Month: May 2017

Armenia-Turkey Investor Day was held in Yerevan today. The participants learnt about the best practices of creating investment networks, the mechanics of angel investing, as well as about favorable legal conditions in Europe and the U.S.

The meeting was initiated by the Public Journalism Club (PJC) and the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), in cooperation with Angel Labs, the world’s first investor accelerator based in Silicon Valley, conducted the first-ever Armenia-Turkey Investor Day.

The initiative is unique in a sense that it will promote the concept of institutionalization of Angel Investors network in Armenia, support the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connect entrepreneurs with Angel Investors, and encourage the establishment of lasting and profitable relationships between investors and entrepreneurs.

Director of the Angel Labs Tugce Ergul is a Turkish citizen, but lives in San Francisco. On her first visit to Armenia, Ergul said: “My grandmother was Armenian and the participation in this meeting is very pleasant and important to me. I’m not surprised by this warmth, as I have grown up next to Armenians. We’ve initiated an exceptional event and we hope to promote the Armenian-Turkish cooperation,” she told reporters.

She’s confident that such meetings are the only way to shape relations between Armenia and Turkey.  According to her, the sector that has been chosen for possible cooperation – information technologies and startups – is extremely flexible and able to change the world.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia Jean-Francois Charpentier described the meeting as “exceptional.” He said his country welcomes any initiative aimed at establishment of Armenian-Turkish economic ties.

Charpentier said “this is a unique opportunity aimed at supporting the creation of entrepreneurial systems, establish links between Armenian and Turkish investors focusing on trade-economic relations,” the Ambassador said.

Founding Director of the Regional Studies Center Richard Giragosian also believes economic cooperation can help political relations.

“It is the dynamic development of the Armenian IT sector that attracts interest from not only Germany and the United States, but also Turkey. This is a new opportunity, where we are in a stronger position that many countries in terms of attracting new investments  and venture capital to the IT sector,” he said.

“The IT sector of Armenia is a sector of economic growth and potential that crosses closed borders, that doesn’t need roads, rail or transport. The IT is able to surmount closed borders,” Giragosian said.

President Serzh Sargsyan has issued an address on the occasion of Labor Day

Dear Compatriots,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of Labor Day.

On May 1, laborers all over the world traditionally celebrate their holiday and praise honest work. This is truly a holiday of human dignity.

Peaceful work, honest gain, and mutual respect are timeless values which because of the rich traditions formed through the millennia have found their steady place in our reality. These values were passed from generation to generation by our parents and forefathers, and we have to pass them on intact to our children and heirs.

Today, when Armenia is an independent state, we are obligated to revisit these traditions and reinforce them. Diligence, creative and innovative approach to work, solidarity of the different strata of the society constitute the most solid base for our Fatherland’s sustainable development. I am confident that this is the best road towards the implementation in Armenia of fundamental changes and modernization of our economy.

Dear Compatriots,

The working people – you, are the foundation of our country’s prosperity.
I once again congratulate you on this great holiday and wish that your life is full of interesting and productive work, new ideas and enterprising activities which will bring light, warmth, and prosperity to each Armenian family.

Artsakh Defense Ministry reports 35 cases of ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani side on April 35 and the night of May 1.

The rival firearms of different calibers as it fired over 420 shots in the direction of the Armenian positions. The Azeri forces also used an automatic grenade launcher (2 shells) in the southern direction of the line of contact.

The front divisions of the NKR Defense Army keep the situation under control and confidently continue with the protection o military positions all along the line of contact.

Photo: EPA

The Indonesian man who claimed to be 146 years old – the longest living human ever – has died in his village in Central Java, the BBC reports.

According to his papers, Sodimedjo, also known as Mbah Ghoto (grandpa Ghoto), was born in December 1870.

But Indonesia only started recording births in 1900 – and there have been mistakes before.

Yet officials told the BBC his papers were valid, based on documents he provided and interviews with him.

Photo: Sputnik/ Sergey Guneev

Russian sappers from Russian military base in Armenia have started mine-clearing activities, the spokesman of Russia’s Southern Military District told Sputnik on Monday, Sputnik reports.

The sappers from the Russian military base in Armenia have started mine-clearing activities in the military training areas located in the mountainous areas of the Caucasian state, Col. Vadim Astafyev, the spokesman of Russia’s Southern Military District told Sputnik on Monday.

“The activities of the servicemen are conducted in the new Dublon protective suits along with… the [mine-sniffing] dogs and the use of advanced mine detectors… The military sappers would explore some 10 hectares [24 acres] of training areas,” Astafyev said.

He added that about 100 servicemen as well as over 10 pieces of military hardware are involved in the demining activities.

Russia has its 102nd Military Base in the city of Gyumri, located in northern Armenia. In line with bilateral treaties between Moscow and Yerevan, the base in Gyumri will run through 2044. The facility is on alert as part of the CIS Integrated Air Defense System.

Being the winner of Armenian national selection in December 2016, Artsvik will represent Armenia at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest with her song ‘Fly With Me’.

Shortly before the first rehearsal at Kyiv’s International Exhibition Centre Artsvik had no doubts about smooth running of the preparations. “I’m sure the rehearsals are going to be great, because there are a lot of professionals here, so I´m sure I´m in safe hands,” she said.

Artsvik made her way through the world of music and art through hardship and difficult choices. She initially decided to start her career as a speech therapist however later realised it was music that captured her soul. The singer believes that it is crucial to remain true to yourself, be honest with others and pursue the dreams no matter what happens. “Although I started to sing very late, I can say one thing, I know that dreams do come true and I want to encourage everybody to follow their dreams irrespective of age and profession,” said Artsvik.

Regardless of the results, Artsvik is here at Eurovision to share her music and reach new audiences with one key message; love is love. “I think nowadays world needs a lot of love,” said Artivik. The entry will incorporate colourful and mysterious graphics, fireworks as well as two dancers performing on the stage.

When talking to the Armenian participant underlined the importance of 2017 slogan Celebrate diversity that she finds very meaningful and important; “It really shows how so many different countries are united in one place by music”. Artsvik was so inspired by the slogan that even came up with her own idea of creating a Celebrate Diversity Challenge where she challenged other participants to sing traditional songs.

“I’m challenging other participants from other countries by singing folk songs from their countries and in response they sing something traditional from Armenia”, explained Artsvik. The challenge has already been accepted and undertaken by five countries.

Armenia’s second rehearsal will take place on 4th May. Artsvik will participate in the First Semi-Final on Tuesday 9th May.