CONFERENCE OF «YERKRAPAH» UNION OF VOLUNTEERS TOOK PLACE IN YEREVANApril 30, 2002 - 23:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The fifth conference of «Yerkrapah» Union of volunteers » public organization took place in Yerevan today. Armenian defense minister Serge Sarkisian addressed the participants. In his speech, the chair of the union managing committee, deputy defense minister Manvel Gevorgian said that although the veterans of the Karabakh war wished peace they were always ready to stand up for the motherland. He especially noted the «Yerkrapah» Union of volunteers» would keep up with investigation of the case on the terrorist act in the parliament as a result of which the founder of the union Vazgen Sarkisian was killed. Premier Andranik Margarian, who is the union managing committee member, had a speech at the conference. He noted, «Yerkrapah» is not only a stabilizing strength but also a guarantee of the security of the country. At the same time Markarian did not welcome the interest of the ex-members of people's volunteer corps in politics. "We are first of all soldiers and then only politicians", noted the premier. Vazgen Sarkisian's mother Greta Sarkisian had a speech at the conference. She, in contrast to Andranik Markarian, is sure that the members of "Yerkrapah" have to participate in political life of the country more active. Greta Sarkisian called on the ex- members of people's volunteer corps "to come round and to take the situation into their own hands". According to her "the real masters of Armenia are "Yerkrapah" members". Top stories The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. Partner news | Moody's upgrades IDBank's rating Moody's has upgraded ID Bank CJSC's (IDBank) long-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings to Ba3 from B1. U.S. “very clear” with Azerbaijan: “It’s time to make peace with Armenia” James O'Brien has said that the United States is “very clear” with Azerbaijani that it is a time to make peace with Armenia. PACE adopts resolution on Armenia's commitment to reforms PACE welcomed the electoral reforms implemented by Armenia in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. Armenia, Germany discuss ties, South Caucasus peace process Armenian lawmakers met with the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Tobias Lindner. |