Video: Gagik Tsarukian's Daugher Getting Married - All Parts

You may have seen it and you may have not, but I present to you the wedding video of Gagik Tsarukian's daughter! I won't spoil the fun for you. :)















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Homes of Armenia's Richest
Armenia's Richest Men

And the Votes Are In

Election day came and went. Conclusions?

The ruling Republican Party of Prime Minister Serzh Sarksyan won almost 33% of the vote, officials said. Prosperous Armenia, a comparatively new political party led by former world arm wrestling champion Gagik Tsarukian, won 14.7%.

European observers said the vote largely met international standards, but that some more work was needed. Opposition groups said Saturday's vote was falsified and have called for mass demonstrations in the capital, Yerevan.

The BBC's Matthew Collin, in Yerevan, said the results were a resounding victory for pro-government forces. A spokesman for the Law-Governed Country Party, Tigran Mkrtchyan, said the results were "grossly falsified".

I don't think anyone expected anything other than this. The Big-2 fixed the election, just as everyone knew they were going to. Did they mess with the ballots? Maybe, maybe not - but they certainly bribed a large number of the population with scholarships, seeds, food, money, and so on.

I think the words "vote" and "Armenia" should be prohibited from being in the same sentence, especially with the results of this election.

Source: BBC News

Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian Lookalikes

This entry was brought to you by Ashxen. Rhyne had nothing to do with it!


This is Dodi Gago very recently.


Kramer (Michael Richards) from Seinfeld. Separated at birth!


Krusty the Clown from the Simpsons. Dodi Gago in 10 years.


Don King. If Dodi Gago lays on the sands of Sevan for too long.


Phil Spector. If Dodi Gago was to let his hair grow out another day.

Original picture by Onnik Krikorian All other photos via Google.

Prosperous Armenia Offices Bombed

Let's hope this doesn't get into the hands of the international press.

Today early at dawn one of the Headquarters of "Prosperous Armenia" party was blown up. Not only are the headquarters destroyed through but also the shop nearby. According to the shop owner, his shop suffered losses of $25,000 USD.

In fact, the same lot fell on another headquarters in Kanaqer-Zeytun community. The party avoids giving any comments on the accident.

Political rivalry, no doubt. Why? For power? For destabilization? I'm the last person to like the leader of Prosperous Armenia, Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian, but this sort of a thing has no place in a country that has so many hopes for the future. This has to stop.

Source: A1+

Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian's New Look

Click to enlarge.

The first picture was taken quite a while ago. The second picture was taken today during a campaign rally. Compare and contrast the following: haircut, smile, clothing, jewelry, overall impression. Amazing, huh?

And I thought this sort of a transformation only happens in the United States? How wrong I was!

First photo from PhotoLur via Google. Second photo by Onnik Krikorian

Surprise of the Day: Russia Supports the Republican Party

It's no surprise, really.

Prosperous Armenia is led by Gagik Tsarukyan, the richest person in Armenia and chairman of the national Olympic Committee. Analysts consider it a creation of the authorities as a backup incase of a setback to the Republican Party.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Armenia last week and expressed the Russian government's support for Sarkasyan. Russia traditionally plays an important role in the internal affairs of Armenia. Several other Russian officials have voiced support for Sarkasyan since then, including Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and head of the Audit Chamber Sergey Stepashin.

Of course, Russia is one of the least democratic countries around, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that they are favoring one party over another. So what happens when both the top choices are evil and undesirable, yet the most powerful and influential?

Source: Kommersant

Pictures: Homes of Armenia's Richest!

When it comes to grandness, Armenians do it best. Here is a collection of the homes of Armenia's Richest! Oh, and be sure to click on each picture for a larger version.

Let's start with a house that is still under construction. This house dwarfs everything nearby! It's easy to see a future circular driveway in front of the house, as well as other structures. And look at that land!



This may or may not be a house, as the land that it sits on is just massive. The house seems pretty large and there is a pool visible behind it. In the front, there appears to be a courtyard. Oh, there's also a tennis court and a long tree-lined driveway. Very secluded. Beautiful, isn't it?



This is also a very large house, but it sits on a smaller lot. Appears to be inspired by American mansions of similar size and design. Note the circular driveway and the pool, with what appears to be either gazebos or spas on either end.



The left house is rumored to be that of "Lfik Samo," otherwise known as Samvel Alexanyan, the monopolist importer of sugar, butter, and other goodies. The main house appears to be the lower structure, while the upper structure near the big pool is most likely a covered patio-like area, judging from the shadow. There is some sort of a fountain in the middle of the circular driveway. The house on the right is a smaller copy of the main house. Oh, and notice the garden-like area to the left. Does he like cards? Also note new construction taking place on top.



It's not clear to me whether this is a house, but it is massive. We see a huge house with a circular driveway, fountains, a tennis court, and lots of trees. I wish I knew more!



This is the home of Gagik Tsarukian, known to everyone as Dodi Gago. He is the richest person in Armenia. You can't tell from the picture, but it's located on top of a hill, so you can't see much from the ground. As you can see, there is a house - recall the design of Lfik Samo's house - and a second structure, probably a covered area. There are plenty of trees on the property, and many still on the driveway to the house. There's also a tennis court and a running path, perhaps. Oh, and towards the bottom if the picture you can see his Church and his Zoo. Yes, you read that correctly.



And finally, one of the grandest estates anywhere. Still unfinished and four years in the making, this is an incredible estate that Armenia Blog's sources believe belongs to the sole importer of building materials. Look at the details! While you may not like the style, one has to admit that it is a grand house, perhaps the grandest!

These pictures are very large, so please be patient!



Amazing, isn't it? Considering the country is smaller than Maryland, has had capitalism for a little over a decade and a half, and has a population of just under three million, these homes are world class. Of course, one can argue that these people accumulated millions due to illegal means, whether artificial monopolies or otherwise. Instead, let's just enjoy looking at really nice houses and save that discussion for some other time!

You might also be interested in learning about Armenia's Richest Men!

Sources: Rhyne via Google Earth for Overhead Shots, Flickr, and Source unknown for last two pictures.

Oligarchs May Buy National Parks

Historical buildings? Check. Politicians? Check. Votes? Check. National parks? Erm, check!

It is not excluded that the Armenian oligarchs privatize Sevan and Dilijan national parts. “In fact, the new law does not prohibit that. At the moment, the parks are managed by non commercial state enterprises,” Simon Papyan, first deputy minister of nature protection told reporters.

In the words of the deputy minister, 50 percent of the credit program of this year in the amount of $800,000 will be directed to these parks to implement reforms. The state will release another 156 million Armenian drams to Sevan national park and 75 million to Dilijan national park for protection purposes.

Who is taking bets as to when the buying and selling of people by oligarchs becomes a reality? Oh, wait.

In case you were wondering, that beautiful man in the picture is Armenia Blog's best friend Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian.

Source: Panorama

More Armenians Breaking Limbs

There are some unusual stories out there, and here's one:

According to hospital records, the number of the cases of limb fracture has risen by 30-50% this year. The main reason is the icy conditions of pavements which have not been cleaned. Although the municipality claims that salt and sand have been stored in order to take care of the roads, nothing is done in order to clean the pavements.

...the fractures are mainly simple, without compilations.

Yikes! Why doesn't Gagik Tsarukian do something about this? Oh wait, that's because he's too busy bribing villagers and buying votes!

Source: A1Plus

Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian's Party Gets Record Number of Voters!

From the source:

A rapidly growing party led by Armenia’s wealthiest government-connected businessman claimed on Wednesday to have already recruited a staggering 370,000 members, more than all other political groups taken together.

A leading member of Gagik Tsarukian’s Prosperous Armenia said it now has the muscle to win or at least finish second in next spring’s parliamentary elections.

“The recruitment process is continuing,” said Vartanian. “Our members are mainly people who have not been affiliated with other parties before.”

If you're curious to know how politicians like Dodi Gago and others buy votes, check out this entry from a little while ago.

Source: ArmeniaLiberty

Armenia's Richest Men!

There is some controversy about the list of Armenia's Top 10 richest people that is to be published by Forbes Armenia, but something tells me it is pretty close, especially the top spot. Only the net worths of two people are given: Tsarukian at $400-500 million and Sargsyan at about $150 million.

I will be doing individual profiles of some of these people later on, so keep reading the blog. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

1. Gagik Tsarukian - Businessman

Companies: Multi Leon - Kotayk Abovyan Beer Factory, Abovyan Plant of Measuring Equipment, Yerevan Chemical Drug Company, Mek Furniture Network, Aviaservice, Multi Stone Stone Processing Company, Yerevan Ararat Brandy, Wine and Vodka Factory.

2. Armen Avetisyan - Chairman of the State Customs Committee.

Fact: Admitted all the country's big importers are his friends.

3. Mikael Baghdasarov - Businessman

Companies: Mika Corporation - Armsavingsbank, Armavia Airlines, Mika Cement Plant, Mika Limited oil trading company.

4. Hrant Vardanyan - Businessman

Companies: Grand Holding - Grand Tobacco, Grand Candy

5. Khachatur Sukiasyan & Family - Businessman

Companies: Various.

6. Yervand Zakharyan - Mayor of Yerevan


7. Robert Kocharyan - President of the Republic of Armenia

Fact: It is known that Kocharyan was "elected" in 2003 with unfair means.

8. Serge Sargsyan - Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia

Fact: Once "Head of Propaganda and Agitation Division of the Stepanakert City Communist Party Committee."

9. Andranik Manukyan - Minister of Transport and Communication of the Republic of Armenia


10. David Harutyunyan - Republic of Armenia Minister of Justice


Well, there you have it! Of importance, the majority of the people on this list are government officials.

If you liked this post, consider Digging it up!

Sources: ArmeniaPedia, and the original Forbes list.

How Armenian Politicians Buy Votes

Want to know how Armenian politicians influence votes in their favor?

In past elections candidates were accused of buying votes by distributing sugar, flour or money to voters, but this time a much more sophisticated campaign is taking place.

On the grounds that drought had prevented peasants from storing seeds, Tsarukian's party began distributing winter wheat and potatoes in ten regions of Armenia. Bargavach Hayastan also launched a programme of providing free medical services for the residents of these regions.

His other initiatives have included sowing wheat and the setting up of a fund for impoverished students. And all his charitable activities are getting generous television coverage

Tigran Karapetian, chairman of ALM holding company and chairman of the People's Party, has been using ALM television for four years to promote his own charitable initiatives. The slogan "Be good to people at all cost” sounds out from television screens with an image of Karapetian and soulful music.

Karapetian has also been organising trips for provincial residents, mainly pensioners and the poor, in minibuses to visit Lake Sevan and other sights.

Zakarian has also criticised defence minister - and possible future president - Serzh Sarkisian for his involvement in opening a water supply system in the village of Tsakhkahovit last November instead of dealing with his defence portfolio.

The governing Republican Party of Armenia has also been engaged in controversial charitable initiatives, presenting provincial educational centres with computers and laboratory equipment.

It's a long post, but there you have it: craty Armenian criminals doing what they have to do to get or maintain power.

Source: IWPR

Gagik "Dodi Gago" Tsarukian: A Hero To Armenias?

It is a sad day in Armenian history when a convicted rapist, an economic thief, and a ruthless criminal is considered anything other than what he really is!

Gagik Tsarukian, a government-connected millionaire businessman, is the most popular and revered individual in modern-day Armenia, according to a new U.S.-funded opinion poll released this month.

Of all the living Armenians mentioned by respondents, Tsarukian had by far the highest rating: 8 percent.

If you, like many Armenians belive that my claims above are unwarranted, keep watching this blog for a detailed, referenced look at the real Dodi Gago.

For our non-Armenian speaking friends, "Dodi" in his nick name means "Dumb"!

Source: ArmeniaLiberty