Month: September 2013

Armenian Genocide victims memorial to be unveiled in Paris suburb

September 21, 2013 – 15:56 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The French Roquebrune-sur-Argens commune, Var
department will host the unveiling ceremony of a memorial for Armenian
Genocide victims authored by architect Antranik Zakarian.

The September 21 ceremony will be opened with the music by Jean Marc
DerMesropian and Charles Aznavour, with sisters Fabienne and Laurence
Chanoyan to perform Komitas songs.

To attend the event are Roquebrune-sur-Argens Mayor Luc Jousse;
members of the French National Assembly Valérie Boyer, Henri Jibrayel,
Alaine Moyn-Bressand, Francois Rochebloine, Guy Tessier;
representative of the Eastern Var Armenian Union Jacky Lequeux;
representatives of the Armenian embassy in France, Nouvelles d`Arménie
said.

Memorials to Genocide victims have already been unveiled in Paris,
Lion and Marseilles.

From: A. Papazian

Armenia celebrates 22nd independence anniversary

September 21, 2013 – 10:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – September 21 marks Armenia’s independence anniversary.

With a unanimous national vote, the third Republic of Armenia was born
on September 21, 1991, to give the Armenian nation the right to build
their future, be the masters of their land and regain statehood.

Like in 1918, the new-born republic had to rebuild the state after the
war. If the First Republic is engraved on the national memory for the
Sardarapat victory, the origin of the Third Republic is certainly
bound with the liberation of Artsakh.

Now, Armenia is struggling to build a democratic state, form a civil
society, improve the lives of its people. We’re assured that this
struggle, like a struggle for the freedom of Artsakh will end with our
victory.

Turning 22: Armenian politicians, public figures reflect on
independence ahead of another September 21 celebration

Society | 20.09.13 | 19:19

NAZIK ARMENAKYAN
ArmeniaNow

By Gohar Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

For 22 years now the 21st day of autumn has been the symbol of
long-longed-for independence with the tricolor fluttering free against
the blue of the sky, festive events, speeches on the importance of
sovereignty. It is a day when failures and achievements are summed up
and ideas are voiced on how to make things better for this landlocked
South Caucasus country, called Armenia.

In the first sitting of Armenia’s Supreme Council (SC), on August 23,
1990, a declaration was adopted to liquidate the Soviet Socialist
Republic of Armenia and an independent Republic of Armenia was born.
By the SC decision, a referendum was held on September 21, 1991 on
leaving the USSR and 99.5 percent of voters in conditions of a turnout
of 95 percent chose to be independent. On September 23, the SC
declared Armenia an independent republic.

Aram Manukyan who read out the text of the Declaration of Independence
in 1990 and who is now secretary of the opposition Armenian National
Congress parliamentary faction, reflecting on that crucial period of
time for the nation, told the press on Friday that the Armenian people
`has never and won’t ever demonstrate such unity, as it did in 1991′.

`Every citizen felt he was the one deciding the future of his/her
country. Those were miraculous, heavenly times. Our independence is
irrevocable. Even if there are issues today, if there are challenges,
if our independence is deeply distorted today, I’d even say
moth-eaten, worm-eaten independence is what we have today, still, it
is not lost. By no means,’ says Manukyan.

Director of Sociometer sociological center Aharon Adibekyan says
Armenia has paid a high price for its independence – it has lost 2.3
million of its population.

`Ninety percent of our industry had been under Soviet supervision, and
the collapse of that union meant those 90 percent factories stopped.
We have lost a thousand plants, 250 of which were military-industrial
complexes. Around 250 research-scientific centers shut down, 800
collective and soviet farms got liquidated, along with the related 200
entities. All of a sudden we had 1.8 million unemployed at the same
time, and we lost the first million of our population before 1994,’
says the sociologist.

However, Adibekyan says, although Armenia has not made the proper use
of its independence, it has had achievements as well, the most
important among them being the best equipped and disciplined army in
the region with successful military record.

Adibekyan says more than 80 countries have established diplomatic
relations with Armenia, 26 of which have their embassies here, in
another 30 of those countries Armenia has diplomatic representation,
which, the sociologist believes, allows for active role-playing in
international relations, protection of the Armenian communities’
interests there, something Soviet Armenia was not permitted to do.

From: A. Papazian

Our nation proved with its centuries-old history to be able to
overcome any hardship. Taron Margaryan

13:10, 21 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of the 22nd
anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia the
Yerevan Mayor sent a congratulatory message. As reported by
Armenpress, the message of Taron Margaryan says in particular:

`Dear compatriots,

I heartily congratulate you on the anniversary of independence of the
Republic of Armenia.

On this day 22 years ago the realization of centuries-old wishes of
the Armenian people and the restoration of historical justice was
started and our people initiated the process of its own statehood
foundation, strengthening and development. Overcoming the hardships of
the first years of the independence today we stand steadily among the
countries which have chosen the way of democracy.

To have the country of our dreams we still have a lot to do, all of us
and each of us, as having a powerful and prosperous country is our
common wish. Our nation with its centuries-old history proved that
they are able to overcome any hardship, and I am certain that
eventually we will have the strong and flourishing homeland we are
dreaming of.

Congratulating on the most important holiday for our country, on the
Day of Independence, I wish all of us peace and creative work for the
sake of the safe future of our country and future generations’.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

Independence Day was celebrated in Yerevan State University

18:31, 20 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS: Students’ council of Yerevan State
University on September 20 organized patriotic event dedicated to 22nd
anniversary of Armenia’s independence. The event started with
demographic dances by students then a fleshmob was organized: More
than 300 students from YSU left to the air more than 450 balloons of
colors of Armenian flag and at the end of the event the students
depicted on the steps number 22 symbolizing the independence.

`The event has been organized on the initiative of YSU Students’
council without any professional help. The aim of the event is show
the youth that all our national heroes one day were students and
protected our country in their age. We always remember and stress the
importance of our heroes and their patriotic activity. Nowadays young
people must realize how important Motherland is and should be ready to
protect it,’ mentioned president of YSU Students’ Council Raffi
Karamyan.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

From: A. Papazian

From queens to presidents: Armenia receives congratulations

September 21, 2013 – 15:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako
Sahakyan sent a congratulatory letter to Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan on the 22nd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s
Independence.

“22 years ago our nation made a historical decision, which radically
changed the course of its further development. Finally, the
independent Armenian statehood, which seemed unrealizable for
centuries and the right of Armenian people to manage their own destiny
and build country on their historical land by their own hands were
restored. It was a decisive step, the truth and inevitability of which
has been proved during all these years.

Today, the Republic of Armenia is moving forward with confidence,
implementing various projects aimed at providing security and
strengthening defense capacity as well as improving people’s
socioeconomic and living conditions. I am more than confident that the
Armenian people would achieve new successes and fulfill the national
goals with joint efforts and the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable
trinity,’ the President said.

Queen Elizabeth II has also congratulated the people of Armenia on the
22nd anniversary of their independence a post on the British Embassy’s
Facebook page said.

Ambassador Jonathan Aves commented, “This is a proud day for the
people of Armenia. The establishment of an independent, sovereign
Armenian Republic is a great achievement. The UK will continue to work
with Armenia as it seeks a secure and prosperous future”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also issued a congratulatory message,
hailing Armenia’s successes in socioeconomic, scientific,
technological and cultural sectors.

As he noted the long-standing Armenia-Russia ties have risen to the
level of allied partnership and continue to develop intensively.

Putin expressed hope for further expansion of bilateral ties in the
context of Armenia’s accession to Customs Union, the Kremlin’s
official website said.

`On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend my
warmest wishes to the people of Armenia as you celebrate your
Independence Day on September 21,’ U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
said in his congratulatory message.

`The United States and Armenia have a strong relationship based on
historic ties and mutual respect. I am proud and grateful for the
enduring friendship of many in the Armenian community. As someone who
for three decades represented Massachusetts, which boasts one of the
largest populations of Armenians outside of Armenia, I have special
firsthand knowledge of the contributions that you have made to
America’s culture, democracy and economic vitality.

Today our two countries are working together on a dynamic bilateral
and regional agenda. Through forums such as the U.S.-Armenia Economic
Task Force, we look forward to further strengthening the economic and
commercial bonds between our peoples.

I wish all Armenians a joyful and prosperous Independence Day, with
peace and happiness in the coming year,’ the U.S. official’s letter
said.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Belarus Viktor Yanukovych and Alexander
Lukashenko congratulated their Armenian counterpart expressing hope
for further cooperation.

From: A. Papazian

Barack Obama sent a congratulatory message to President Serzh Sargsyan

23:23, 21 September, 2013

President of the United States Barack Obama sent a congratulatory
message to President Serzh Sargsyan.

`Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of all Americans, I congratulate you and the people of
Armenia on the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence on September
21.

The United States deeply values its enduring relationship with Armenia
and has been made a stronger nation by the millions of Americans who
proudly trace their ancestry to your country. The bonds of affection
and respect between the United States and Armenia remain as strong as
ever, and we look forward to developing greater cooperation between
our countries in the years to come’,- President of United States
stated in his congratulatory letter.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

22nd anniversary of Armenia’s Independence was celebrated in Belarus

20:26, 20 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS: Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
in Belarus on September 19 organized reception on occasion of 22nd
anniversary of Armenia’s Independence. `Armenpress’ was informed from
press service of Armenian foreign ministry that at the event took part
representatives of all branches of Belarus, diplomatic missions and
international organizations accredited in our country, Armenian
community and Belarusian intellectuals.

Armenian ambassador briefly introduced the way of the Republic of
Armenia during those 22 years, highly estimated Armenian-Belarusian
relations. With a welcoming speech performed First Deputy Foreign
Minister of Belarus A. Mikhnevich.

At the event performed dancing ensemble `Erebuni’ as well as violinist
arrived from Armenia Lusine Haroutyunyan.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

From: A. Papazian

Armenia’s ambassador to Georgia holds reception on occasion of
Armenia’s Independence Day

13:38 – 22.09.13

Armenia’s Ambassador to Georgia Hovhannes Manukyan invited an official
reception at Armenia’s Embassy in Tbilisi, on the occasion of the 22nd
anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

`From the first days of its independence, Armenia, which was in
blockade, felt Georgia’s help. On the other hand, when Georgia was in
an energy crisis, Armenia extended its friendly hand to its neighbor,’
said Ambassador Manukyan.

For centuries, Armenia’s fate has intertwined with Georgia’s. Looking
through chapters of history, one can see Armenians and Georgians have
not only common history, but also common fate, Ambassador Manukyan
said.

22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence marked in UAE

September 20, 2013 | 17:54

An event dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence
was organized by the Armenian Embassy to UAE on September 19.

The Armenian anthem was followed by a ceremony of granting passports
to new citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

In his speech, Armenian Ambassador Gegham Gharibjanyan presented
Armenia’s path after gaining independence, as well as foreign and
internal policy achievements, Foreign Ministry’s press service
reported.

From: Baghdasarian