether the forests could be restored within 15 years.
You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office. Civil Initiative 29 DecemberThis year’s last issue of “Civil Initiative” was printed on December 29. It summarizes the year, presenting the readers not the reality vividly, and the passing year with achievements and progress, but in the way as it was.
• All the issues that were presented in the previous issues are still on the agenda. All the problems in Armenia and resistance against them remain with no consequence. In all this it is senseless to find who is guilty and who is innocent or to find reasons and explanations. “Civil Initiative” is sure that in Armenia there was not a step done towards development. After independence this is the first case that spiritual robbery concerns every person. • The situation of the ombudsman of Armenia is not so enviable. In the result of discrepancy of the new constitution and the law “On Human Rights Defender” the terms of Larisa Alaverdyan’s commission is not clear. It is not clear yet how long she will officiate but she begins to oppose some actions of authorities with her activities. During the public hearing conducted recently Larisa Alaverdyan presented the situation of human rights during this year. Unlike the previous year in 2005 report of the ombudsman the state of human rights will be presented with concrete facts and events. • During the passing year about 400 citizens applied to HCA Vanadzor for the protection of their rights. In the appeals violations of rights to labour and housing prevailed. HCA Vanadzor provided not only legal advice but also presented the cases in the courts and won the cases. You can read about this in the last issue of “Civil Initiative”. • Lori region has a web-site for already three years. One can get information visiting the web-site www.lori.region.am . Through the web-site regional governance body aimed at supporting citizens to get information not only about the administration but also get answers to their appeals without knocking at the doors of the officials. But no citizen made use of this chance so far. In the administration they explain it by hard social situation, by general disappointment and lack of computer skills. Lori residents prefer traditional way of applying to officials. During the first half of this year 880 appeals were sent to the governor and the majority got positive answers. • Human rights organizations of Armenia, the representatives of International Union of advocates and active citizens applied to Razmik Sargsyan to give up hunger-strike. He has been on hunger-strike for more than 100 days. Razmik Sargrayan is charged with murder of two soldiers. R. Sargsyan demands to exclude military prosecutor’s office from the case, as this structure violates the right to fair trial of three defendants. Hunger-strike puts his health in danger. The organizations protecting him and his friends call him to give up hunger-strike and restart the court case. The court of first instance sentenced Razmik Sargsyan, Arayik Zalyan and Musa Serobyan to an imprisonment of 15 years. • “Civil Initiative” often referred to the environmental problems of Lori region. “ACP” ltd. of Alaverdi which produces copper works with serious ecological violations. The factory does not have equipment which can bolt sulphuric gas. Therefore the toxic gas comes to the atmosphere and pollutes the environment. The technology of bolting the gas through limestone is being tested, the author of which used it in two cities of Russia. • The special group established in the ministry of nature protection of RA drafted water national program. It was developed according to the demands of Water Code of RA and other legal acts. After discussing in all the regions and finalizing, the draft will be adopted as a law by the National Assembly. “Civil Initiative” also presents the announcement of a number of NGOs as a demand to call to responsibility all those who performed violations during the Constitutional Referendum of November 27. The newspaper presents the results of the monitoring carried out by Internews which concerned obeying and violating the law which regulates broadcasting by private TV stations. “Civil Initiative” presents information about Turkish journalists who are for freedom of speech and who are pursued for this. You
can get the 16th issue of “Civil Initiative” from
the office.
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•
The survey carried out for Vanadzor residents showed that they
spend the holidays with the money sent them from abroad. It’s
more pleasant to celebrate New Year with families and not in
restaurants, concerts or with friends. The survey made for Yerevan
residents by vox populi center proves that 80% of the surveyed
prefer to meet New Year with families with champagne glasses.
The newspaper survey testifies that some Vanadzor residents
could not meet New Year in the proper way as the financial problems
remained unsolved. New Year brought them only new hopes. 
•
The presentation of the film about Armenian and Azeri missing
persons took place in the Netherlands. About 240 people could
watch the film about the missing persons of the Karabakh conflict.
It presents the grief, pain and problems of the Armenian and
Azeri parents. The film was made by IKV. Suzanne Kroger visited
Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan; she talked to the
relatives of missing persons and filmed their daily life. 
