Month: February 2015

IS NO DIRECT THREAT TO ARMENIA – EXPERT

13:30 / 06.02.2015

The 2015 started hot in Armenia and outside of it, expert Armen
Petrosyan told the reporters on Friday. Speaking about the activity
of the Islamic State he said that this year it has already beheaded
three hostages and burnt alive the Jordanian pilot.

“The IS has elaborated activity both in Syria and Iraq. Unfortunately
we too suffered from their activity. The IS destroyed one of the
Armenian churches in Mosul. I do not though think that it was a step
against the Armenians. It is their attitude toward spiritual and
cultural institutions,” he said.

As to whether the IS is a threat to Armenia, the expert stressed that
there is no direct threat to Armenia. “IS threatens the other states
having associates there, in this regard there is no threat to Armenia
as it does not have associates here,” he stressed.

Petrosyan stressed that the western coalition set up to fight against
IS is just limiting its expansion but does not give fatal blows. “It
means that the IS will remain there and may expand in the Syrian
territory but not in Iraq,” he said.

13 MILITARY CASUALTIES REPORTED IN ARMENIA, NAGORNO-KARABAKH SINCE JAN 1

15:41 * 06.02.15

Cross-border skirmishes on the frontlines of Armenia and
Nagorno-Karabakh have left 13 people killed and some 16 injured
since January 1, Tert.am has learned from the Defense Ministry’s
spokesperson.

“Seven of our soldiers were killed by adversary; the rest died as
a result of indirect operations, including explosion of mines and
casualties,” Artsrun Hovhannisyan told our correspondent.

The latest deadly incident was reported on February 5. Shakespeare
M Hakobyan, was killed in a fatal shooting in the eastern direction
of the Defense Army Thursday afternoon. He wasposthumously awarded
for bravery.

UK AMBASSADOR: PM CAMERON REGRETS HE CANNOT BE IN YEREVAN ON APRIL 24

15:41, 06.02.2015

YEREVAN. – British PM David Cameron has received an invitation to
visit Yerevan on the centennial of the Armenian Genocide on April 24,
UK Ambassador to Armenia Katherine Leach told reporters on Friday.

“He replied to say that he understood the huge importance of the
centenary year for Armenia and Armenians all over the world, and he
regretted he wasn’t able to be here in person,” the diplomat said.

However, the Church of England is sending representatives, Ambassador
Leach said, adding that she would be able to confirm the details a
little bit later.

Asked whether Cameron will visit Turkey for the events marking the
100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Battle, the diplomat said she
had no information about it, but there will be certainly high level
British involvement, because many soldiers died in Gallipoli.

Ambassador Leach was also asked to comment on the rumors in Turkish
media, according to which Prince Charles will be among the guests. The
Ambassador she had no information confirmed, but she had seen the
rumors in Turkish media.

“If I am invited, and I very much hope that I will be, I will of
course visit Tsitsernakaberd,” she added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NEW US AMBASSADOR PROUD OF ARMENIANS PARTICIPATING IN US PROGRAMS – VIDEO

19:01, 06.02.2015

YEREVAN. – The U.S. Embassy in Armenia introduced new Ambassador
Richard Mills.

He is the first ambassador who has been dealing with issues related
to Armenia prior to his appointment.

“I never stopped following events in your country. I have been
so pleased to watch the United States and Armenia to establish
strong partnership at all levels government-to-government and
people-to-people. I am proud of many Armenians who are participating
in U.S. educational, cultural and professional programs and I am
inspired by their contributions to Armenia’s political, cultural and
economic life,” he said.

RICHARD MILLS OFFICIALLY SWORNS IN AS NEW US AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA

19:48, 06.02.2015

Richard Mills was officially sworn in as the new U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia during a ceremony in Washington, the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) reported.

ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, Executive Director Aram Hamparian,
and Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian participated in
the ceremony.

As reported by ANCA, Richard Mills stressed US “solidarity” with all
Armenians on the Centennial.

Photo from ANCA Facebook account

CREDIT PORTFOLIO OF ARMENIAN BANKS’ BRANCHES IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH FALLS BY 1.5 PERCENT TO 9.6 BILLION DRAMS

YEREVAN, February 6. / ARKA /. The credit portfolio of Armenian banks’
branches in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) stood at 9.6 billion
drams as of February 1, 2015, a 1.5% decrease from the year before,
NKR National Statistical Service said. It said compared with the 2015
January, the portfolio was down by 2.7%.

Some 64.8% of the portfolio was loans in foreign currency, while the
share of overdue loans was 2.1%.

As of February 1, 2015 the amount of bank deposits stood at 56 billion
drams. The figure represented a 20.6% decline from 2014 February. When
compared to January this year, the total amount of deposits in the
branches was down 4.5%.

According to NKR National Statistical Service, 71.8% of deposits were
term deposits, 19.2% were demand deposits and 9% were target deposits.

($ 1 – 477.46 drams). -0-

PRESS RELEASE
Ararat-Eskijian Museum
15105 Mission Hills Rd
Mission Hills CA, 91345
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 818-838-4862

February 05, 2015

Mission Hills Calif. Ararat-Eskijian Museum and National Association for
Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) presents an illustrated talk by
Attny. Mathew Karanian *`Historic Armenia after 100 years: Ani, Kars, and
the six provinces of Western Armenia’. February 15th*, 4 PM Ararat-Eskijian
Museum/Sheen Chapel, 15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills CA 91345

One hundred years after the Armenian Holocaust, the homeland of the
Armenians remains unknown to much of the world. During the century since
the Genocide of 1915, most of the cultural monuments of the Armenian nation
in the lands of historic Armenia have been eliminated or repurposed.

But there is much that still remains. Author Matthew Karanian
celebrates the Armenia that has avoided destruction, as well as the hidden
Armenians who have struggled to carry on in the face of persecution. He
shines a light on the remnants of Western Armenia that are at greatest risk
of being lost forever, and he leads readers on a journey of rediscovery in
this groundbreaking guide, *Historic Armenia After 100 Years*. For the
first time since the Genocide, the cultural wealth of the Armenian nation
in Western Armenia is presented in one readable and beautifully illustrated
volume. This book serves as a guide through the history and culture of the
ancient Armenian homeland-whether one intends to travel there in person or
only through the pages of this book.

*Historic Armenia After 100 Years* is the product of several years of
research and photography by Matthew Karanian. The book is illustrated with
125 color maps and photographs and includes antique photos from 100 years
ago that are juxtaposed with images of the same locales as they appear
today. Karanian is a second generation Armenian American who lives in
Pasadena. His four grandparents are from Western Armenia and both of his
grandmothers survived their deportation during the summer of 1915. Karanian
has served as Associate Dean of the law program at the American University
of Armenia, and as the Director of the university’s Legal Research
Department. He is the author of *Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden
Travel Guide*. He practices law in Pasadena.

– =8F Admission free (Donations appreciated)

– =8F Reception and book signing following the program.

For more information call the Ararat-Eskijian Museum at (747)500-7585
e-mail [email protected]

American University of Armenia
Diana Manukyan | AUA PR Manager
Office of Communications
40 Marshal Baghramyan Ave. | Yerevan, 0019, Armenia
Tel: +374 60 612 522; Email: [email protected] |

AUA Instructor Commemorates Genocide Centennial with 100 Years, 100 Facts

YEREVAN, Armenia – On February 2, 2015, American University of Armenia
(AUA) Instructor Nareg Seferian gave a presentation on The 100 Years, 100
Facts Project*. *The presentation was part of AUA’s 1915 Centennial series
commemorating the one hundred years since the Armenian Genocide.

