Month: September 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Turkey’s factor in Karabakh process can be neutralized only through active involvement of Russia

Emil Lazarian
Panorama Armenia
Sept 18 2020

"Turkey's factor in Karabakh process can be neutralized only through active involvement of Russia," Armenia's former president Robert Kocharyan said Friday at a meeting with political experts. "Russia is the only country that can effectively do that and it currently enters into a phase of increasing its leverage. Russia has proved on numerous occasions that no policy can be imposed through sanctions," Kocharyan added.

Speaking of the prospects for Karabakh settlement through negotiations, Kocharyan said that the talks would likely continue, however they may not be that fruitful as desired.

"There are number of sensitive issues what regards to substantive talks. No side will refuse to participate in the negotiations. They would sit at the table but I do not see any possibility to come to an agreement," Kocharyan said, pointed also to the lack of mechanisms to impose pressure on the sides.

"The format of the talks itself does not imply any possibility to exert pressure on the sides. The mandate of the OSCE Minsk Groups implies working with parties and persuade them for a final solution but to not impose ready solutions."

Reflecting on Turkey's activation in the region, Kocharyan said the matter is not only about Karabakh but comes as an issue of regional security. In the words of the former president, with all its actions, Turkey attempts to counterbalance Russia in the region.

"In case of a future border incident, Russia will need to talk not only with Aliyev but also Erdogan. That is now what is done by Turkey today in agreement with Azerbaijan. Next will come Turkey's more active involvement in the negotiations. Turkey may become a factor to consider," Kocharyan said, pointing to the case of Syria, where in his words, no solution will come without without Turkey.

To prevent the scenario in our region, the former president suggests active resistance and action from Armenian authorities which he does not see.


Bright Armenia head: Authorities doing everything “to shut people’s mouths”

Samvel Nahapetian
Aysor, Armenia
Sept 18 2020

Many intellectuals say they do not want to say anything because are being attacked immediately by authorities, head of the opposition Bright Armenia faction Edmon Marukyan said at a briefing today.

In his words the authorities are doing everything to “shut people's mouths”.

“But these mouths will not be shut, the questions will not end,” he said.

Marukyan stressed that the current authorities are the only ones elected by people who do not admit their mistakes.

“They even did not admit that the attack on me was a mistake. They find any reason to respond,” Marukyan said.

Marukyan stressed that with their current behavior the authorities during the time will become non-legitimate.


Marukyan: Bright Armenia has own agenda, does not see prerequisites for demanding government’s resignation yet

Emil Lazarian
Aysor, Armenia
Sept 18 2020

Bright Armenia has its agenda, head of the party’s parliamentary faction Edmon Marukyan said at a briefing today, asked about the possibility of joining the ARF-D, PAP and Homeland trio to demand Government’s resignation.

“The day we decide to demand PM’s resignation, we will not do it in the air, we will organize impeachment procedure in the parliament. We are parliamentary force,” Marukyan said.

He added that if he demands resignation, they must declare resignation. “Consequently I do not do it, which means there are no prerequisites for it yet,” he said.


Today marks the 112th birthday of Victor Ambartsumian

Manouk Vasilian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 18 2020
Education 19:19 18/09/2020Armenia

Astronomy Day is annually celebrated in Armenia on September 18. This observance was established by the government of Armenia to commemorate birthday of Victor Ambartsumian, an outstanding Armenian scientist, founder of theoretical astrophysics and national hero in Armenia Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory reports.

Victor Ambartsumian was born on September 18, 1908. He obtained a diploma in physics and mathematics and continued studies at Pulkovo Observatory, the principal astronomical observatory of the Russian Academy of Science. In 1926 he published his first scientific article. He became a prominent person in physics in 1929, when he published a demonstration, proving that atomic nuclei couldn't be made from protons and electrons.

Much of his research was dedicated to the evolution of galaxies. One of his groundbreaking works was a lecture concerning the explosion of nuclei of the galaxies, the source said.

Clothing and shoe traders protest outside Armenian government

Maral Takmazian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 18 2020

A group of entrepreneurs engaged in clothing and footwear trade staged a protest in front of the Armenian government building on Friday, complaining about the government’s new customs clearance pricing policy.

Under the new customs rules, importers have to pay customs clearance fees for each item separately, with the total amount depending on the value of the product itself. Whereas previously they customs cleared the imported goods according to their weight.

The traders stress according to the new rules the customs fees will spike, leading to a significant increase in prices for clothing and footwear in the domestic market. 

The businesses owners have been protesting against the new regulations for several times already, but, as they claim, the authorities refuse to meet their demand to allow them to work under the previous rules for at least one year.

One of the protesters disagreed with the authorities’ claims that the move is aimed at boosting domestic production, arguing all the materials for making clothing and footwear are imported from abroad.

