December 2, 2005

The “New” Constitution Continues to be “Blessed” by Abuse

Yerevan—On December 2, at around 6:30 pm. the National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) program coordinator and Heritage Party member Edgar Hakobian was taken into custody at Yerevan’s Mashtots Avenue. Two individuals in civilian clothes, without introducing themselves, grabbed Hakobian by the arms, forced him into an unmarked car and took him to Kentron Police Station. There, these two officers wrote a report addressed to Hovik Tamamian, the Station Chief, giving him the “good news” of having arrested yet another person near the Matenadaran.>>

November 30, 2005

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN DETAINED AT YEREVAN AIRPORT

Yerevan—Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, was detained today for detailed questioning and inspection before boarding an Austrian Airlines flight to Vienna.

Awaited and confronted by an airport national security (formerly KGB) agent identifying himself as Arsen Poghosyan and saying his job was to ensure passenger safety, Raffi Hovannisian was questioned about the purpose of his trip, the Armenian constitution, and other matters unrelated to airport security.>>

September 20, 2005

The Heritage Party
Position on Draft Constitutional Amendments

No.

The Constitution is the fundamental law of the land and its citizens. The most authoritative source of rights, it defines and guarantees the structure of state, its political system, and civil liberties and obligations. Its legitimacy and force of example turn on its acceptance as the fruit of political consensus and civic confidence.

The Constitution is not a game.>>

August 31, 2005

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN IN POLAND FOR SOLIDARITY ANNIVERSARY
Meets with Walesa, Albright, Brzezinski

Yerevan—Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented Armenia at an international conference marking the Solidarity movement’s 25^th anniversary, which was held here from August 29 to 31 under the auspices of the Solidarity Center Foundation and the Lech Walesa Insitute. >>

August 19, 2005

Raffi Hovannisian-Kostas Karamanlis Consultations

Athens —Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos A. Karamanlis received Armenia's first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K. Hovannisian at his government office here today. >>

June 10, 2005

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN CALLS HERITAGE PRESS CONFERENCE

Yerevan—In the wake of its Third Congress recently held here, the Heritage party’s executive board today convened its first meeting with journalists at its central headquarters.

The press conference of the party, which aspires to a leading role in the political life of Armenia , opened with a comprehensive report by its chairman Raffi K. Hovannisian on Heritage’s upcoming plans and long-term priorities.>>

May 30, 2005

HERITAGE HOLDS PARTY CONGRESS, ELECTS HOVANNISIAN

Yerevan—HERITAGE, a national liberal party, held its third congress at the government conference facility here today.

Attended by 700 delegates from Yerevan and across Armenia, officials from the foreign diplomatic corps, media representatives and invited guests, the convention elected Raffi K. Hovannisian, the Republic's first minister of foreign affairs, as its chairman.  The newly elected executive board comprises high school principal Anahit Bakhshian; former minister of state Hratch Hakobian; law professor Hrair Tovmasian; theology professor Vardan Khatchatrian; Health and Humanitarian Assistance Center director Anania Maghakian; teacher and Artsakh war veteran Davit Badalian; airline executive Gevorg Kalenchian; and economics professor Zoya Tadevosian.

The day's agenda included an invocation by Father Haikazun Mkrtchian of the Armenian Apostolic Church; a moment of silence in tribute to Armenia's fallen heroes; greetings by academician Rafael Ghazarian, People's party chairman Stepan Demirchian, Republic party chairman Aram Sargsian, Progressive Liberal party chairman Hovhannes Hovhannisian, National Democratic party chairman Shavarsh Kocharian, Socialist Union chairman Ashot Manucharian, and Self-Determination Union chairman Paruir Hairikian; the adoption of HERITAGE's charter, program, and proclamation; and the election of its constitutional and audit commissions. >>