Month: February 2021

JTI has been recognized as the Top Employer in Armenia

Lara Chatinian
Banks.am, Armenia
Jan 27 2021
27.01.2021 | 12:20 

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) has become the Top Employer of 2021 in Armenia. The company has been awarded in Armenia, as well as in Europe and has fallen globally among 16 companies that have received this recognition.

The Top Employer Certificate is awarded to the companies, which offer outstanding working conditions to their employees and make employees a top priority. JTI globally has gained this status for the seventh consecutive time since 2014.

To gain the Top Employer’s certificate, a company must meet the highest standards set by the independent HR certification company Top Employer (the Best Employer) Institute and evaluated through a comprehensive study.

More than 1600 companies in 119 countries have gained Certificate of the Top Employers Institute and the status of Best Employer worldwide, but only 16 out of these have been recognized globally.

“For us, the recognition as the top employer is not an end in itself. This is the proof that we are on the right track, providing safe and flexible environment for all our employees, who are focused on continuous improvement and innovation. The consecutive seventh recognition represents a clear message to our future employees as well: we do care about our people and provide them with a unique opportunity to make their careers in the best environment”, said
Konstantin Fedorov, General Director of JTI Belarus and the Caucasus.

The Equal Family Leave Policy has been especially recognized by the Top Employers Institute, under which from January 1 2021, any employee of the company, regardless of gender, can enjoy a 20-week paid holiday when having a child.

Aliya Aldasheva, People and Culture Director, of  JTI Belarus and  Caucasus, noted:

“Despite the recognition, in 2021 we are going to continue introducing innovative approaches and will focus on:

-    The principles of gender equality in order to increase the representation of women at all levels and achieve gender parity.

-    EmbRACE: promote an inclusive culture in the organization and provide equal opportunities for all ethnic groups.

-    Introduction of new ways of working: improve remote work opportunities regardless of physical location, encourage the introduction of new styles of interaction and create a global environment where the main focus is on people and their well-being”.

Results of Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh cannot create ground for lasting peace – Armenian FM

Arpi Talalian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 27 2021

The region is now facing serious challenges created by Azerbaijan’s dangerous attempt to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict by force, Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian said at a meeting with Iran’s visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

“Armenia does not consider that the results of Azerbaijan’s aggression and use of force against Artsakh can create grounds for lasting peace or serve as an opportunity for regional cooperation,” the Foreign Minister noted.

Minister Aivazian noted that the Armenian-Iranian agenda is indeed quite comprehensive, based on the centuries-old friendship that unites our two peoples.

This friendship between our two peoples is the best example of intercultural dialogue, an example of living side by side with different religions and civilizations, based on mutual trust and respect. That is the cornerstone for achieving peace and stability in the region, the Foreign Minister noted.

Garo Paylan demands clarifications regarding demolition of Armenian church in Turkey

Mike Maghakian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 27 2021  

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Diyarbakır MP Garo Paylan has submitted a Parliamentary question regarding the demolition of the Surp Toros Church despite being designated as an “Immovable Requiring Protection” by the Kutahya Regional Board of Cultural Heritage Protection, Bianet reports.

The historical Armenian church in Turkey’s western province of Kutaya was demolished after it came into the possession of a person.

In the Parliamentary question to the Speaker’s Office to be addressed to Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, HDP MP Paylan briefly said “dating back to 1603, the church had an important place in the city’s memory. The church was considered to be an important site of memory as it was the church where musicologist Gomidas was baptized.”

“The church was lastly used as a wedding hall and a movie hall; the authorities remained indifferent to the Armenian community’s calls for its restoration or, at least, its use as a cultural center,” Paylan said.

Paylan also referred to the remarks of Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said, “We did not, do not and will not interfere with the belief, worship or the sacred of anyone.”

Paylan noted that “this demolition, despite Erdogan’s remarks, has deeply saddened and hurt all Christians, especially the Armenian citizens.”

Accordingly, Paylan asked the Minister the following questions:

  • How was the Kutahya Surp Toros Armenian Church demolished despite the protection order?
  • Has an investigation been launched against the person who demolished the church?
  • Has an investigation been launched against the public officials who made way for the demolition of the church under protection?
  • Why do you remain silent to the destruction of Armenians’ cultural heritage?
  • Will you take any action to ensure that the church will be rebuilt to its original?

After the Surp Toros Church in Turkey’s Aegean province of Kutahya passed into the ownership of a person, it was completely destroyed. There is now a flat ground in the place of the historical church.

Tigran Mansurian celebrates 82nd birthday

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 27 2021    

– Public Radio of Armenia

Compose Tigran Mansurian is celebrating the 82nd birthday today.

Born in Lebanon in 1939, Tigran Mansurian moved with his family back to ancestral Armenia in 1947 and studied at the Yerevan Conservatory, of which he would later become director.

Mansurian’s compositions are an interesting mixture of Armenian art music and folk traditions, with bright, expressive melodies and exquisite, impressionistic tone color. His works may be grouped into five categories:

Mansurian is recognized as one of the forerunners of contemporary music in the former USSR, being the first to introduce modern composition techniques in Armenia.

His compositions have been performed to great acclaim in London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Moscow, Warsaw, Zagreb, New York, Los Angeles, and other musical capitals of the world.

