Month: October 2019

Armenian PM, Lithuanian Ambassador discuss cooperation development opportunities

 18:14,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received on October 30 new Ambassador of Lithuania to Armenia Inga Stanytė-Toločkiėnė, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.

Congratulating the diplomat on assuming office, the PM said Armenia and Lithuania have a productive political dialogue which is a good base to give a new impetus to the bilateral economic relations. Pashinyan considered the cooperation in tourism, IT, agriculture spheres as prospective and highlighted the establishment of a direct air communication in the context of developing the investment ties. The PM added that currently there are favorable opportunities in Armenia in this regard. Pashinyan touched upon the Armenia-EU partnership and thanked the Lithuanian Parliament for the ratification of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

In her turn the Lithuanian Ambassador thanked for the reception and stated that it’s an honor for her to work in Armenia in this important period of key changes and bring contribution to the development of the bilateral ties. She said the Armenian government and the Armenian people deserve encouragement from the EU and its member states, and Lithuania is ready to support Armenia’s development agenda, the development of the Armenia-EU relations and share its experience of democratic reforms.

The sides also discussed the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict during the meeting.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Nouneh Sarkissian attends opening of new care centers of SOS Children’s Villages Foundation

 18:40,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Spouse of the Armenian President Nouneh Sarkissian attended the opening of new alternative care services in Kotayk branch of the “SOS Children’s Villages” Armenian Charity Foundation, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The Foundation is a child-centered organization whose mission is to provide family-like care for children in difficult life circumstances. The Foundation’s representatives said more convenient conditions will be provided to their beneficiaries in these new renovated care centers. 

Nouneh Sarkissian thanked all philanthropists, international organizations and individuals who had an investment and participation in the Foundation’s activities.

“This is the largest family in the world I have ever seen. You all are one family in this harmonious environment. This deserves appreciation. I am here just a few minutes and already feel the good and healthy atmosphere around me”, she said.

The President’s wide attached importance to the fact that Foundation manages to carry out its mission at a high level. “I am very happy to be present at this beautiful event. We highly value your job”, Nouneh Sarkissian said, wishing success.

Thereafter, Nouneh Sarkisian toured the new centers and the children’s village, talked to the kids and gifted one of her books to the children village’s library.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenian deputy PM introduces government’s reforms agenda to Fitch Ratings delegation

 18:52,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received the representatives of Fitch Ratings international organization who carry out the process of Armenia’s sovereign rating, the deputy PM’s Office told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guests the deputy PM highlighted the works carried out and to be carried out by the organization, attaching great importance to the analysis and assessment of the situation in various spheres of the country by the leading international companies.

At the request of the guests, the deputy PM introduced the circle of key reforms launched by the government.

Mher Grigoryan also talked about the importance of capital market development, stating that it is one of the issues of the government’s daily agenda.

The meeting participants also touched upon the fiscal policy, as well as the reforms in the state procurement field. They also exchanged views on Armenia’s investment attractiveness, and in this context the deputy PM highlighted the country’s advantages and economic development opportunities.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

OGP principles are in full accordance with government’s priorities, says Armenia’s PM

 19:15,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on October 30 received CEO of Open Government Partnership (OGP) Sanjay Pradhan, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.

The PM welcomed the OGP CEO’s visit to Armenia and attached importance to the OGP-Armenia working group’s meeting held today in Yerevan during which the implementation process of the 4th Action Plan of Armenia was discussed.

“The government of Armenia attaches importance to the membership to the Open Government Partnership initiative the principles of which are in full accordance with our government’s activity priorities, such as accountability, transparency, rule of law and human rights. We are interested in continuing our productive partnership”, Pashinyan said, adding that after the Velvet Revolution Armenia consistently moves on the path of strengthening the democratic institutions, and the Cabinet has already approved the strategies of anti-corruption, judicial reforms.

Sanjay Pradhan in turn said that Armenia plays a key role in the OGP and among the 79 countries of the initiative as a country that recorded an impressive democratic progress. “The Velvet Revolution was a great signal of inspiration and hope given by the Armenian citizens and was reflecting the citizens’ will to make changes in the country. The Open Government can really promote the future success of Armenia’s democracy, and we are ready to assist you in that process”, the OGP CEO said. He expressed satisfaction over the results of today’s meeting and stated that Armenia is exemplary in the implementation of the OGP commitments which is a good base for expanding the framework of commitments in the next action plan. Touching upon the future joint actions Sanjay Pradhan presented proposals regarding the reforms aimed at raising public trust towards the government and expressed readiness to support the judicial, anti-corruption, economic reforms, as well as to promote the active participation of the civil society in this process.