Another protesting trader deplored Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s policies, urging him to stand up for people and protect their interests instead of introducing rules which would make it harder for them to survive.

“Once the borders reopen, 80 percent of the people in Armenia will leave the country. Instead of supporting people, he [the premier] is hitting them in the pocket. They would not listen to us, as it’s not in their interests,” the protester said.

Another entrepreneur added that he cannot pay off his loans in Armenian banks or his debts in Turkey now.

Denouncing the government’s decision to increase the customs fees amid the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic, he added the move would have been somehow justified if people's salaries and pensions had risen twofold. 


San Francisco Armenian church leaders suspect arson in fire that damaged Sunday school classrooms, offices

Ani Basmajian
ABC7- San Francisco
Sept 17 2020
By J.R. Stone and Adam Goldstein
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — An arson investigation is underway at an Armenian church in San Francisco Thursday.

The leaders of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church posted on Facebook that the building adjacent to the main church in Laurel Heights was set ablaze by arsonists at around 4 a.m.

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"I can't feel safe right now because of what I've seen I mean I was in tears when I came this morning it's awful. Everything my desk is gone!" said Seta Tchakerian who has worked inside the building for 15 years. Pictures of her late husband were lost in the fire.

"The building housed Vasbouragan Hall, as well as offices for St. Gregory Armenian Church and various organizations," the church board of trustees said in a statement. "The San Francisco Fire Department responded immediately, however, the building has suffered a great loss."

Armenian community leaders say the fire was set in three separate locations in the building: Sunday School classrooms, the church office and in the Hamazkayin Library.

This follows an attack on the Krouzian-Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian School and the adjacent community center in July.

"We think that there are people that don't like the Armenians and somehow through their hate this is the way they take their revenge," says church chairman Rostom Aintablian. Aintablian went on to say that the church is offering a 25-thousand dollar reward to anyone with information that will help catch and convict a person who may have been involved in starting the fire.

"There is no room for this cowardly, hateful, criminal act in San Francisco," said San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin on Twitter. "We stand with the Armenian community against hate."

The church has set up a GoFundMe page to assist in the recovery efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story on ABC7 News at 11 p.m.


Warsaw Stock Exchange intends to acquire 65% of Armenia Securities Exchange

David Nargizian
ArmBanks, Armenia
Sept 18 2020

18.09.2020 18:18

YEREVAN, September 18. /ARKA/. The  Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) Management Board and the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) signed today  a term sheet concerning negotiations to purchase 65% majority interest in the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) by GPW, the regulator reported.

It said the agreement is not binding. The final terms of the acquisition will depend among others on results of due diligence and necessary corporate approvals.

“The relations established between GPW and the Central Bank of Armenia spell good news for both parties of the agreement. Many sectors of Armenia’s economy are looking for quality investments so the country has a huge growth potential. Investments are a driver of economic growth, especially in the emerging markets. In my opinion, GPW’s acquisition of AMX would put the Armenian capital market on fast track to growth while the Warsaw Stock Exchange could make satisfying returns on the investment. It is relevant, as well, that Poland is promoting emerging markets. This is a good direction,” said Jacek Sasin, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets.

The term sheet signed by GPW and CBA defines the framework conditions of further negotiations aiming at a potential investment agreement. In the next step, GPW will carry out a due diligence, draft a five-year development plan for the Armenia Securities Exchange in partnership with CBA and AMX, and define the final terms of the investment agreement, which may be different from the framework conditions.

“GPW is a stable and steadily growing company at the heart of Poland’s capital market and the leader of the CEE stock exchange industry. I am certain that the extensive experience and competences gained by the Warsaw Stock Exchange in the last 30 years will ensure a close and fruitful relationship with Armenia’s financial market,” said Dominik Kaczmarski, Head of Analysis and Reporting Department at Poland’s Ministry of State Assets, President of the Warsaw Stock Exchange Supervisory Board.

As a part of its analyses preceding the execution of the term sheet, GPW has defined a list of more than a dozen potential strategic projects geared at long-term development of the Armenia Securities Exchange. The key areas of development include the implementation of innovative solutions based on state-of-the-art technology, the organisation of trade in commodities, support for dual listing of GPW and AMX issuers, and the provision of a modern trading platform.

“We can see many areas where we could advance the development of Armenia’s capital market. The primary areas include digitisation and process automation, which are now the key pillars of stock exchanges in developed economies. Potential acquisition of AMX would help us expand our services and step up the implementation of the strategy #GPW2022. On the other hand, it would open the GPW Group’s know-how to the Armenia Securities Exchange,” pointed out Marek Dietl, President of the GPW Management Board.

