Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Gulen indicted with Hrant Dink murder involvement, Istanbul Court initiates proceedings YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. An Istanbul Court has launched proceedings on the new indictment on Hrant Dink’s murder case, Diken reports. Previously the court had sent back the indictment to the prosecutor twice, based on irregularities. 50 people, including Fethullah Gülen and the former prosecutor Zakarya Oz, are charged with being involved in the murder of the Istanbul-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, who was shot dead outside the Agos office in 2007. After the failed military coup in Turkey, authorities are attempting to accuse Fetullah Gulen and the Gulen movement in plotting Hrant Dink’s murder.
Month: May 2017
Cooperation between Armenia’s Ministry and ‘Arton Capital’ company to contribute to attracting foreign investments
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Cooperation between Armenia's Ministry and 'Arton Capital' company to contribute to attracting foreign investments YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Hovhannes Azizyan on May 29 held a meeting with President of ‘Arton Capital’ company Armand Arton, Vice-President on Business Development Emil Shahmooradian, as well as a number of representatives of company’s expert group, the Ministry told Armenpress. They arrived in Armenia at the invitation of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) which carries out ‘Support to Migration and Border Management’ EU-funded project in Armenia. Welcoming the guests, the Deputy Minister said Armenia’s government attaches importance to improving the investment environment, the legislative field, promoting investments, mainly, foreign direct investments in the country’s economy, creation of new jobs, strengthening the country’s competitive advantages and the steps ensuring economic development based on this, adding that the development of the abovementioned strategy can become an impetus for attracting investments in Armenia. Hovhannes Azizyan also attached importance to the role and experience of ‘Arton Capital’ company on studying the international experience in that field which can be very useful to develop more effective model for Armenia. At the meeting a number of issues relating to procedures on granting citizenship, their deadlines, selection of more appropriate model for Armenia were discussed.
Patriarchal locum tenens Archbishop Bekchian to arrive in Istanbul on June 1
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Patriarchal locum tenens Archbishop Bekchian to arrive in Istanbul on June 1 YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Patriarchal locum tenens of Istanbul’s Armenian Patriarchate Archbishop Garegin Bekchian – the Primate of Germany’s Armenian Diocesee, will arrive in Istanbul on June 1, Agos daily reports. A special welcoming ceremony will be held, as well as liturgy will be delivered at Kumkapı’s St. Mary church. Bekchian was elected Patriarchal locum tenens in the Spiritual Council of Istanbul’s Armenian Patriarchate on March 15. However, after his election, Archbishop Aram Ateshian refused to leave the post of patriarchal vicar which resulted in certain tension in the patriarchate. On May 24 Ateshian announced his resignation, officially inviting Bekchian to Istanbul.
PM attaches importance to engagement of all Armenians’ potential in reforms
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday PM attaches importance to engagement of all Armenians' potential in reforms YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on May 30 hosted the delegation led by Chairman of the Central Board ofRamgavarAzatakan/ DemocraticLiberal Party Sergio Nahapetian, press service of the Government told Armenpress. The PM attached importance to the party’s activity in strengthening Armenia-Diaspora ties and maintaining Armenian identity in Diaspora. Karen Karapetyan said the Government is interested in engagement of potential of all Armenians in the reforms aimed at boosting investments, improving business environment, and his message addressed to Diaspora-Armenians was directed for that purpose. On behalf of the party Sergio Nahapetian expressed readiness to support implementing the Armenian Government’s programs and reforms, as well as solving vital issues. The sides exchanged views on issues related to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation, preservation of Armenian identity, strengthening ties with Fatherland, development of Armenia and Artsakh.
"Even without investigative mechanism it’s clear who’s breaching ceasefire" – Nalbandian
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday "Even without investigative mechanism it's clear who's breaching ceasefire" - Nalbandian YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia states for the record that a situation is maturing when OSCE – having international mediation mandate, should not only make statements but also actions to restrain Azerbaijan’s unconstructive policy, Armenia’s FM Edward Nalbandian said during a joint press conference with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. “The Co-Chairs pointed out that it was Azerbaijan who breached the ceasefire and opened fire. Azerbaijan was opposing the introduction of investigative mechanisms in order to not allow the Co-Chairs or relevant participants of the mechanism to point out who is violating the ceasefire and who is opening fire. While this was obvious even without a mechanism, and this was shown by the statement which the Co-Chairing countries made”, Nalbandian said. The FM mentioned that this wasn’t the first addressed statement, similar statements were made by the OSCE Minsk Group numerously – urging Azerbaijan not to escalate the situation in the region, reaffirm commitment to the peaceful solution of the conflict and refrain from transferring it to another format. “Yes, statements were made numerously, however Azerbaijan continues to not only ignore, but rather do the very opposite”, he said. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States of America, released a statement on May 18 on the May 15 Azerbaijani missile launch in the line of contact. The statement namely said “According to information collected from multiple reliable sources, on 15 May, Azerbaijaniarmedforces fired a missile across the Line of Contact, striking military equipment”.
Armenian President participates in National Program for Educational Excellence event
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Armenian President participates in National Program for Educational Excellence event YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan participated in the National Program for Educational Excellence event on May 30 in the session hall of Matenadaran, where the previous works of the program were discussed, the launch of creating a school network with the new “Ararat Baccalaureate” educational program was signaled, and the first schools joining the program from both Armenian provinces and Artsakh were presented. The President awarded certificates of appreciation to the best candidate schools that participated in the creation of the network and gained high results in exams. The President’s Office told ARMENPRESS during the event the President greeted the participants and congratulated all teachers and educational institutions which were qualified in the Ararat Baccalaureate. The President delivered opening remarks at the event. The text of Serzh Sargsyan’s speech is available in Armenian.
OSCE Secretary General assures closure of Yerevan Office is not the end of cooperation
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday OSCE Secretary General assures closure of Yerevan Office is not the end of cooperation YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. The closure of OSCE Yerevan Office is only the closure of one chapter and opening of new paths to work together, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Yerevan on May 30, reports Armenpress. “I am here because unfortunately we couldn’t reach consensus on the continuous activity of the Office. I am here to talk to the staff and organize the process of closure. Unfortunately, we have to complete the works with Armenia, however, there are many important topics in the agenda. We need to find different formats for working together and to assure that closure of the Office is the closure of only one chapter. The OSCE will continue assisting Armenia in elections. There are important programs relating to cooperation with the OSCE or other international organizations, and we are going to continue following them. I want to thank the Armenian Government for good cooperation and state that we will continue working on that paths”, the OSCE Secretary General highlighted. Asked about Azerbaijan’s role in the closure of the Yerevan Office and the OSCE’s non-response to that country’s unconstructive behavior, Lamberto Zannier said: “You know that OSCE operates by consensus and it doesn’t blame any country that violated the consensus, that didn’t join the consensus. But, of course, I personally regret that the mission will not continue, and I must say that we need to try to find ways to continue the works done here”.
‘French Days of Medicine’ to be held in Armenia
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday 'French Days of Medicine' to be held in Armenia YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. ‘French Days of Medicine’ will be held in Armenia on July 6-8, French Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Jean-Francois Charpentier told a press conference in Armenpress. “The event has a commercial approach. French healthcare companies will meet with their Armenian partners. The companies will be linked with production of medical equipment, pharmaceutics. Although the event is commercial-oriented, it will not hinder to hold new meetings, establish new contacts, as well as find further cooperation ways during those days”, the Ambassador said. The event is organized by Business France company and the Armenian Healthcare Ministry.
Armenian FM brands Aliyev’s NK settlement statement ‘absurd’
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Armenian FM brands Aliyev's NK settlement statement 'absurd' YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has always been in favor of meetings with Azerbaijan on both foreign ministerial and presidential levels, and if the condition matures and works are done for organization, a meeting will be possible to be held, Armenia’s foreign minister Edward Nalbandian told a joint press conference with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. The Armenian FM reminded that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will visit the region during the next ten days. “If the necessity and proposal happen, perhaps we will also discuss the issue of further meetings. I believe currently we can speak only about a ministerial meeting, in order for relevant work to be carried out for organizing a presidential meeting in the future also”, Naldandian said. Edward Nalbandian also commented on the recent statement of Azerbaijani president, when Aliyev said the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be settled ‘based on the principle of territorial integrity’. “I treat this kind of statements the same way I treat other claims stating that supposedly Azerbaijan is a global multicultural center, which respects all fundamental freedoms, human rights and is a tolerant country, which can serve as an example to other countries and other similar absurd claims”, Nalbandian said. Nalbandian reminded that the international community and the Co-Chairs have numerously said that the issue must be solved based on the three well-known principles, which are one whole: non-use of force or threat of force, self-determination right and territorial integrity, as well as the elements which are in the well-known five statements of the presidents of Co-Chairing countries.
Armenian defense minister meets with President of Cyprus
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Tuesday Armenian defense minister meets with President of Cyprus YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Defense minister Vigen Sargsyan had a meeting on May 30 – the second day of his official visit – with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades. The Cypriot president welcomed that Armenian delegation and expressed conviction that it will boost the enhancing of Armenian-Cypriot cooperation, which is anchored on centuries long friendship. Vigen Sargsyan thanked for the warm reception and briefed President Anastasiades on the details of his talks with Cyprus’ defense minister, and mentioned the directions where the defense ministries of the two countries can cooperate. The Cypriot president appreciated the role of the Armenian community, which has harmoniously integrated itself into the public life of Cyprus, at the same time preserving its culture, language and religious identity. At the request of the Armenian Defense Minister, President Anastasiades presented the latest developments over the Cyprus issue. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict was also discussed during the meeting. Vigen Sargsyan thanked the Cypriot President for the constructive and consistent stance in the Artsakh issue. The sides both agreed that great potential exists for the development of partnership between the two countries, which must be used. On the same day, minister Sargsyan had a meeting with Demetris Syllouris, president of Cyprus’ Parliament. Syllouris welcomed Sargsyan’s delegation and highlighted the visit, mentioning that historical friendly ties must be enriched with practical steps too. Mentioning the 2015 Armenian Constitutional changes referendum, Vigen Sargsyan notified that Armenia is transitioning to a parliamentary administration system, where the role of the Parliament will drastically increase. In this context, according to Sargsyan, cooperation of inter-parliamentary groups are even more highlighted, as well as partnership of parliamentary delegations in international platforms, which will make resisting common political challenges more effective through joint efforts. Issues related to both the Cypriot and Artsakhi conflicts were also discussed. Later on the same day, Vigen Sargsyan also met with Cyprus’ foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides. The Cypriot FM mentioned the ages long friendship of the two peoples as an important prerequisite for deepening the Armenian-Cypriot partnership. Kasoulides also highlighted the Armenian community’s factor, which has fully integrated itself into the social-political life of Cyprus, by preserving its national identity. According to the Cypriot FM, defense minister Sargsyan’s visit can be a powerful signal for deepening the Armenian-Cypriot relations, namely in the defense sector. Ioannis Kasoulides recalled his Armenia visits with warmth. The Armenian defense minister thanked for the warm reception of the Cypriot side and presented the details of his talks. Sargsyan mentioned that modern challenges force to combine powers for effectively resisting them. According to Sargsyan, the formation of new tension hotbeds, is inadmissible and is fraught with unpredictable consequences. In this context, according to the minister, the combination of efforts of countries having common interests is being more emphasized and the development of effective dialogue. The Artsakh and Cyprus conflicts were also discussed. In the Cypriot FM’s belief, it is wrong to draw parallels between these two issues, because unlike Northern Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkey, Artsakh is the historic land of Armenians, they have always lived there, fought for their security and declared independence. Vigen Sargsyan thanked the Cypriot FM for the clear and consistent stance in the NK conflict, and mentioned that it is extremely important for Armenia.