The meeting was also attended by chief of the PM’s staff Eduard Aghajanyan who released details from today’s discussions and stated that Armenia has fulfilled the commitments assumed within the 4th plan of action of the OGP.

Pashinyan thanked the OGP CEO for the assessment and stated that the Armenian government is committed to continue the activity aimed at open, accountable, transparent governance.

The officials also exchanged views on the OGP-Armenia next plan of action.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Deputy PM Grigoryan, Ambassador Wiktorin discuss development prospects of Armenia-EU ties

 19:33,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan received Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the deputy PM’s Office told Armenpress.

Deputy PM Grigoryan thanked the EU delegation for the current constructive cooperation and stated that the EU is one of Armenia’s key partners which constantly supports the country in the implementation of reforms.

The Ambassador praised the results and progress recorded in the Armenia-EU relations.

The sides exchanged views on the Armenia-EU partnership framework, talked about the technical assistance provided to Armenia. They also touched upon the activity directions within the frames of the 2020 annual action plan, as well as the ongoing reforms in judiciary and the Police.

The Armenian deputy PM and the EU Ambassador also discussed the prospects of deepening and developing the bilateral ties.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Artsakh Foreign Ministry welcomes adoption of US House resolution on Armenian Genocide

 19:52,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The foreign ministry of the Republic of Artsakh issued a statement, welcoming the adoption of the resolution by the U.S. House of Representatives on recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the Artsakh MFA told Armenpress.

The statement says:

“We welcome the adoption of H.Res.296 Resolution by the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress on recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 in the Ottoman Empire.

We express our deepest gratitude to members of the U.S. House of Representatives Adam Schiff and Gus Bilirakis for authoring and submitting the resolution, to the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues for its support of the resolution and consistent efforts towards its passing, as well as to all the Congressmen and Congresswomen who voted for the adoption of the resolution.

We convey our congratulations and highest gratitude to the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Assembly of America for their coordinated work with Congressmen, as well as to all those whose consistent efforts led to the adoption of this historic Resolution by the overwhelming majority.

The adoption of the resolution is an important step aimed at thwarting Turkey’s attempts to deny the first Genocide of the 20th century and a significant contribution to the universal struggle for preventing such crimes.

We are convinced that the adoption of the Resolution by the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress on recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 in the Ottoman Empire is not only of moral, but also of practical significance – it will contribute to ensuring peace and stability in our region”.

Senate should recognize the Armenian Genocide now – US Senators

 20:04,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Elizabeth Warren commented on the US House passage of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

“Last night’s overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives—405 to 11—to recognize the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire is long overdue. It’s time for the Senate to do the same. Acknowledging history is the first step towards not repeating it”, Senator Chris Van Hollen representing Maryland said on Twitter.

In her turn Elizabeth Warren representing Massachusetts said on Twitter: “I join the Armenian American community in MA and the rest of the Armenian diaspora in celebrating the House passage of a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. I cosponsored S.Res.150 to recognize this tragedy. The Senate should pass it now”.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Adoption of Armenian Genocide resolution by US House a step towards historical justice – deputy FM

 20:31,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Grigor Hovhannisyan on October 30 received Cheryl Fernandes, US Department of State Director of the Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts and the delegation of the US Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian MFA told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guests, the deputy FM touched upon yesterday’s adoption of the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution by the US House of Representatives, stating that it is a strong step towards historical justice and truth.

At the meeting the participants discussed the results of the recent session of the Armenian-American Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan and the implementation process of the agreements reached. The sides agreed to continue the works on a number of issues of the bilateral agenda aimed at expanding the Armenia-US cooperation.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

KfW to provide 40 million Euro budget support loan to Armenia for environment protection

 21:02,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia, in the person of the finance ministry and the ministry of environment, and the KfW German state-owned development bank are expected to sign a loan agreement according to which 40 million Euro budget support loan will be provided to Armenia for the protection of environment.

The draft decision on approving the agreement is included in the Cabinet’s October 31 session agenda.

Taking some actions and reforms in the field of environment protection is a precondition for receiving the budget support funds.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan