“Zhamanak Yerevan” continues to ask the Armenian authorities questions about the March 1 clashes in Yerevan. The paper recalls, in particular, that they claimed to have detailed footage of the violence. “If that is the case, why hasn’t a single individual who committed a murder on March 1 been identified so far? it asks. “Were there any citizens who provided medical assistance to wounded policemen and troops? Are their names known? If so, why aren’t they publicized?”
“Serzh Sarkisian stated last week that the police did not shoot in the direction of the those holding a rally but shot at demonstrators,” continues “Zhamanak Yerevan.” “Could you please clarify what is the difference between those holding a rally and demonstrators.”
“Hraparak” says that if Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian is serious about his promise to crack down on corruption he should look at the list of the owners of newly built luxury apartments built in downtown Yerevan in place of hundreds of old houses. The paper says among them are “renowned judges, unknown bailiffs, various bureaucrats and law-enforcement officers.” It claims that they got those apartment as rewards for court rulings against lawsuits filed by the owners of demolished houses.
“Armenian society is for the most part not prepared to live without corruption,” writes “Taregir.” “Corruption has very deep roots. A person taking bribes is still not perceived to represent a dangerous social phenomenon. Some analysts are of the opinion that Armenians, who lived under foreign yoke for centuries, used corruption as a means of defense. That is, by bribing a foreign official -- a Turk, a Persian or a Russian -- Armenians managed to make up for their legally unprotected status. In Soviet times, stealing from the state was considered by the public not a crime but a dexterity for the simple reason that that state was seen as alien … But we can’t afford such luxury in independent Armenia, assuming, of course, we don’t want to ruin our independence with our own hands.”
“Hayots Ashkhar” quotes Gagik Beglarian and Mher Sedrakian, mayors of Yerevan’s Kentron and Erebuni districts, as denying opposition allegations that their men were behind Thursday’s assault on opposition supporters gathering in Northern Avenue. “They will answer for exploiting my name and slandering me,” Beglarian says. The paper tells Sedrakian that a 77-year-old woman claimed that she was beaten by one of his bodyguards. “Let that 77-year-old woman die,” responds the Erebuni mayor.
(Armen Dulian)
“Serzh Sarkisian stated last week that the police did not shoot in the direction of the those holding a rally but shot at demonstrators,” continues “Zhamanak Yerevan.” “Could you please clarify what is the difference between those holding a rally and demonstrators.”
“Hraparak” says that if Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian is serious about his promise to crack down on corruption he should look at the list of the owners of newly built luxury apartments built in downtown Yerevan in place of hundreds of old houses. The paper says among them are “renowned judges, unknown bailiffs, various bureaucrats and law-enforcement officers.” It claims that they got those apartment as rewards for court rulings against lawsuits filed by the owners of demolished houses.
“Armenian society is for the most part not prepared to live without corruption,” writes “Taregir.” “Corruption has very deep roots. A person taking bribes is still not perceived to represent a dangerous social phenomenon. Some analysts are of the opinion that Armenians, who lived under foreign yoke for centuries, used corruption as a means of defense. That is, by bribing a foreign official -- a Turk, a Persian or a Russian -- Armenians managed to make up for their legally unprotected status. In Soviet times, stealing from the state was considered by the public not a crime but a dexterity for the simple reason that that state was seen as alien … But we can’t afford such luxury in independent Armenia, assuming, of course, we don’t want to ruin our independence with our own hands.”
“Hayots Ashkhar” quotes Gagik Beglarian and Mher Sedrakian, mayors of Yerevan’s Kentron and Erebuni districts, as denying opposition allegations that their men were behind Thursday’s assault on opposition supporters gathering in Northern Avenue. “They will answer for exploiting my name and slandering me,” Beglarian says. The paper tells Sedrakian that a 77-year-old woman claimed that she was beaten by one of his bodyguards. “Let that 77-year-old woman die,” responds the Erebuni mayor.
(Armen Dulian)