The 100 Years, 100 Facts Project*, *accessible through 100years100facts.com,
is a joint initiative of Seferian and friend Lena Adishian. It is a
collection of one hundred facts about Armenians and Armenia, with topics
ranging from those related to the genocide, to Armenian music, language,
religion, notable figures, various Diaspora communities, and much more. The
purpose of the online initiative is to educate and raise awareness about
Armenian history and culture as a way to commemorate the centennial of the
Armenian Genocide.

`Although we have one hundred years of this tragic history, Lena and I
wanted us to celebrate our identity in a diverse way that emphasizes
education and awareness and allows us to know who we are, where we come
from, and where we’re going,’ Seferian said.

The project began on April 24, 2014 and will continue until April 24, 2015,
serving as a year-long campaign that leverages the power of the internet
and social media. In addition to the main website, facts can also be viewed
through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+.

The website has already been translated into Portuguese and French by
self-initiated volunteers. `Of course, this project is aimed at the
Armenian world, but we’d also love to reach out to people in Turkey. We’re
still waiting to hear about whether it can get translated,’ Seferian said.

Nareg Seferian is an AUA instructor, researcher, and writer. He was born
and raised in New Delhi and received his higher education in Yerevan, Santa
Fe, Boston, and Vienna. His writings can be read on naregseferian.com
.

*Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private,
independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the
University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and
the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies,
encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic
values.*

From: A. Papazian

American University of Armenia
Diana Manukyan | AUA PR Manager
Office of Communications
40 Marshal Baghramyan Ave. | Yerevan, 0019, Armenia
Tel: +374 60 612 522; Email: [email protected] |

The American University of Armenia (AUA) Embarks on California
Recruitment Tour

YEREVAN, Armenia – From February 15 to March 1, 2015, the American
University of Armenia (AUA)’s Director of Admissions, Arina Zohrabian, is
embarking on a multi-city recruitment tour throughout California to excite
and inspire young students to pursue their higher education at AUA.

The recruitment tour is being made possible by a generous donation from Mr.
Zaven Akian, a member of AUA’s Board of Trustees. He stated, =80=9CI am happy to
be able to sponsor the inaugural student recruitment tour for AUA. The
university is one of the most important investments we in the Diaspora can
make. The academic excellence, integrity and leadership skills the students
will learn will enable them to shape the future of our nation.’

Spreading the word about the abundant opportunities that AUA and Armenia
have to offer is the essential mission of the tour. Students have the
advantage of getting their education from a University of California (UC)
affiliated institution, making it very easy to transfer credits. AUA is
accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, meaning
students have assurance they are receiving a high quality education. AUA
has a diverse Western-educated faculty, the majority of which hold doctoral
degrees.

AUA students come from all over the world, and on a daily basis get to
enjoy the university’s many research centers and state-of-the-art
facilities, including the newly renovated AGBU Papazian Library and the
modern Paramaz Avedisian Building with fully equipped classrooms. In
addition to offering 8 master’s degrees, AUA launched its undergraduate
degree program in 2013, after which the number of applicants from outside
of Armenia tripled from the 2012-2013 school year.

Whether students are interested in getting a four-year degree or simply
wish to study abroad for a summer, semester or year, AUA’s opportunities
are growing by the day. The newly announced AUA-UCLA joint summer
intensive program in Armenian Studies provides the ideal experience for
students who wish to completely immerse themselves in Armenian language,
history and culture.

Ms. Zohrabian will be discussing the many benefits of attending AUA as she
makes stops at high schools and colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area,
Fresno and Southern California. Among other schools and colleges, she will
visit the Kruzian-Zekarian Armenian School in San Francisco, the AGBU
Manoogian-Demirdjian and Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High Schools in the Los
Angeles area, the University of California campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Los
Angeles and Irvine, the University of Southern California, Cal State
Fresno, and Glendale Community College. The tour will also include meetings
with Armenian churches, community members, and various chapters of the
Armenian Student Association.

Arina Zohrabian manages the strategy and operations for undergraduate and
graduate admissions, national and global outreach, and international
student services at AUA. Previously, she served as the Regional Director
for Education Programs and Country Director for the International Research
& Exchanges Board (IREX) Armenia office, managing and implementing higher
education programs funded by the US Department of State and other private
sources. Ms. Zohrabian moved to Yerevan in 2002 as a volunteer. What was
meant to be a one year trip evolved into a life-changing experience.

*Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private,
independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the
University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and
the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies,
encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic
values.*

American University of Armenia
Diana Manukyan | AUA PR Manager
Office of Communications
40 Marshal Baghramyan Ave. | Yerevan, 0019, Armenia
Tel: +374 60 612 522; Email: [email protected] |

1915 Centennial: AUA Remembers and Reflects on the Armenian Genocide

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is marking the hundred years’
passing of April 24, 1915 with a year-long program of lectures, exhibits,
film screenings, and seminars.

Through these events, AUA aims to support the nation-wide effort to raise
awareness about the Armenian Genocide and promote the prevention and timely
response to genocide worldwide. The program is being overseen by a
university-wide committee chaired by the Dean of the College of Humanities
and Social Sciences Tom Samuelian appointed by President Der Kiureghian.

The program has already drawn significant interest among students, faculty,
and the community in Armenia and the diaspora. Dean Samuelian points out
that `AUA is committed to preparing leaders for the future, who are aware
of their own history and the challenges confronting Armenia and the
world. Despite international legal commitments, the scourge of genocide
has spread. Impunity for the Armenian Genocide has been a factor. As
victims and survivors of Genocide, Armenians have a special role and
mission in halting genocide. Promoting and protecting human rights, and in
particular punishment and prevention of Genocide, are ongoing concerns of
AUA’s curriculum and public outreach, which this year’s events have brought
into sharper focus.’

The Centennial series features speakers from both within the AUA community
and from around the globe, as the topic of genocide is not just an Armenian
issue, but a universal issue. Many classes are also integrating genocide
issues into their course work at both the undergraduate and graduate
levels, including Criminal Law, International Law, Human Rights, Topics in
Cinema and Law, and Justice in Popular Culture.

Speakers from AUA include Professor Nareg Seferian, Visiting Lecturer
Vahram Ter Matevosyan, Institutional Research Manager Anush Bezhanyan, and
Dean Samuelian.

International scholars from Armenia and abroad are making presentations,
including Levon Avdoyan of the Library of Congress, Ethnographer Haroutyun
Maroutyan, Turkish Historian Mehmed Polatel, Turkologist Ruben Safratsyan,
Art Historian Shahen Khachatryan, and many others. The Centennial series
will also feature a presentation by AUA Visiting Professor Yair Auron of
the Open University of Israel, who is teaching two graduate seminars for
Political Science and Law students this semester.

As the centennial approaches, AUA’s Digital Library is also paying
tribute
by making the works of the many Armenian writers, literary critics,
editors, and publicists who perished during the genocide freely accessible
on the Internet.

President Der Kiureghian commented, `As an institution dedicated to
learning and scholarship, AUA cannot be indifferent to the centennial of
the Armenian Genocide. Our students, faculty and staff will be engaged
throughout the year in remembering and reflecting on this tragic event in
order to learn the history and to discuss means for restitution and for
prevention of future genocides. By digitizing and freely providing the
works of scholars who perished during the Genocide, we intend to
immortalize the contributions that these intellectuals made to humanity
before their lives were cut short.’

Photo exhibits around campus, as well as film screenings on various
genocides throughout history, will also be available for viewing.

If you have suggestions, please feel free to contact 1915 Centennial
Committee Chair, Dean Tom Samuelian – [email protected]. 1915 Centennial
Events are posted to the AUA Events Calendar and are open to the public.
Please check regularly for updates.

From: Baghdasarian