The AMX Group’s consolidated revenue stood at PLN 6.4 million (USD 1.71 million), EBITDA at PLN 2.0 million (USD 0.53 million), and net profit at PLN 1.3 million (USD 0.35 million) in 2019. The AMX Group’s total assets stood at PLN 6.5 million (USD 1.73 million) as at 31 December 2019. The preliminary non-binding estimated valuation of 100% of AMX equity is equal to the company’s book value as at 30 June 2020, i.e., approx. PLN 5.8 million (USD 1.6 million). The potential purchase price of interest in AMX to be paid by GPW will be confirmed after the completion of the due diligence.

“We are glad to have reached an agreement on the base framework of our future cooperation with the Warsaw Stock Exchange. This mutually beneficial deal is of a long-term strategic importance to both sides and we are also glad to state that we see the WSE as the partner sharing our vision for future development of capital markets. WSE leadership in this venture provides an opportunity for bringing their experience and know-how and transform AMX into a robust, innovative and convenient platform, serving as gateway for investors to new markets. This will also lead to fulfilling our joint aspirations for regional expansion,” said Martin Galstyan, the Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia.

The core business of the AMX Group is to organise trade in financial instruments and to operate a clearing house and a settlement institution for transactions in financial instruments in Armenia. The company has its seat in the Armenian capital city Yerevan. The Central Bank of Armenia holds 85% of AMX. The remaining 15% are AMX’s treasury shares. Under the memorandum, CBA will raise its stake to 90% and GPW will subsequently buy 65% of AMX from CBA. After the deal, CBA will hold 25% of AMX and the remaining 10% will be acquired by a third party to be named by GPW. -0-

Ancient silver denarius of Rome’s Octavian offered at auction

Liana Toganian
Coin World
Sept 18 2020

A circa 19 to 18 B.C. silver denarius of Octavian as Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, celebrates efforts to secure Armenia for the empire.

A silver denarius of Rome’s first emperor is offered in Numismatica Ars Classica’s Oct. 6 and 7 auction.

The coin was issued circa 19 to 18 B.C., during the reign of Octavian (Augustus), at Pergamum, the Greek city in Mysia in what is modern day Turkey.

The obverse depicts Augustus and the reverse shows a tiara and bow cases with quiver, and the legends ARMENIA / CAPTA, a reference to the successful effort to claim Armenia for the Romans.

According to the auction house, “Ever since 53 B.C., when the Parthians massacred the legions of Crassus near Carrhae, Romans had a keen awareness of their ancient enemy in the East, and of the territories that separated their two worlds.

“Armenia was the most important of these buffer states, and throughout the confrontational history of Rome with the Parthians or Sasanians, it was an important land to control,” the firm said. “Typically, this did not mean large garrisons and full occupation, but control through a sympathetic ruler.”

Octavian gained control of the Roman East after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 B.C., and then began preparing to secure Armenia, and to recover from Parthia the military standards that had been lost by Crassus in 53, Decidus Saxa in 40 and Antony in 36.

His chance arrived in 20, amid civil unrest in Armenia when an embassy beseeched Augustus to replace their current king, Artaxias, with his brother Tigranes.

Augustus entrusted his eldest stepson, Tiberius, to raise an army and lead it and Tigranes to Armenia, and to install him as the new king.

“Tiberius achieved this without much difficulty — a remarkable task for a 21-year-old; but then, we must remember what his step-father had achieved while he was younger still,” the firm remarks.

The Parthian king Phraates, awed by the convincing actions of Augustus, accepted the appointment of the new Armenian king and handed over all of the captured Roman standards in a bloodless victory and a diplomatic coup.

The coin is in Extremely Fine condition, according to the firm, and has a pre-sale estimate of 8,000 Swiss francs ($8,792 U.S.).

Entertainment: 911: Lady Gaga’s new video inspired by Armenian filmmaker Parajanov’s Color of Pomegranates

Ani Tigranian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 18 2020
911: Lady Gaga’s new video inspired by Armenian filmmaker Parajanov’s Color of Pomegranates

Lady Gaga has based her new video for Chromatica single “911” largely on Armenian filmmaker Sergei Parajanov’s classic 1969 art film The Color of Pomegranates.

When Gaga is first introduced she’s surrounded by actual pomegranates. The poster of the film briefly appears in the video. The word “caution” in Armenian (զգուշություն) can be seen throughout the short film.


Video at

More than 1 billion drams in relief to be provided to 64 IT companies in Armenia

Ara Felekian

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 15:46,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. 64 IT companies based in Armenia in the areas of artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, communications, radio electronics and others have been approved by the Ministry of High Tech Industry for the first and second programs of the government’s coronavirus relief package designed for tech companies .

More than 1 billion drams in total will be provided to these companies, Deputy Minister Victoria Poghosyan said.

The program’s phase three is currently underway, envisaging up to 30 million drams in aid to companies that will attract documented and confirmed investments.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan