Public figure pledges to divulge name of sectarian ex-candidateFebruary 28, 2013 - 15:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Rumors have recently been afloat suggesting new sects have been formed in Armenia, director of the center of rehabilitation and aid for the victims of destructive cults said. “In fact, some of them have been renamed. “Brides of God” sect is not a recently formed sect. It was set up during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2003. It was part of the “Embassy of God” spiritual organization, with the Armenian branch called “Live Meeting” later becoming a separate sect,” Alexander Amaryan said. He further conditioned reports on sects during the presidential elections by one of the candidate’s being a sectarian. “I won’t give any names due to the ongoing post-election developments. I will divulge his name later,” Mr Amaryan said, adding that religious sects play a major role in any country’s policy. He further noted Evangelical Church as part of a non-governmental organization, with leaders appointed abroad. “People become sectarians due to the foreign funding. Sect members get 10% of the funds,” Mr Amaryan said, warning of the psychological problems sects may cause. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |