Month: November 2016

Donald Trump will become the 45th US president after a stunning victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, the Associated Press news agency reports.

The Republican nominee’s projected victory came down to a handful of key swing states, despite months of polling that favoured Mrs Clinton.

The battlegrounds of Florida, Ohio and North Carolina cleared the way for his Brexit-style upset.

Global markets plummeted, with the Dow set to open 800 points down.

Mr Trump’s projected victory in Wisconsin put him over the 270 out of 538 electoral college votes needed to win the White House.

The US president-elect took to the stage at his victory rally in New York and said: “I just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us on our victory.”

“Hillary has worked very hard and very hard over a very long period of time and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to this country,” Mr Trump said. “Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division.”

“It is time for us to come together as one united people.”

“I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for every American. And that is very important to me,” said Mr Trump.

“For those that have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and you help so we can work together and unify our great country.”

“I expect to have great, great relationships” with other countries, Mr Trump said.

“No dream is too big; no challenge too big. America will no longer settle for anything less than the best. We must reclaim our country’s destiny and dream big and bold and daring.

“I will always keep America first,” he said.

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Armenia today announced the appointment of the newest National Goodwill Ambassador, Manchester United player and Armenia National Team captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who will support UNICEF in advocating for children’s right to education, sports and play and use his voice to bring awareness to the rights of the most marginalized children in Armenia. The appointment comes on the occasion of UNICEF’s global 70^th anniversary, which is marked in December 2016.

Together with UNICEF, Mkhitaryan will encourage Armenian families to get active and enable a fair chance for every child in the country with a focus on children’s and young people’s rights to get quality learning from early years and quality education in an inclusive environment.

“It’s very sad to see that not all children have the same opportunities to attend school and they don’t get access to quality early learning and education. All children should be able to enjoy the opportunity to reach their full potential so they can become productive citizens,” said Mkhitaryan. “I am truly honoured to become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. I want to utilise my platform to help UNICEF advocate for every child’s right to education in Armenia, especially for those who are most vulnerable,” he added.

Over the past two decades, Armenia has seen considerable progress in expanding access to pre-primary education, introducing inclusive education, and committing to improve quality of learning. However many children are still left behind, including children with disabilities and children living in remote rural areas.

“We are excited to have Mkhitaryan join us as the newest UNICEF Ambassador in Armenia. As a passionate advocate for children and healthy living, Mkhitaryan demonstrates deep commitment to our mission,” said UNICEF Representative in Armenia Tanja Radocaj. “Education contributes to reducing inequalities and eradicating poverty, while supporting the expansion of more inclusive societies. We are thrilled to join together in advocating to make every child’s right to quality, inclusive and early education a priority in Armenia.“

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an Armenian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Manchester United, as well as leads the Armenia national team. Mkhitaryan is Armenia’s all-time top goal-scorer since his debut in January 2007. His previous clubs include Pyunik, Metalurh Donetsk, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund. Mkhitaryan was voted Best Field Player of the season 2015/2016 in Bundesliga; he was also recognized as the best Armenian and CIS player in 2015/2016.

Mkhitaryan joins a large number of most prominent people from sports and culture who support UNICEF work for children all over the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump with his victory in the US presidential election, voicing hope that joint work will resolve the crisis in bilateral ties, the Kremlin said Wednesday, Sputnik News reports.

According to Kremlin, Putin sent a telegram to Donald Trump congratulating him on his victory in the US presidential election and wishing him success in the responsible job as head of state.

“In a telegram, Putin expressed hope toward joint work to lift Russian-US relations from the state of crisis, as well as to address the pressing issues of the international agenda and the search for effective responses to global security challenges,” the Kremlin said.

In the telegram, Putin voiced hope that the crisis in US-Russia relations will be overcome through joint work. Putin also said he hopes that dialogue between Moscow and Washington, taking into account positions of both countries, meets the interests of the US and Russia.

On the morning of November 9, a diverse group of government officials, politicians, civil society representatives, students, educators, and members of the press joined U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr. for an Election Watch Party at the U.S. Embassy.  As the results of the U.S. presidential and congressional elections were broadcast live from the United States, both American staff and our Armenian guests experienced the excitement of the democratic process in action as polls closed and votes were tabulated across the U.S.

More than 800 invited guests had the opportunity to interact with American diplomats and discuss the elections as real-time results were reported by various U.S. TV channels.  In addition to the live coverage, the Embassy provided a range of informational materials about the U.S. elections and the U.S democratic process.

In his remarks to the assembled audience, Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr. emphasized that “today is a special day, one that comes along every four years, when the United States reaffirms and celebrates its democratic tradition, 240 years strong, of calling upon the people to elect their next president.  As passionate and intense as this year’s election campaign has been, Americans know that as a result of yesterday’s vote, executive power will be transferred peacefully on January 20, 2017 in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and rule of law.  As Secretary Kerry said just last week, ‘we’re now engaged in the 58th free and open presidential selection process for the 58th consecutive time.  Compared to a lot of places in the world, that’s pretty amazing’.”

President Obama, who is nearing the end of his second and last term, will step down when his successor is inaugurated on Friday, January 20, 2017.  Ambassador Mills reaffirmed to the gathered Armenian guests that the excellent partnership between the U.S. and Armenia, which are celebrating their 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, will stay strong regardless of who is elected the next president of the United States.
“The U.S. remains committed to our shared goal of an independent and prosperous Armenia at peace with its neighbors, and regardless of who the next president is, the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy will remain steadfast partners and friends to Armenia, as we work together to ensure the democratic and prosperous future that the Armenian people deserve.

President Serzh Sargsyan sent a congratulatory message to the President Elect of the United States of America Donald Trump which reads,

“Honorable Mr. Trump,

Please accept my warmest congratulations on your election as the President of the United States.

The American people has enthusiastically voted in support of your outstanding leadership qualities, your experience and vision, thus entrusting you with the honorable responsibility to lead the nation. I have no doubt, that under your able leadership the United States will achieve further progress and advancement in the years to come.

As the United States and Armenia prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, I seize this opportunity to express my gratitude for the substantial support extended by the United States over the last quarter of a century to help Armenia build democratic institutions and strengthen its economy.

In Armenia we highly value the important role played by the United States, in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk group, in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

I am confident that under your presidency, the Armenia-US close partnership would continue to develop dynamically – expanding and reaching new heights in diverse areas. I also believe that we can continue to count on the active engagement of the Armenian-American community – a strong bridge between our nations.

As you embark upon your new responsibilities, I would like to assure you and the people of the United States of our continued friendship and sympathy and wish you utmost success in leading your country and the American people to progress and prosperity.

Please accept, Honorable Mr. Trump, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

On a visit to the United Arab Emirates, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Noting that Armenia is interested in intensifying the political dialogue and developing comprehensive cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, President Sargsyan voiced hope that agreements reached during the visit will contribute to the further development of ties.

Serzh Sargsyan hailed the fact that the relations between Armenia and UAE have entered a new, more practical stage of development, over 20 agreements on cooperation in different spheres have been signed between the two countries, more documents are expected to be signed within the framework of the visit.

The interlocutors agreed that the interstate relations between Armenia and UAE are successfully developing on the basis of the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Arab people.

President Sargsyan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan emphasized the importance of the activity of the Intergovernmental Commission in promoting the current pace of trade-economic cooperation.

The parties agreed to intensify the work towards attracting more UAE investments in the Armenian economy and find effective mechanisms to implement the investment projects.

The interlocutors referred to a number of issues on bilateral agenda, the urgent international issue, the crisis in the Middle East, the problems and challenges existing in the South Caucasus, the process of settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

Trinity International Auctions offered a double treat at its tenth annual fall auction on October 15. The firm presented its staple selection of classic and contemporary fine art from around the world.

Leading the day overall was a work by Martiros Saryan (Armenian, 1880–1972). “Poppies and Camomiles,” an oil on canvas alive with color and verve, realized $67,375. Measuring 30½ by 24½ inches, signed lower left and dated 1959, the work was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Expert Center of Culture Values, Ministry of Culture, Republic of Armenia, Daily reports.

Another Saryan work, “Spring in Yerevan,” 1955, oil on canvas, 20½ by 29¼ inches, was bid to $50,200.

It was not the first time Trinity has had success with this artist. In February of this year, Saryan’s vibrant “Still Life with Flowers and Fruits,” 1952, topped that sale as well, going out at $93,100.

Martiros Saryan was a founder of the Armenian national school of painting. A master of the still life genre, he was devoted to the glorification of nature, which both of these works so vividly exemplify.

Other Armenian artists achieved notable results in this sale. Realizing $24,500 was “Sultry Day,” 1960, anoil on canvas measuring 28 by 40 inches by Minas Avetisian (1928–1975), a colorful infusion of sunlight tones and buildings and trees. “Flowers and Fruit on a Blue Table,” 1961, by Harutyun Kalents (1910–1967) was bid to $17,150.

 

 

 

Based on US President-elect Donald Trump’s speech, one can assume that the “world is going be a safer and a more peaceful place,” President of the European Integration NGO, MP Karen Bekaryan said in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia.

According to him, “Trump’s first messages lead to peace and prevention of conflicts.”

However, Bekaryan said “only time will show to what extent we can trust his words.”

“The first speeches and steps are more of a PR action. For real politics we have to wait a little,” he added.

“The first signs will be visible during the first 3-6 months of Trump’s presidency, when he has to react to a clear situation at some part of the world and make political decisions, ” Karen Bekaryan added.

“Everything is OK at Manchester United,” Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan told reporters in Yerevan today.

Despite receiving little playing time at Man Utd, Mkhitaryan says nothing can prevent him from moving forward.

“I have passed a long way to reach where I am now. Nothing can prevent me from achieving my dream,” Mkhitaryan said.

“If I give in now, it will mean I have achieved nothing and done nothing to reach there,” he said.

“I will find the strength to struggle in this situation,” the midfielder said.

Mkhitaryan pledged to do his best to reach his goal.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan talked to reporters after being appointed .

 

 

 

Donald Trump’s election as 45th President of the United States will not bringserious changes in the country’s long-established policy, but will lead to a shift in the country’s position at least on some issues, Head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office Giro Manoyan said in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia.

He believes that the improvement of relations with Russia can open up opportunities for us.

However, he said “we have to take into consideration the relations between Turkey and the US, the President-elect’s relations with the Azerbaijani leadership, which will also inevitably influence the Armenia-US relations, and the US stance on the Karabakh issue and other Armenia-related issues.”