Elton John, friend of Armenia president, vows support for country’s LGBT community while president Armen Sargsyan says he has ‘no relations with that community'

Elton John arrived in Yerevan as part of charitable project by Starkey hearing aids company. It was great to see he is accompanied by husband David Furnish.

*picture via news.am

And it was awesome that in front of Armenia president and media Elton says he/his foundation will support LGBT community in Armenia.



Unfortunately, Armenia president Armen Sargsyan did not live up to expectations when he shrugged off the question of Elton John meeting with LGBT community saying that this question doesn’t relate to him as he has ‘no relations with that community’.

From 4:05 (video below): "Դա ինձ չվերաբերող հարց է որովհետև էտ համայնքի հետ ես որևէ կապ չունեմ բայց Էլթոն Ջոնը հայտնի է ինքը"



To remind, Elton was invited by Armenia president Armen Sargsyan. President refers to Elton as friend (he even used Armenian wording “բարեկամ” - literally “relative” but used to express closeness).

So, Armenia president is only friends with LGBT people if they are foreigners and wealthy. Big fail here, Mr. President.

Until this mentality changes, New Armenia will keep remaining as a dream rather than a reality.

Istanbul Gay Pride: my diary of a powerful LGBT civil rights march

Last year Istanbul Pride was violently dispersed. This year it was banned altogether.

I dedicate this post to all the activists who struggle for human rights in Turkey. In solidarity with LGBT people in Istanbul.

I was lucky enough to be in Istanbul on 29 June 2014, with my Armenian friends. We witnessed and participated in perhaps the biggest and unfortunately the last peaceful Pride event happened there.

It was a great inspirational Pride event, a powerful civil rights march. Very political. Very colourful. Very diverse. Like in previous years, there was an abundance of posters in Armenian too.

There was police presence there too, but in contrast to last two years, police was there to protect, not to attack.

Participants of the march were quite critical against increasingly autocratic Erdogan rule. I witnessed quite a few anti-Erdogan messages, slogans and anti-Erdogan mocking during the march. No surprises that Turkey president Erdogan could not bear such displays of freedom, and started crackdown on Istanbul Pride using the full force of his repressive regime.

Below is my photo story from June 2014. I highly recommend Adrineh’s blog post reflecting the event too: A World of Pride or More Like Hüzün?

[...] I was lucky this year to be in Istanbul for gay pride. It was my first time in the city that is so close to Yerevan and yet so far. My girlfriend and I, along with a couple of our gay Armenian friends, planned a short, four-day visit not only to see the city, but also to be there for the pride march. Because unlike other cities where I’ve been that celebrate Pride (Toronto, Montréal, New York, Reykjavik, Dublin), it wasn’t a parade but a march. And there’s a clear difference between the two.

It reminded me of the origins of Pride, of what was fought for and what was gained. And it reminded me of how far we still have to go. […]

Just thousands and thousands of people of all stripes marching, holding signs in Armenian and Turkish (probably in Kurdish too) and so many rainbow flags. […]

And the music that stayed with me the most was the beat of the drums. Men and woman playing various types of drums at different points in the march. This is the sound of a struggle, and this is how you know that what we saw, what we were swept up in (my gay Armenian friends and I) was a march for human rights. [...]

It is therefore with great sadness I note how quickly and to what a devastating effect the situation with human rights has been deteriorated in Turkey, with each passing day under the Erdogan rule.

And after-party:

***
See also Rainbow Istanbul, with Armenian touch

Armenia and Orlando

Armenia president Serj Sargsyan strongly condemns “horrendous manifestation of intolerance” and “any expression of hatred”. At least, this is how he formulated his reaction to Orlando in a letter of condolences to the US president Obama following attack on LGBT club Pulse.

President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of condolences to the President of the United States Barack Obama on a horrible terrorist act which took place at a club in Orlando, claiming several dozens of innocent lives and wounded. The President of Armenia strongly condemned this horrendous manifestation of intolerance and underscored that the misfortune, that has befallen the friendly American people, proves once again that any expression of hatred is still a serious challenge to the humanity and it is our shared responsibility and mission to address them.

ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ՍԵՐԺ ՍԱՐԳՍՅԱՆԸ ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՀԵՌԱԳԻՐ Է ՀՂԵԼ ԱՄՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ԲԱՐԱՔ ՕԲԱՄԱՅԻՆ 13.06.2016 Նախագահ Սերժ Սարգսյանը ցավակցական հեռագիր է հղել Ամերիկայի Միացյալ Նահանգների Նախագահ Բարաք Օբամային՝ Օռլանդո քաղաքի ակումբում տեղի ունեցած սահմռկեցուցիչ ահաբեկչության կապակցությամբ, որի հետևանքով զոհվել և վիրավորվել են մի քանի տասնյակ անմեղ մարդիկ: Հանրապետության Նախագահը խստորեն դատապարտել է անհանդուրժողականության այս զարհուրելի երևույթը և ընդգծել, որ բարեկամ ամերիկացի ժողովրդին պատուհասած այդ դժբախտությունը կրկին ապացուցեց, որ ատելության բոլոր դրսևորումները, որոնց հաղթահարումը բոլորի հավաքական պարտքն ու առաքելությունն է, նույնիսկ 21-րդ դարում շարունակում են մնալ լրջագույն մարտահրավեր մարդկության համար:

4 years ago his party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov (currently deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament) endorsed firebombers of gay friendly DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan.

“All those who are trying to protect homosexuals, who are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity. As an Armenian citizen and member of a national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals, who have created a den of perversion in our country and have a goal of alienating the society from its moral values, completely right and justified. And those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values”, said Eduard Sharmazanov.

He echoed his colleague, MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan (currently minister of economy) who justified the attack towards LGBT friendly bar, saying the firebombers acted in accordance with the "context of our societal & national ideology, in the right way”. It was then revealed that Armenian MPs from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan bailed out one of the detained arsonists, while the other one was released on signature that he won’t leave the country.

DIY firebombers were effectively pardoned. They got conditional sentencing and a symbolic fine.

And now Armenia president condemns Orlando using pretty strong wording, albeit without the mention of “LGBT”. A change of heart or simply a hypocrisy directed at outside world? How genuine Armenia president was when condemning Orlando would be determined by whether his regime would indeed crack down on anti-LGBT hatred inside Armenia.

Following Orlando, a significant proportion of users (not just trolls) on Armenian social networks, particularly the Armenian segment of Facebook, either kept silence or could not resist their ‘happiness’ at killing of LGBT people.

They were effectively proclaiming the killer a hero. These are the same people who change their profile pictures demanding the world to recognise the Armenian Genocide. These are the same people who were outraged when an axe murderer of Armenian was pardoned by Azeri president and turned into a ‘national hero’.

One of the organisers of Orlando solidarity event in Yerevan, executive director of PINK Armenia Mamikon Hovsepyan, said “it was painful for him to witness Armenians’ reaction to the attack, which included advocacy of hatred and insults targeting the LGBT+ community.”

“People without the elementary capacity to think began to justify the criminal. I do not understand how a crime against humanity can be justified. Many in Armenia have been aggressive and have even expressed support for the terrorists, inviting them to Armenia, which is very sad and inhumane. Today we came here to express our solidarity with the families of the victims.” Hovsepyan said.

The activist added that he was left “dumbstruck” by Armenian President, head of ruling Republican Party Serzh Sargsyan sending his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama in connection with the shooting; “It would have been great had [the condolences] been genuine and heartfelt. But I don’t believe it; because the same party that justified 4 years ago [the attack on a LGBT-friendly pub in Yerevan] today extended its condolences in connection with a similar act. I do find it ironic, and yet I’d like to believe that they’ve changed.” 

It was disheartening to read PINK Armenia calling fellow Armenians ‘to respect innocent victims & not defend terrorist acts’.

We call on our fellow Armenian friends and citizens to respect the innocent victims, and not to defend terrorism and terrorist acts.

Կոչ ենք անում մեր հայրենակիցներին հարգել անմեղ զոհերին, այլ ոչ թե պաշտպանել ահաբեկչությունն ու ահաբեկչական գործողությունները։

Even two main US-based Diaspora Armenian publications (Asbarez and The Armenian Weekly) kept silence on Orlando for 3 days, before posting a more general op-ed or a report from Yerevan. As my Facebook friends noted, it's because no straight Armenian was killed.

I have to say that mainstream media in Armenia, at least on this occasion, overall reported on the events respectfully, including regarding LGBT people (example).

As was mentioned on the Russian service of BBC, in relation to reactions in Russia, this event showed that not everyone in our society a homophobe ("У нас есть четкое понимание того, что общество уже не едино в гомофобии.”). This is applicable to Armenia too. Not necessarily the most optimistic conclusion but a basis for hope.

New draft of Armenia Constitution effectively bans same-sex marriage

Armenia’s (current) Constitution in many aspects (not all) is pretty progressive. Of course, having the Constitution full with progressive ideas does not mean that they are being implemented.

Now that Armenia president is moving towards the end of his second (and final) consecutive terms, ruling regime is finding ways to keep him in power even if not directly, and to ensure that Armenia is governed by Republican party in the foreseeable future. And here we are, we have this recently circulated new version of the Constitution to be approved by the parliament and then via national referendum.

Not only this new version of the Constitution is pretty dangerous in terms of turning Armenia into seemingly parliamentary but in reality autocratic country, but it contains further limitations of freedoms and rights, including LGBT related.

While current Constitution is way ahead of many other European constitutions by effectively allowing possibility of same-sex marriage (not that it was implemented, but at least there was no limitation), new draft with subtle changes in wording re-defines marriage as between man and woman.

In its latest newsletter, PINK Armenia circulated translated summary of these limiting provisions. One more reason, why there should be a firm NO to this draft Constitution.

On July 15, a state commission formed by President Serzh Sargsyan on publicized its draft constitutional amendments envisaging Armenia’s transformation into a parliamentary republic with a largely ceremonial head of state not elected by popular vote.

Under the new Constitution, the president of the republic will be elected by an electoral college consisting of National Assembly members and representatives of local government bodies. It is widely believed that President Sargsyan has initiated the reform to be able to stay in power in some other capacity after completing his second and final presidential term in 2018.

Lawmakers discussing plans to amend Armenia's constitution back in 2005 expressed broad support for a ban on same-sex marriages. 10 years later we still witness the same intention. The Constitutional amendments refer to changes for the freedom of marriage.

Article 35 of the (current) Constitution of The Republic of Armenia states: Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and found a family according to their free will. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and divorce.

Article 34, in contrast, according to the amendments, states: Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry with each other and found a family according to their free will. Thus, the new Constitution is limiting the freedom of marriage to opposite sex, Armenia is to join the countries who have a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

The draft Constitution is expected to be completed by early August. Subsequently, the draft shall be submitted to the President. If approved, it will be introduced to the National Assembly, and then a Referendum Day will be set.

Armenia president’s administration, ministries respond to LGBT rights letter

While replies from both president’s administration and ministries are vague and do not suggest any commitment by the authorities for tackling discrimination based no sexual orientation and gender identity, what is more important here is that PINK Armenia defied status quo and challenged relevant state bodies re their commitment for LGBT rights and against discrimination. It is the first time I could recall that Armenia president’s administration replies to LGBT rights related formal query.
***
Via PINK Armenia: “Necessary prerequisites exist in RA legislation to exclude any act of discrimination” - reads a formal reply from the administration of Armenia president in response to letter by PINK Armenia calling Armenian authorities to the call of PINK Armenia to protect LGBT rights.

To mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, PINK Armenia addressed a letter to the Armenia president Serj Sargsyan, several ministries and MPs, with a call to provide in the Republic of Armenia legal provisions for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to monitor cases of discrimination against LGBT people. The administration of the president noted further that “if there is a need for further legislative regulations, it should be noted that the president of the Republic of Armenia has no right to initiate legislation”.

PINK Armenia also urged president Serj Sargsyan not to award national prizes to individuals and organisations who spread blatant hate speech against LGBT citizens of Armenia and the persons involved in the protection of their rights, to which head of legal department of the president’s staff Grigor Muradyan clarified in the response letter that the person’s worldview is not considered when awarding prizes “if that person does not display any illegal behavior which is to become a subject of assessment of authorities in each specific case”. This part is particularly vague and

Replies were received from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice too.

The Ministry of Justice noted that they have conducted a legal study on relevance of having a separate piece of legislation to combat discrimination, where the matters regarding discrimination have been analysed. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - I wonder what did they conclude?!…]

The Ministry also reminded that in 2010 the Gender Policy Concept Paper was approved and Republic of Armenia Gender Policy Strategic Program for 2011-2015 was confirmed. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - Unfortunately, these positive gender related initiatives are effectively stopped now, following Russia inspired hysteric anti-EU outburst]

The letter from the Ministry of Health stated that the issue is outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. However, the Ministry of Health is willing to provide assistance if recommendations from relevant bodies are made.

PACE delegates: Armenian authorities fail to condemn incitement to hatred against LGBT people

Below is a statement [Written declaration No. 584 | Doc. 13690 | 28 January 2015] by 22 delegates of the PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe):

[For background: Tabloid of hate: virulent homophobia awarded by Armenia president’s state medal and stamped by court’s approval]

On 17 May 2014 the Armenian newspaper ‘Iravunk’ published an article on its website entitled “They serve the interests of international homo-addiction [sic] lobbying: the blacklist of the country’s and nation’s enemies”. It attacked “homosexual lobbyists” for trying to “aggressively enforce their moral dogma on our country”. Demanding “zero tolerance”, it identified 60 people, calling for them to be ostracised, denied employment and access to the media, and excluded from participation “in the upbringing of younger generations”.

The chair of the ‘Iravunk’ board, Hayk Babukhanyan, is an MP for Armenia’s governing political faction, the Republican Party.

The authorities have failed to condemn this incitement to hatred and discrimination. On the contrary, on 25 October Mr Babukhanyan was awarded a medal of honour by the President of Armenia. A law suit against “Iravunk” for defamation was dismissed six days later.

We call upon:

• Armenia’s delegates to this Assembly, particularly those from the Republican Party, to impress upon colleagues the need to refrain from incitement to hatred and discrimination;

• The Armenian authorities to condemn such incitement unreservedly and to put in place measures to implement the Committee of Ministers Recommendation on combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ms Petra De SUTTER, Belgium, SOC

Ms Boriana ÅBERG, Sweden, EPP/CD

Mr Claude ADAM, Luxembourg, SOC

Mr Paride ANDREOLI, San Marino, SOC

Mr Gerardo GIOVAGNOLI, San Marino, SOC

Mr Jonas GUNNARSSON, Sweden, SOC

Ms Monica HAIDER, Sweden, SOC

Ms Eva-Lena JANSSON, Sweden, SOC

Ms Lotta JOHNSSON FORNARVE, Sweden, UEL

Mr Pierre-Yves LE BORGN', France, SOC

Mr Philippe MAHOUX, Belgium, SOC

Ms Marit MAIJ, Netherlands, SOC

Ms Liliane MAURY PASQUIER, Switzerland, SOC

Mr Michael McNAMARA, Ireland, SOC

Ms Ana Catarina MENDONÇA, Portugal, SOC

Ms Marie-Claude MORIN, Canada

Ms Melita MULIĆ, Croatia, SOC

Mr Michele NICOLETTI, Italy, SOC

Ms Carina OHLSSON, Sweden, SOC

Ms Maria de Belém ROSEIRA, Portugal, SOC

Ms Deborah SCHEMBRI, Malta, SOC

Ms Tineke STRIK, Netherlands, SOC

Tabloid of hate: virulent homophobia awarded by Armenia president’s state medal and stamped by court’s approval

I’d like to start this pretty depressing post on a somehow lighter note, with a joke (AM), posted on Facebook for this occasion by user A.N.:

- Բարև ձեզ։ Բեղիկներով պահպանակ ունե՞ք։
- Ունենք, բայց էսօր գնացել ա մեդալ ստանալու։

In an article “They serve the interests of international homosexual lobby: the blacklist of country’s and nation’s enemies”, Iravunk tabloid listed 60 individuals with the links to their Facebook pages, calling them “zombies”, “traitors” and more.

"On 17th of May, 2014, the editor-in-chief of “Iravunk” newspaper Hovhannes Galajyan published an article on the newspaper’s website titled “They serve the interests of international homosexual lobbying: the blacklist of country’s and nation’s enemies.” In the article, the author presents a “blacklist” containing Facebook hyperlinks of 60 people, makes offensive statements addressed to those persons and calls for “Ordinary people to stop communicating with the lobbyist on the internet, as well as in real life, not to greet them, not to help them with any issues, not to engage in any business relations with them; state officials not to hire those lobbyists for public service jobs, and if they already work there, to fire them under any convenient pretext.” For employers to do the same and for the co-owners of media companies, so those lobbyists won’t be given any chance to make an influence on public opinion and also for “the heads of educational institutions, so they won’t let the lobbyists to participate in the upbringing of younger generations.” […]
On 30th of May, 2014, several citizens whose names appeared in the “blacklist” have sent a letter to the president of the editorial board of Iravunk, Haik Babukhanyan, and the editor-in-chief Hovhannes Galajyan, where they pointed out that the article contains insults, and also requested them to deny the information written in the article. This request was denied and in 03.06.2014 another article was published titled as “And they still dare to request a denial?” in which Iravunk continued to insult and give inaccurate information. In particular, such expressions as “this creature,” “filthy biography” and more were aimed at those who requested denial of the untrue information."

A statement posted by PINK Armenia reads:

“Today the court rejected the case of 16 individuals against Iravunk newspaper. Earlier the Armenian newspaper Iravunk published a ‘blacklist’ of Armenians connected to the LGBT community that it claimed to be enemies of the nation.

Few days ago this homophobic paper’s founding editor and two other workers received Medal of Honor from the president of RA. The president of National Assembly of RA also congratulated the founding editor of the newspaper, who is a MP and a member of Republican Fraction as well.

We believe that high level support of official reflected on the decision of the Court and this shows once more that hate speech and homophobia is highly supported by the high level officials of Armenia, and this creates atmosphere of impunity, gives floor for hate crime and fascism in the country.”

Courts in Armenia are not independent, rarely making decisions that contravene ruling regime’s position. Not only court rejected the lawsuit on the basis of “freedom of expression” (how 'noble' of them!) but obliged citizens to make payments in favour of Iravunk paper to compensate their expenses. Activists will pursue available legal channels to appeal the court’s verdict and, depending on circumstances, may reach the European court of human rights too.

Epress.am reports from the courtroom: “After the judge read the verdict nearly ten people began clapping in favor of the decision. Among them was “Iravunk Media” company director, Republican Party faction MP Hayk Babukhanyan (pictured on right), who just last week was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal by President Serzh Sargsyan for the 25th anniversary of the Iravunk paper.”



To remind, this tabloid consistently and systematically publishes articles and other postings full of hate speech and virulent homophobia.

[Hate: Armenian tabloid Iravunk advocates killing of gays]

As I mentioned in past: “As a rule, one hate goes hand in hand with another hate. If you look at Iravunk’s articles, they are not just homophobic, but racist, full of hate to everyone who is different. If you are not gay, you would have still be hated by Galadjyan-like people. For ‘different’ ethnicity, colour of your eyes (skin), music you listen to, films you watch, T-shirt you wear. Anything, really, which is outside of their sad, little and narrow-minded world.”

To sum up: Ruling regime in Armenia turning hate into a state ideology and awarding hatemongers with state awards. Here is a shameful link to the the presidential press-release from the award’s ceremony and picture via president.am.

This picture will be remembered among the most shameful pages of the modern history of Republic of Armenia. Pretty disgusting sight.

And let’s not forget that this story is just part of the growing overall trend. Put this story into a broader perspective of impunity and culture of violence in Armenia supported on a highest state level, like recent re-appointment of Surik Khachatryan (nicknamed “Liska”) - notorious for violent conduct - as governor of Syunik region, and the complete picture is even more depressing.

P.S. This case was picked up by popular international publications buzzfeed (+ here), gaystarnews and more.

NYC-based Armenian gay rights group (AGLA NY) statement against attempts at introducing in Armenia Russia-like 'propaganda' law

Read also:

Testing grounds: anti-gay ‘propaganda’ bill proposed, then swiftly withdrawn in Armenia

Human Rights Watch letter to Armenia president regarding proposal for anti-LGBT legislation


*source AGLA NY

STATEMENT

The Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York is alarmed that in August 2013 the Armenian police proposed a ban on “promoting non-traditional sexual relationships”, which would effectively target LGBT people in Armenia with prejudice. We call for the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament to strike down any further attempts to legislate discrimination against LGBT Armenians.

After the DIY bar bombing and attack on a cultural diversity march in Yerevan in May of 2012, it was clear that intervention was needed to guarantee human rights. But little has been done. Some LGBT Armenians, productive members of society, have been forced to leave Armenia after the events of last May in order to escape threats to their lives. The DIY firebombers have been sentenced with little more than a slap on the wrist. Recent violent threats against organizations that work for gender equality indicate the need for more protection, not persecution.

The police proposed Article 47.7 to the Administrative Violations Code, which threatened the civil rights of LGBT people and any individual or organization who would discuss LGBT issues in public. Though the bill was withdrawn, it seems it was only because it was poorly drafted, suggesting the motivation was merely an expression by the police of prejudice. The fact that the wording of the bill echoes legislation in Russia is even more disturbing, given the levels of violence waged against LGBT people there since its passage. Now that Armenia has signed on to a Customs Union with Russia, it seems the situation is dire, and that continuing emulation of Russian laws will follow.

AGLA NY and members of the Diaspora have been watching signs of human rights violations in Armenia with growing concern. We now ask the government to follow its own constitution in guaranteeing the rights of all its citizens by taking a stand against any future attempts to legislate against LGBT people.
***
[in Armenian]

Նյու-Յորքի հայ գեյերի եւ լեսբուհիների ասոցիացիան (ԱԳԼԱ Նյու-Յորք) մտահոգ է այն փաստով, որ 2013թ. օգոստոսին սկզբում Հայաստանի ոստիկանությունը արգելք առաջարկեց «ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչության» համար, ինչն արդյունավետ կերպով նախապաշարմունքներով կթիրախավորեր Հայաստանում ԼԳԲՏ մարդկանց: Մենք կո ́չ ենք անում Նախագահին, Վարչապետին եւ ԱԺ- ին վերջ դնել ԼԳԲՏ հայերի նկատմամբ խտրականության օրինականացման ցանկացած այլ փորձի:

2012թ. մայիսին Երեւանում DIY բարի պայթեցումից եւ մշակութային բազմազանության երթի վրա հարձակումից հետո պարզ էր, որ մարդու իրավունքների երաշխավորման համար անհրաժեշտ էր միջամտություն: Բայց շատ քիչ բան արվեց: Մի քանի ԼԳԲՏ հայեր, հասարակության օգտակար անդամներ ստիպված եղան լքել Հայաստանը անցյալ մայիսին կատարված իրադարձություններից հետո` խուսափելու համար իրենց կյանքին սպառնալիքներից: DIY-ը պայթեցնողները դատապարտվեցին դաստակի ապտակից մի փոքր ծանր պատժով: Գենդերային հավասարության համար աշխատող կազմակերպությունների նկատմամբ վերջերս տեղի ունեցեղ բռնի սպառնալիքները ցույց են տալիս, որ կա ավելի շատ պաշտպանության, այլ ոչ թե հալածանքի կարիք:

Ոստիկանությունը Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ ՀՀ օրենսգրքում նախաձեռնել էր Հոդված 47.7-ը, ինչը սպառնում էր ԼԳԲՏ անձանց քաղաքացիական իրավունքներին եւ ցանկացած այլ անհատի կամ կազմակերպության, եթե նրանք հանրայնորեն քննարկեին ԼԳԲՏ խնդիրները: Թեեւ օրինագիծը հետ կանչվեց, թվում է, որ դա արվեց միայն այն պատճառով, որ շատ վատ էր մշակված եւ արտահայտում էր ոստիկանության նախապաշարմունքային դրդապատճառները: Այն փաստը, որ օրինագծի ձեւակերպումը Ռուսաստանի օրենսդրության ընդօրինակումն է, շատ ավելի մտահոգիչ է, հաշվի առնելով օրենքի ընդունումից հետո այնտեղ ԼԳԲՏ անձանց նկատմամբ կատարվող բռնության մակարդակը: Հիմա, քանի որ Հայաստանը ցանկություն է հայտնել միանալ Ռուսաստանի հետ Մաքսային Միությանը, թվում է, որ իրավիճակը սոսկալի է, եւ որ Ռուսաստանի օրենքների կրկնօրինակման գործընթացը կշարունակվի:

ԱԳԼԱ Նյու-Յորքը եւ սփյուռքի ժողովուրդը մտահոգությամբ նկատում են Հայաստանում աճող մարդու իրավունքների ոտնահարուման դեպքերը: Մենք հիմա խնդրում ենք Կառավարությանը հետեւել իր սեփական Սահմանադրությանը` երաշխավորելով իր բոլոր քաղաքացիների իրավունքները, միջոցներ ձեռնարկել ԼԳԲՏ անձանց դեմ ուղղված ցանկացած օրենքի ընդունման հետագա փորձի դեմ:

Progress in Tbilisi: Presidential candidates in Georgia questioned on gay rights

Impressed that presidential candidates in Georgia were questioned on their views re "sexual minority rights". This is in itself a progress. Example to other countries in the region.

For the first time in the region, both main candidates were not afraid of publicly expressing their stance re LGBT rights, especially as this was generally in line with the protection of human rights for all and non-discrimination. They were not afraid that their views could alienate voters in a country where homophobia is widespread and fueled by highly influential Orthodox church.

However, in comparison, I consider the answer of Giorgi Margvelashvili (Georgian Dream) to be the best out of all candidates.

Sexual minority rights 

"What do you think on protection of sexual minority rights and their better integration in socio-political life?"

*WWW.PREZIDENTI.GE has been created to foster an informed political debate on the issues that are important to the Georgian society for upcoming Presidential Elections of October, 27. The Project: Support to the Development of Democratic Institutions in the South Caucasus is funded by the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands to Georgia.

To these ends, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) invited the registered presidential candidates to respond to 20 specific and policy related questions. Every candidate could have provided no more than 250 words when answering each of these questions.Website is available in 4 languages: Georgian, Armenian, Azeri and English.

Main candidates

Margvelashvili Giorgi » represents current PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party
The objective of a democratic state is to protect the rights of every citizen. The protection of minority rights should be specially emphasised. The modern democracy consists in balancing rule by majority with the protection of minority. It takes a lot of attention and efforts to ensure that decisions made by majority do not restrict the minority rights. The government should never allow any discrimination, persecution or oppression of humans on any grounds. At the same time, it must create conditions for full and creative self-expression of every human being.

Bakradze David » represents the outgoing president Saakashvili’s United National Movement 
The UNM considers any discrimination, any restrictions of political and civil rights on any grounds as inacceptable. While remaining faithful to the essence of common beliefs about family relationships, it condemns any violence and expressions of xenophobia against members of sexual minorities.

Other candidates

Asatiani Akaki » Union of Georgian Traditionalists 
According to current Georgian legislation, the rights of sexual minorities are protected. Our task would be to steadily follow the legislation.

Bobokhidze Teimuraz » Initiative group 
The Georgian legislation, to the extent I know, does not put any restriction to the right of sexual minorities. Some people think the violation of right is the fact that representative of these minorities does not have the right to go through a service of marriage and to live together without benefit of clergy. Well, I believe they are allowed to get employed; they have free, unimpeded access to schools and colleges. If there are not, then it is up to the court of law to decide what the matter is in each specific case.

Burjanadze Nino » Democratic Movement - United Georgia
The persons of non-traditional sexual orientation should enjoy the same rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and shall have the same responsibilities, as the citizens of traditional orientation. In Georgia it's always been and will always be so. The President should be the guarantor and protector of rights of each citizen.

Chikhladze Giorgi » Initiative group 
All citizens of Georgia have equal rights of participation in social life, despite their sexual orientation. The equality of rights is protected by the law, based on respective protective mechanisms.

Javakhidze Sergo » Justice for Georgia 
The state shall care for its citizens including the rights of its sexual minorities and shall facilitate their integration into political and social life.

Kharatishvili Zurab » European Democrats of Georgia
Georgia is a part of the Christian civilization and lives according to the respective rules. Such values as inviolability of life, right of property, institute of family, personal and national dignity are important for us. I think that each person should feel him/her a worthy member of a society, and difference according to this or that feature must not be a basis of violation or restriction of right. More exactly, we will not restrict anybody by ethnic affiliation and will not announce nontraditional sexual orientation a criminal offence. This concerns the private affair of a person and is not a business of the state or policy. The state on the one hand must ensure strengthening of the state status of the Georgian language, and on the other hand -finance and promote learning of Georgian by the ethnic minorities. As well, the state must in every way strengthen the institute of traditional family and on the other hand - do not allow violation in respect of people with nontraditional sexual orientation. At the same time it should be mentioned that we will not support the institute of same-sex marriage, because this contradicts the traditional concept of a marriage. Why we should change the contents of the concept of a marriage? We know that a marriage is a union between man and woman.  In the same-sex marriage this means the union of two any person.  In such case I would ask - why only two? It is understandable that this carries us to the point of absurdity.

Margiani Avtandili » Initiative group 
Historically the rights of sexual minorities in Georgia have never been violated, it is not violated now and considering the general tolerance of our nation, it will not be violated in the future. Being a sexual minority always meant maintaining of low profile or keeping of one’s private life in secret. Advertising and arrangement of sexual minority demonstrations/parades will facilitate debauchery, which shall be prohibited from moral standpoint.

Mzhavia Teimuraz » Christian-Democratic People’s Party 
The given question has several aspects - a right in general, exercising of the right and argumentation of the conceptual approach to the issue. The right of the sexual minorities to carry out actions corresponding to their own choice, is regulated by the appropriate legislative act „The framework convention of the Council of Europe concerning protection of the sexual minorities“, which does not allow anybody to interfere in the above mentioned choice, and in my opinion also envisages that representatives of the sexual minorities may not demand from the so called sexual majority in this or that form unconditional recognition of their choice. This provision is unequivocally written in the above mentioned legislative act. I think the state should actively participate in balancing of differing interests. Otherwise its activity will not be justified, and as to the issue of provision of their equal rights in the social-political life of the country, it is to be considered in the context of protection of rights of any men/women. The basis of the main argument of my conceptual approach to the given issue, as the concrete citizen, is the unconditional recognition of the fact that the first source of  development of the world or maintenance of its viability, of evolution itinerary and the dynamics of dialectic regularities, that from the scientific point of view unconditionally depends on male and female relations not only in the biological organic sector of the world, but, as the modern science states, even in its inorganic part itself; when a human being opposes the stable foundations of the evolution  of a man, it calls into question even the perspective of existence of the man. I would state sincerely that I do not want that the mankind be in front of the choice, when his right will be on one  dish of scales, and on the other - an issue of his/her very existence in the world.

Natelashvili Shalva » Labour party of Georgia
Representatives of sexual minorities in Georgia have always participated in social and political life, they are inseparable parts of the social and political development of our country today, and I am sure they neither have nor had any problems with that. However, I do not think it is either fair or correct to demonstrate your sexual orientation in the streets having said that, I oppose any kind of violence.

Saluashvili Mikheil » Initiative group
Every citizen of Georgia, regardless of his sexual orientation paraded or covered, should have the equal rights. According to the Christian morality, it is necessary to fight against any form of sin, and not the person who committed this sin.

Targamadze Giorgi » Christian-Democratic Movement
Private life is inviolable. Therefore, the state cannot interfere unduly with the establishment of sexual orientation of specific people and their participation into social or political life. However, if equality means civil legal relationship such as marriage, then adopting children by same sex couples is naturally absolutely inacceptable. On the contrary, draft constitutional amendment had been proposed, pursuant to which the state shall recognize and uphold the marriage only between a woman and a man. Current edition of the Constitution does not specify the parties of the marriage and stipulates their equal rights only. Therefore, according to researchers’ opinion, Civil Code contradicts with the Constitution of Georgia and chances to win the case of an individual appeal to the Constitutional Court are very high. Thus, same sex marriage can be considered legal in Georgia not through the adoption of certain bylaws, but by announcing the existing norm as an un-constitutional. Suggested draft involves the edition of the Constitutional norm that is accepted by the Constitution of EU member countries, such as Lithuania, Latvia and Hungary.

Human Rights Watch letter to Armenia president regarding proposal for anti-LGBT legislation

Excellent. Right to the point. The letter by Human Rights Watch, dated 12 August 2013 (see pdf file), publicised yesterday.

For additional background info, read: Testing grounds: anti-gay ‘propaganda’ bill proposed, then swiftly withdrawn in Armenia

**

Letter to Armenian President Regarding Proposal for Anti-LGBT Legislation

OCTOBER 18, 2013

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES: 

Human Rights Watch letter to President Sargsyan

Any measures to limit LGBT peoples’ freedom of expression and assembly on the basis of their sexual or gender identity would further reflect the Armenian government’s noncompliance with its obligations to promote tolerance towards LGBT people and protect them against discrimination. They could also possibly condone homophobia and transphobia, which contributes to a climate of hatred and violence.

Serzh Sargsyan
President
Republic of Armenia
26 Marshal Baghramian Avenue
0077 Yerevan, Republic of Armenia

Cc:
Tigran Sargsyan
Prime Minister
Republic of Armenia
Republic Square, Government House 1
0010 Yerevan, Republic of Armenia

Hovik Abrahamyan
Speaker of the Parliament
National Assembly of Armenia
19 Marshal Baghramian Avenue
0095 Yerevan, Republic of Armenia

Dear Mr. Sargsyan,

We are writing to express our concern regarding a proposal for legislative amendments that appeared on the website of the Police of the Republic of Armenia on August 5. The proposals sought to add two articles to the Code of Administrative Offenses outlawing the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations,” a move that would be in clear violation of freedom of expression and discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

The police have since removed the proposal from its website, and media reports indicate that there are no immediate plans for parliament to consider it. However, we are concerned that other institutions may seek to introduce similar proposals and ask that you ensure that such measures are forcefully opposed as incompatible with international human rights law and would not advance for parliamentary debate.

The proposal claimed the ban would “protect” Armenian families. It would impose fines of up to 350 times Armenia’s minimum wage on citizens, public officials, and legal entities who breach the law. The proposal did not define “propaganda” or “nontraditional sexual relations.”

The broad wording of the proposal meant that it could have been used to restrict the rights of human rights organizations, civil society groups, or anyone else who works on issues such as the rights of LGBT people or sex workers. It also would have discriminated against LGBT people on grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Armenian civil society organizations learned of the proposal only when it was published on the website of the Police of the Republic of Armenia.

Measures such as those proposed by the police are illegal under international human rights instruments that Armenia is obliged to uphold. They impose unjustified – and therefore unlawful – restrictions on the freedoms of expression and assembly, in violation of articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Armenia is a party to both. They also violate the international prohibition on discrimination, guaranteed by both instruments.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has unanimously adopted a set of recommendations (CM/Rec (2010)5) to member states, including Armenia, on measures to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. The recommendations invite the member states to ensure that the stipulated principles and measures are applied in national legislation, policies, and practices relevant to the protection of LGBT people. Relevant recommendations are:

1. Examine existing legislative and other measures, keep them under review, and collect and analyze relevant data, in order to monitor and redress any direct or indirect discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity;

1. Ensure that legislative and other measures are adopted and effectively implemented to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, to ensure respect for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and to promote tolerance towards them.

Measures such as those in the proposal directly contradict the Council of Europe recommendations.

Civil society organizations in Armenia have expressed concern over the government’s failure to protect the social, economic and political rights of LGBT people. LGBT people continue to face discrimination in accessing employment and healthcare, as well as violence in the army and in families. The government has yet to pass a law banning hate crimes in Armenia, leaving LGBT people vulnerable to abuses such as the repeated homophobic attacks against the DIY pub during May 2012. A draft law currently under consideration by parliament outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sex, ethnicity, and age omits sexual orientation from its considerations.

Any measures to limit LGBT peoples’ freedom of expression and assembly on the basis of their sexual or gender identity would further reflect the Armenian government’s noncompliance with its obligations to promote tolerance towards LGBT people and protect them against discrimination. They could also possibly condone homophobia and transphobia, which contributes to a climate of hatred and violence.

We call on the Armenian government to support LGBT peoples’ human rights and take actions to curb the passage of any measures that violate the European Convention on Human Rights and other international instruments to which Armenia is party.

Sincerely,

Rachel Denber
Deputy Director
Europe and Central Asia Division

Testing grounds: anti-gay ‘propaganda’ bill proposed, then swiftly withdrawn in Armenia

Last week, a proposal by Armenia police in a form of amendments to the administrative offenses law was published on police.am website for “public consultations”. As per the amendments, hefty fines would be imposed on individuals, officials, organisations or media for “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”.

«Հոդված 47.8. Ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչությունը 1. Ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչությունը` առաջացնում է տուգանքի նշանակում քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հիսնապատիկից մինչև հարյուրապատիկի չափով, պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրապատիկից մինչև հարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով և իրավաբանական անձի պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի երկուհարյուրապատիկից մինչև երկուհարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով: 2. Սույն հոդվածի առաջին մասով նախատեսված արարքը, որը կատարվել է զանգվածային լրատվության միջոցների օգտագործմամբ` առաջացնում է տուգանքի նշանակում քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրապատիկից մինչև հարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով, պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրհիսնապատիկից մինչև երկուհարյուրապատիկի չափով և իրավաբանական անձի պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի երկուհարյուրհիսնապատիկից մինչև երեքհարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով:»

This was effectively a copycat of the exact same wording in similar Russian law. The latter generated an international outrage and resulted in further deterioration of rights of LGBT people and overall human rights situation in Russia. [Amnesty International’s blog drew parallels between Russia and Armenia re homophobia & so called gay 'propaganda' bills.]

As the author and activist Nancy Kricorian tweeted, right to the point: "ARMENIA acting as Russia's "Mini-Me' in proposing gay "propaganda" ban".  

While technically proposed by police, to say that it's Armenia police draft proposal is to say nothing because everyone knows unless it’s sanctioned by Baghramyan 26 (presidential HQ), or at least one of its competing fractions, police wouldn't think of proposing anything.

I call this testing grounds. A blatant attempt by some Russia connected structures and individuals in Armenia to derail the association agreement with the EU.

Initial reaction to the proposal was predominantly negative full of ridiculing police and the draft law. Even people who you would not necessarily consider gay friendly made fun of the published provisions, and the main topic of discussions within the Armenian segment of Facebook was to define, often humorously, the term "non-traditional sexual relations".

Few further points I'd like to make. Since when Armenia police turned into a ‘morality police’? I mean particularly the published “motivation” for developing such bill, i.e. “protecting traditional family values” and so on. They cited one article of the Armenian Constitution that the basis of Armenian society is family, but there is nothing there to suggest “traditional family” in police interpretation.

“ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 35-րդ հոդվածի համաձայն` ընտանիքը հասարակության բնական և հիմնական բջիջն է: Պետությունն իր հերթին միջոցներ է ձեռնարկում ամուր ընտանիք կազմելուն նպաստելու, ընտանիքի համար բավարար կենսամակարդակի, այդ թվում՝ բնակարանի, ինչպես նաև իր քաղաքացիների կենսապայմանների բարելավման համար: Նորանկախ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության համար առավել քան արդիական է հայ ավանդական ընտանիքի մոդելի պահպանման խնդիրը, քանի որ հենց ավանդական բարոյական արժեքների վրա հիմնված ընտանիքն է հանդիսանում մեր ազգապահպանության հենասյունը: Ինտեգրվելով եվրոպական արժեքներին` մենք, կամա թե ակամա, դարձանք ոչ միայն ժողովրդավարության համամարդկային արժեքների կրողը, այլև միաժամանակ ընդունեցինք հայ ազգային մտածողությանը խորթ երևույթներ: Դրանցից մեկը ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերություններն են, որոնք շատ ժամանակ խրախուսվում են հասարակության կողմից` առանց գիտակցելու տվյալ երևույթի արատավոր և կործանարար ազդեցությունը հայ ընտանիքի կազմավորման, ապագա սերունդների հոգեկերտվածքի ձևավորման, դաստիարակության և այլ հարցերում: Այս երևույթն առավել վտանգավոր է դառնում այն բոլոր դեպքերում, երբ ոչ միայն խրախուսվում է, այլև` քարոզվում: Քարոզչական տարբեր մեթոդների կիրառումը նպաստում է նրան, որ երևույթն ընկալվում է որպես գովազդ և սկսում է դիտարկվել ինչպես օրինաչափ և բնական յուրաքանչյուր երևույթ: Այնինչ, բացասական երևույթների նմանօրինակ եղանակներով հրապարակայնացումն ու քարոզչությունը չեն կարող խրախուսվել մի պետության կողմից, որը դարերն ի վեր գոյատևել է ավանդական արժեքների, կայուն ընտանիքի պահպանման շնորհիվ: Մեր պետության առջև ծառացած այս արատավոր երևույթը և դրա հետագա տարածումը կանխելու նպատակով` նախապատրաստվել է «Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենսգրքում լրացումներ կատարելու մասին» ՀՀ օրենքի նախագիծը, որը վարչական պատասխանատվություն է նախատեսում ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների քարոզչության համար: Ընդ որում, օրինագիծն առավել խիստ պատասխանատվություն է նախատեսում ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունները զանգվածային լրատվության միջոցների օգտագործմամբ քարոզելու դեպքում:” 

They also conveniently ‘forgot’ article 14.1 of the very Constitution they are supposedly basing their proposal on. Let’s then ditch the Constitution altogether and start living under “traditional” laws, whatever that means. And btw, I do not think it’s a police job to interpret the Constitution. Luckily, Armenia is not considered a police state... yet.

Within a matter of one day this draft bill already managed to hurt Armenia's image.  News gone viral internationally and immediate pressure exhorted to withdraw the draft bill from circulation.

The following day police chief withdrew the draft bill citing “shortcomings” and “no priority”.


08.08.2013 14:41 Օրինագիծը հետ է ուղարկվել
ՀՀ ոստիկանության  կայքէջի «Օրենսդրություն» խորագրի «Հանրային քննարկումներ» և «Նախագծեր»  ենթաբաժիններում զետեղվել էր  «Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենսգրքում լրացումներ կատարելու մասին» ՀՀ օրենքի նախագիծը: Օրենքի նախագիծը մշակվել է ՀՀ ոստիկանության իրավաբանական վարչության կողմից` հիմք ընդունելով  մի քանի տասնյակ մտավորականների դիմում-բողոքները: Ոստիկանության պետ Վլադիմիր Գասպարյանը, նկատի ունենալով օրինագծի` քննարկումների ընթացքում  ի հայտ եկած  թերություններն ու բացթողումները, ինչպես և նշելով, որ այդ խնդիրն այսօր ոստիկանության առաջնահերթություններից չէ, օրինագիծը հետ է ուղարկել:

 

This is not the end of the story, however. I suspect attempts to introduce similar bills will continue, particularly via parliament. And if this happens, it will only be because ruling regime decided so. If you know the Armenian pyramid of power, you know that Baghramyan 26 controls the parliament and no such decision could be made without president’s ok.