•
In the editorial column of “Civil Initiative”,
we express our opinion about the declaration made by Elizabeth
Jones, which agitated the society. Anyhow, Armenian public
thinking does not try to find the response to the real reasons
of the estimation made by international structures. Armenia
is not considered as a democratic country any more and it
lost all its moral and political resources to be represented
as a country willing and striving for the peaceful regulation
of the Karabakh conflict. In the editorial column, before
accusing Elizabeth Jones, the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan
are advised to think about excluding from these countries
the existing criminal elements.
On
February 4, 2005 the copies of decisions of Vanadzor mayor
and avagani (counsellors) in 2002-2003 were brought to HCA
Vanadzor office as a result of court decisions. After checking
the number of the copies it became clear that only 1/3rd of
2,614 decisions made during two years had been presented.
So, the municipality came to the conclusion that about 1,800
decisions are not liable to be published. Even the structures
of national security would be envious of such secrecy. The
preliminary survey shows that the municipality of Vanadzor
has a surprising logic: it only publishes the cases, when
municipality gives financial support to citizens from the
budget of the community. However, when it comes to decisions
concerning recipients of privatised territories or buildings,
they are top secret. Citizens are not aware that decisions
on owing, using and privatisation of the resources must be
published, as they are the resources of the citizens of the
community and not the private resources of the mayor or avagani.
This concerns not only the sources of community budget but
also the material sources.
•
The editorial column presents the latest innovation of the
municipality of Vanadzor. The representatives of local authorities
decided to make a present for the Vanadzor residents. The
municipality decided to change “Artsakh” park
which is in the center of Vanadzor and which is known for
demonstrations to support the Artsakh war of liberation and
the independence of Armenia. It is planned to build a cinema
here. Some of the Vanadzor residents agree on this decision,
some think that the park must be protected as it is now. The
problem is that the park was included in the state list of
historical and cultural monuments of the Republic of Armenia.
It means that the park can only be used for educational, cultural,
scientific needs. The law prohibits its economic usage. The
municipality of Vanadzor is confident that building of the
cinema does not pursue economic goals. You can read more about
this in the 4th issue of “Civil Initiative”. 
•
The editorial column of the newspaper reveals not only the
peculiarities of this season but also the political events
that start with spring, everyone’s approach and participation
in these events. On the other hand, the newspaper has difficulties
in foreseeing what the spring will bring for us and where
it will take us. Read about the anticipation of the newspaper
in this issue. 
•
Will Armenia be the next to reach revolution, will it become
one of the NIS countries getting rid of totalitarianism? The
editorial column of the newspaper compares the countries recently
having changed the authorities in the result of revolution
and it presents numerous similarities. One of the similarities
is the formation of authorities in Armenia in the result of
unfair elections. Another important similarity is the high
level of corruption and limitation of democratic freedoms.
“Civil Initiative” came to the conclusion that
there are serious bases for revolutionary developments from
the viewpoint of changing the situation in Armenia. Only there
is no alternative political power which could offer itself
as an alternative but could also suggest alternative projects.
A
new deputy president and government have been appointed after
Akaev’s escape from Bishkek. By this the realization
of revolution in Kyrgyzstan has been confirmed. The evaluation
of the real situation is not the same by different commentators.
Due to the unstable state of the society (theft, robbery,
murder), Akaev’s announcement about remaining in the
post of president does not offer any way out. It means that
Kyrgyzstan revolution unlike Georgian, Ukrainian and Moldovan
revolutions, brought more questions than answers. Moreover,
the questions concern the uncertainty and disorder of the
situation. This has its explanation. Unlike the other revolutions,
in Kyrgyzstan the revolution was realized not by organized
opposition but by the public that was easily affected by different
provocations having no political leader. However, it is a
fact that another authoritarian regime has been abolished
in the post soviet region. It is worth remembering the joke,
which was popular in April 2003: “If you do not like
Stepan Demirchyan it does not mean that Robert Kocharyan is
legitimate”. In this regard those in conservative positions
point to the inadmissible and negative sides of the phenomenon,
that is the chaotic situation created due to the disorganized
Kyrgyz revolution. For the people who are for changes, the
fact of already abolished authoritarian system is important.
As usual, partial attitude cannot be productive and cannot
serve as a basis for full and fair estimation. Judgments about
possible developments in Armenia connected with the fact of
Kyrgyz revolution get new sense and importance. 
A
year passed since 12 April, when violence was performed against
peaceful demonstrators. Participants had been treated rudely;
tear gas, police sticks and water spraying vans had been used
during the demonstration. According to a number of evidences,
the police were there not to break up the demonstrators but
to catch in a round-up and beat them. Moreover, the territory
of the National Assembly was used as a headquarters for police
operation. And this is the territory of the legislative body
elected by the same citizens. 
On
May 8 the elections of the mayor will be held
in Alaverdi before the coming autumn elections
of self-governmental bodies. Now we can mention
that these elections will serve as a unique criterion
for the elections of local self-governmental bodies.
It is obvious both from the organizing process
of the elections and the behavior of the governor.
He just announces that “everyone who is
against him will be treated badly”. This
is already a unique phenomenon, when one of the
candidates is not only supported publicly but
also it is a threat for those who don’t
vote for him. It is getting senseless to speak
about democratic elections in this case. It is
interesting that both Robert Kocharyan and the
chairman of the National Assembly announced publicly
that the elections of local authorities should
be free and fair. Well, if they do not respect
the law, public opinion, don’t they take
into account at least the viewpoint of authorities?
This is the real situation and there is only one
way to put it in order – to elect and show
that the factor of being a relative will not have
an impact on the will of voters. Authorities won’t
reelect themselves, the freedom of speech and
expression is not going to be afraid of mean intrigues
and actions.
•
Lori branches of political parties joined and established
a club for dialogue. According to them the club aims at organizing
joint meetings on issues that the society is interested in
and dealing with the problems of individuals.
•
“Turks realized the genocide of Armenians for land”,
thinks grandmother Nuri from Sasoun. Speaking about 1915 she
mentioned that survived because she was with Kurds.
•
The editorial column of the newspaper is about the elections
of the mayor of Alaverdi held on May 8. The director of Alaverdi
electricity system Arthur Nalbandyan won in the elections.
There were no serious violations in the electoral process
but political technologies have been used in the pre-election
campaign. During the elections there have been no attempts
to foresee the results of the elections by means of falsification
of election votes. Though bribe has been given during the
pre election period in the form of food or some assistance,
it didn’t have any influence on the election process.
According to “Civil Initiative” newspaper the
principle of “individual preparation” of the voters
had a considerable impact on elections. Elections took place.
In the history of elections it was the first time that the
majority of Alaverdi residents agreed on the viewpoint of
Lori governor as the candidate supported by Lori governor
won the candidate who was supported by RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan. 
•
The editorial column of the newspaper presents the three factors
that influence on the political situation of the country,
which can become a reason for the change of authorities, though
the coalition insists on the opposite. The first factor is
the process of constitutional changes. In spite of the observations
of the Venice Commission the authorities of Armenia insist
on their opinion and in spite of making the present constitution
more democratic they aim at fixing the rights of the president
in it. The second factor is the intervention of the existing
regime in the elections of self-governmental bodies. The elections
that took place so far confirm that the regime is not inclined
to provide free and fair local elections. The changes in the
electoral code also justify that the political governing coalition
wants to fix anti-democratic principles in the legislation
system. “The processes concerning Karabakh can also
become a serious factor for political changes”- it is
mentioned in the editorial column. “Internal and external
factors are being formed, which promote the tension in Armenia.
And even the unity dance is not able to escape from it”-an
opinion is expressed in the newspaper.
•
87 year-old Ashkhen Hakobjanyan is not happy with the medal
of the 60th anniversary of the Patriotic War. The woman prefers
financial assistance because none of her 6 children take cares
of her. Her husband died two years ago. She gave half of her
house to one of her sons. She lives in the other half which
will belong to her other son after her death. With 7500 drams
pension and 2500 drams assistance she pays her debts in the
shop and pays for the gas and electricity. She does not want
to go to the house for elderly people because she does not
want to dishonour her children. She prefers to live alone
and enjoy the crops of her garden. 
•
It is already the second time that the staff of “Civil
Initiative” follows the elections of self-governmental
bodies held in Lori region. During the elections in the town
of Spitak the staff of the newspaper followed not only the
polling process but also the course of counting. According
to the newspaper there was a big internal tension during the
whole electoral process. The regular visits of the leaders
of law enforcement bodies to the polling stations were not
accidental. They visited with the aim of “investigating
the situation”. In spite of the tension Spitak residents
did not give way to feelings. Therefore, the prevention of
further tension was due to the voters and not the principle
position of the election district commission. Anyway, Spitak
locals elected the acting mayor. “It is a major question,
whether or not Spitak residents won?”-it is mentioned
in the editorial column of the newspaper.
•
In the editorial column of the newspaper, confidence is expressed
about the thing that the process of constitutional changes
reveals the character of the real situation in the country.
The thing that the document on the changes, suggestions remain
unavailable for the society, testifies about the absence of
such an important feature as transparency. In fact, the citizens
aren’t aware of the constitutional changes that are
going on in Armenia. But the authorities do not care for it.
“From the viewpoint of democracy the absence of transparency
and participation may be “ascribed to” the shortcomings
typical of transition period.” – it is described
in the editorial column of the newspaper “Civil Initiative”.
• July 5 is the Day of Constitution. HCA Vanadzor celebrated
the tenth anniversary of the supreme law of RA by organizing
a meeting. The event with the slogan “Let’s Protect
Our Constitutional Rights” took place in “Artsakh”
park of Vanadzor. During the meeting “Vordan Karmir”
rock group presented its concert program. The meeting aimed
at awareness raising on the changes of Constitution that are
carried out at present. By this demonstration, the fear of
holding mass actions in “Artsakh” park was overcome.
•
The mayor of Vanadzor Samvel Darbinyan decided with the 15
members of avagani to give 10000 drams monthly stipend to
students who study at a higher educational institution with
excellence and who are socially needy. This resolution aims
at increasing the level of education by supporting students
financially. But as the study of our newspaper shows those
who get the stipend are the children of the avagani members
and children of very famous people of Vanadzor who occupy
high positions. Therefore, they cannot be considered needy.
You can read about this in this issue of “Civil Initiative”.
•
Vanadzor enters pre-electoral stage. Though the pre-electoral
stage of the elections of self-governmental bodies is not
officially announced, it does not prevent the acting mayor
and the candidates for the mayor’s position from preaching
their advantages and opportunities. But the processes that
are going on in Vanadzor, does not assume planning of pre-electoral
programs, investigation of community problems and suggestions
of possible variants to solve them. From this viewpoint, the
mayor of Vanadzor took an interesting position who adopted
his own way of attracting people. Instead of publicizing his
activity, S. Darbinyan continues to hide the resolutions adopted
by avagani and him. The law “On Information Freedom”
says that the authorities must publicize their activity and
other information except for the information that contains
secrecy. But the municipality of Vanadzor resists. You can
read about this in the 15th issue of the newspaper.
•
The axe still knocks and destroys the forests of the Lori
region. Though the RA ecological department of Lori region
assures that the forest is controlled all the time the employees
of “Civil Initiative” witnessed another view.
The car in the forest surrounding Pambak village was without
registration number. This is considered illegitimacy and not
only the ecological department but also the forestry fights
against it. In the forestry that protects the forest of Gugark
they don’t exclude illegal deforestation, though it
is already more than a year that RA government prohibited
chopping down trees.
•
In spite of the absence of diplomatic relationship, the representatives
of Armenian and Azeri societies enlarge their cooperation.
Recently Rauf Rajabov the head of the analytic center of Azerbaijan
“Peace, Democracy and Culture” and Mamuka Kuparadze,
the director of “Re” studio of Georgia have been
to Vanadzor. An exhibition of young artists “Armenia-Georgia-Azerbaijan-
together” devoted to the memory of South Caucasus victims.
The films made by M. Kuparadze had been shown which were devoted
to Armenian-Azeri and Georgian- Abkhazian conflicts. The films
present the daily life, problems after the conflicts of the
people of Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Abkhazia. 
•
The editorial column of the newspaper refers to the Russian
examples of civil initiative. One of the examples is that
a group of residents in Beslan don’t feel secure in
their homeland after the terror of the last year, and they
do not keep silent but they promise to ask for asylum in other
countries. The next important example is the applications
of citizens from different regions of Russia sent to Khadarovski,
asking to take part in the elections. At present Khadarovski
is in Matroskaya Tishina, and he is still under trial. He
urged the Russians for several times about the necessity to
change the government of Putin. You can get information about
what to learn from Russians in this issue of “Civil
Initiative”.
•
The editorial column of the newspaper refers to the elections
of Vanadzor mayor, pre-electoral struggle of the registration
of candidates. The oppressions on the voters during the pre
– electoral period are hidden. The participation of
the levers of authorities, the methods of persuading, frightening,
using different obstacles in the process of registering a
candidate for the mayor show that in our country a citizen
can’t feel protected from the viewpoint of personal
freedom and immunity. The intrigues and oppressions prove
that elections are neither free nor fair. 
•
The court of first instance of Syunik region sentenced three
soldiers Arayik Zalyan, Musa Serobyan, Razmik Sargsyan to
15 years imprisonment. Because of the unfair court resolution,
Razmik is on hunger-strike for more than 40 days. He is in
bed and his health is in danger. Tortures, beating, physical
and psychological oppressions are still used against the three
soldiers. Julieta Sargsyan is Razmik’s mother and she
also demands the resignation of military prosecutor Gagik
Jhangiryan in front of the military prosecutor’s office
with other demonstrators. 
•
Alaverdi resident Martun Sakanyan get his lungs examined during
Soviet period. He complains about pains of lung and stomach
ulcers. During the Soviet years he spent 27 years in the electrolyze
department where his lungs absorbed the vapor of sulphuric
gas. Alaverdi residents say that when the highest part of
the town is covered by clouds of sulphuric gas the breathing
of people becomes difficult and they feel the “taste
and smell” of the gas. There are a lot of serious illnesses
in the town which is a consequence of sulphuric gas. Local
doctors insist that the cardiovascular diseases, different
cancers, inflammations of lungs increased. Alaverdi municipality
needs about 120 million drams to realize environmental and
health project. And before that Alaverdi residents will continue
to breath sulphuric gas and feel the “taste and smell”
of sulphur. 
•
The editorial column presents the course and results of the
elections of the mayor and avagani held on October 16 in Vanadzor.
The judge of the first instance of Lori region Arshak Alaverdyan
rejected the claim of Gagik Hovsepyan, candidate for the mayor.
He demanded to annul the elections of the mayor. “Justice
won…” Publicizing of the resolution was accompanied
by this expression. Such an expression was said by the court
about the resolution of the elections being legal, about self-governmental
bodies that were formed in the result of the most awful elections
during the last years. The newspaper “Civil Initiative”
testifies that the elections passed with violations, bribes
and intimidations. This issue of the newspaper presents the
picture of the elections with its obvious and hidden sides.
Vanadzor gave its preference to the acting mayor. 47.798 voters
out of 101.205 participated in the elections. 25017 voted
for the acting mayor Samvel Darbinyan, 19800 people voted
for Gagik Hovsepyan and 1283 people for Andranik Ghukasyan.
•
The editorial column of the newspaper presents the atmosphere
of the campaign of the referendum of RA Constitution. The
thing is that the referendum is carried out in the conditions
of public unawareness. And to discuss the issue of “Yes”
or “No” if there is lack of information means
to forget the factor of providing civil participation. Realization
of the referendum of constitutional changes really becomes
formal when partly aware society is used and is not assisted
in their decision making, relying only on falsifications.
Finally, it is inadmissible to work out and adopt the draft
of the superior law without the main person of the country-the
voter’s participation.
•
“Thanks to Robert Kocharyan to revive the main road”.
Such a sign is set at the entrance of the Jajur tunnel leading
to Vanadzor – Gyumri main road. Such a typical slogan
nowadays can be seen only in North Korea, Cuba and Turkmenistan.
But there is one more slogan to be added “Thanks to
Robert Kocharyan that calls us to constitutional improvements”.
But those who wrote the slogan missed something. It is fixed
at the entrance of the tunnel, it means that Kocharyan calls
not to the construction of something bright and large but
brings all of us to a narrow tunnel…
•
75 year old Rosa Dallakyan considers the constitutional changes
one of the “tricks” of the state. She thinks that
even if there are positive points in the Constitution, it
won’t change anything in the life of ordinary people.
Those people who have constitutional rights will say “Yes”
to the Constitution. “Why do I need this formality”
–says the old woman. Though she has a strict approach
about the Constitution, she reads the draft with great interest
and follows TV discussions.
Copyright © 2003 HCAV.
Address: Vanadzor city. Tigran Mets 59. Tel. 4 22 68. E-mail: hcav@hcav.am, asakunts@hcav.am
Thanks to S. Tatoyan and E. Maroukian for site design.