As I tweeted earlier (here and here):

FYI Armenia: No country ever benefited from anti-gay 'propaganda' laws. It leads to more discussions & disastrous image consequences. Even Putin's Russia with its seemingly 'I can do whatever I want' attitude struggle to cope with international PR disaster following anti-gay laws. And this is how it should be and will be.


Today in history: Barack Obama highlights gay rights in an inaugural address

Obama made history today as the first President of the United States to highlight gay rights in an inaugural address:

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."

Barack Obama, 21 January 2013 (*source)


Respects, Mr. President !!

Exposed: Chief of staff of Public Council of Armenia supports neo-nazi firebombers

Hakob Barkhudaryan, chief of staff of Public Council of Republic of Armenia, a consultative body at Armenia president, created a Facebook page in praise of neo-nazi attackers on DIY bar: "In support of firebombers of DIY club", calling for  attackers to be freed of persecution.

One of the main stated purposes of the Public Council of Armenia is "Representation of interests of the Armenian citizens and non-governmental associations in State policy formulation and implementation."

This is truly Scandal of the Day. We all know that this council is pretty much a formality, and there are quite a few openly homophobic members there. But support for terrorists? Unbelievable.

What is the position of the president of Public Council re this matter? What is the position of Armenia president?

The Public Council is led by the President of the Public Council appointed by the President of the republic of Armenia from among the members of the Public Council. [...] 12 out of the 36 members were appointed by the Order of the Armenian President and were tasked with setting up 12 area committees.

We need urgent answers as the consequences of this could be enormously damaging for the reputation of Armenia, suggesting support for neo-nazi and firebombers in the very heart of state structures.

Armenia president Serj Sargsyan and openly gay mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë

Jean Eckian reports from Paris that having attended Charles Aznavour concert in Olympia, Armenia president Serj Sargsyan met the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë. They both then hosted a meeting with around 600 French Armenians.

Background info: “Despite France’s political tradition of keeping one’s personal life out of the public, Delanoë came out in a French television interview in 1998. In his book, “La vie, passionnément” (“Life, Passionately”) (2004), Delanoë says he made that decision because he thought it could help, even if in a small way, “lighten the burden of secrecy borne by so many people.” On the topic of gay marriage Delanoë writes, “In the name of what can one reject this demand for equality?” (source)

Wikipedia: (Personal life) Delanoë was one of the first major French politicians to announce that he was gay, during a 1998 television interview (before being elected mayor). His election made Paris the world's largest city with an openly LGBT mayor at the time; upon the election of Klaus Wowereit as Governing Mayor of Berlin in October 2001, it became the second-largest. Of the largest three, all have taken office since 2001; previously, the largest city with an LGBT mayor had been Winnipeg, Canada, in openly-gay former mayor Glen Murray (1998–2004). Delanoë is not known for taking an active part in the gay and lesbian community, but he has helped end discrimination in municipal subsidies to civic groups.

(Assassination attempt) He was stabbed on 5 October 2002 during the Nuit Blanche, a night of festivities in Paris, while mingling with the public. His assailant was a Muslim immigrant, Azedine Berkane, who reportedly told police that "he hated politicians, the Socialist Party, and homosexuals." Speaking to Le Monde, one of his neighbors said, "He was a bit like us. We're all homophobic here because it's not natural." Before being taken to hospital, Delanoë ordered that the festivities continue. Delanoë's wound was reported not to be life-threatening and he left the hospital after about two weeks. Azedine Berkane was eventually permitted to leave the psychiatric hospital where he had been a patient after his doctors no longer considered him a threat. However, in early April, 2007, he failed to keep a scheduled appointment with his doctors, and has not been seen since.

The mayor of Paris will be in Yerevan in October to participate in the conference of francophone mayors that he chairs.

Selected extracts (AM) from Sargsyan’s speech below, via president.am:

[...] Մենք հատկապես կարևորում ենք մեր մայրաքաղաքների` Երևանի և Փարիզի միջև ընթացող համագործակցությունը և այդ շրջանակում քաղաքապետ Դելանոեի գործունեությունը, ում օրոք Երևանի և Փարիզի միջև համագործակցությունը նոր բովանդակություն ստացավ` ներառելով նորանոր բնագավառներ ու ծրագրեր:

Փարիզի կենտրոնական հատվածներից մեկում Կոմիտաս վարդապետի արձանի տեղադրումը և Երևանի պուրակի հիմնումն իսկապես մեծ հպարտություն է բոլոր հայերի համար, որտեղ էլ նրանք բնակվեն:

Իհարկե, տեղյակ ենք նաև, որ այս տարի Փարիզի քաղաքապետարանն իր հյուրընկալ դռներն էր բացել հայության և Ֆրանսիայի հասարակական շրջանակների առջև` Ֆրանսիայում Հայաստանի դեսպանության հետ համատեղ տոնելու Հայաստանի անկախության 20-ամյա հոբելյանը, ինչի համար հայտնում ենք մեր խորին երախտագիտությունը: [...]

Հարգելի՛ պարոն Դելանոե,

Մենք սիրով սպասում ենք Ձեզ Երևանում այս տարվա հոկտեմբերին՝ Ձեր գլխավորած Ֆրանկոֆոն քաղաքապետերի միջազգային ասոցիացիայի Գլխավոր Ասամբլեայի տարեկան նիստին:

Կրկին շնորհակալություն եմ հայտնում Ձեզ այս հյուրընկալության համար և վստահ եմ, որ Երևան և Փարիզ քույր-քաղաքների հարաբերությունները զարգանալու են առաջանցիկ տեմպերով:

Շնորհակալ եմ:

*pictures - by Jean Eckian

(RU) Russia PM Putin re "ПИДРов, ПИЗДЮНов и ГЕИев"

Priceless. Especially reply by Russia PM Putin :) You have to know Russian to get it. Re new abbreviations in police etc.

"Путин про ПИДРов, ПИЗДЮНов и ГЕИев"



*thanks to Lena for the link.