Mansurian’s works can be grouped into five categories: instrumental chamber music (concertos, sonatas, etc., for piano, strings, and horns), vocal music (both choral and solo), symphonic music (for both full-scale orchestras and chamber orchestras), program music (for motion pictures and stage plays), and ballet.

Iran ready to support Armenia’s humanitarian efforts: Pashinyan, Zarif discuss post-war situation in the region

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 27 2021  

Siranush Ghazanchyan Send an email January 27, 2021, 17:26
2 minutes read

The stability, peace and sustainable development of the region are in our common interests, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a meeting with Iran’s visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

“Of course, the relations between our countries are based on traditional friendship. We are always happy to receive Iranian representatives in our country and in our government,” the Prime Minister said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, in turn, said “Armenia is a good neighbor of the Islamic Republi cof Iran and the relations between the two countries are very warm.

“You are highly respected in Iran for the courage you showed by taking that step towards peace,” Zarif said.

“We share common regional concerns with you. From the very first day of that conflict, we have always been in touch with you and other countries in the region, we want to maintain that connection, having prospects for cooperation. We have opportunities to cooperate both bilaterally and multilaterally, it would be good to have discussions on these issues,” Iran’s Foreign Minister added.

“You know the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the crisis. It is about the observance of international law, protection of peoples, protection of minorities, as well as territorial integrity and non-use of force. Of course, you are aware of the assertion of our caring leader, which is to protect the security of the Armenians, as well as to ensure their dignified life. You also know that we host our Armenian compatriots in Iran, we are always ready to serve them, we have very good and warm relations with them,” Zarif stated.

The Prime Minister of Armenia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran exchanged views on the situation in the region after the Artsakh war. The sides attached importance to ensuring regional stability and constructive cooperation in this direction.

Nikol Pashinyan stressed that due to the regional situation, there are both challenges and opportunities, and only through joint constructive efforts, appropriate environment will it be possible to establish stability and lasting peace in the region.

The Prime Minister noted that many issues remain unresolved, including the status of Nagorno Karabakh, and that Armenia is ready to continue negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship format.

The interlocutors exchanged views on humanitarian issues, as well. Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed that the return of prisoners of war remains a top priority, and the Armenian side understands that the 8th point of the November 10 statement must be fulfilled without preconditions. Mr. Zarif noted that Iran understands Armenia’s concerns and is ready to support humanitarian efforts.

Nikol Pashinyan and Mohammad Javad Zarif also touched upon the agenda of bilateral relations and the prospects for the development of economic cooperation. The interlocutors attached importancr to the unblocking and re-opening of the transport and economic communication routes in the region, which will contribute to the utilization of the existing economic potential. Issues related to both current and potential projects were discussed. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue the mutually beneficial cooperation.

Armenian, Russian FMs discuss repatriation of POWs

Garnik Zakarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 27 2021  

On January 27, Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In a follow-up to previous contacts, the Ministers touched upon the bilateral agenda, regional stability and security issues. They exchanged views on the process of full implementation of the provisions of the November 9 and subsequent January 11 trilateral statements.

In the context of the humanitarian issues enshrined in the statement, Minister Aivazian stressed the priority of immediate, safe repatriation of prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees.

Minister Aivazian stressed that only lasting peace, which addresses the interests of all, can create real guarantees for the promotion of security, stability and development in the region.

Ministers Aivazian and Lavrov exchanged views on a number of issues on the international agenda.

Montreal: Vanier College says it is reviewing professor’s comments [to an Armenian student] after viral video

Emil Lazarian
CTV News, Quebec, Canada
Jan 27 2021  
Vanier College says it is reviewing professor's comments after viral video

Adam Kovac CTV News Montreal Digital Reporter

Published Tuesday, January 26, 2021 10:08PM EST Last Updated Wednesday, January 27, 2021 11:51AM EST

Vanier College administration has promised to act swiftly after a viral video showed a professor hectoring a student over their last name.

MONTREAL — Vanier College is looking into the behaviour of one of its teachers after video of an online class was posted on social media.

In a video posted to an Instagram account called The Armenian Report, a professor identified as Afshin Matlabi can be heard repeatedly hectoring a student over his name, questioning why his mother's family name was first in the student's hyphenated last name.

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“How come your dad didn't put their name first and your mom put her name first?” Matlabi says to the student.

“I'm telling you your problem,” Matlabi continues.

It is not clear whether the students in the class knew the video was being recorded or whether the student at the centre of the video consented to it being posted on Instagram.

In the post, the account owner accused Matlabi of prejudice against Armenians.

"Many in the Armenian community at Vanier and the broader Montreal Armenian community have demanded the professor be terminated for embarrassing the student with armenophobic behaviour," they wrote.

According to the Vanier website, Matlabi is a teacher in the Communications, Media and Studio Arts program and a visual artist.

Vanier director of communications Monica Bhattacharya said a formal investigation into the teacher's conduct has been opened.

The administration will meet with the teacher, student and union, and also the other students in the class to get a clear understanding of the context in which the comments were made.

"We have a duty of care to the student, but we also have a duty to the teacher as well," said Bhattacharya.

The school was contacted by the student in question's father who asked the school how to lodge a formal complaint, but, to date, no formal complaint has been filed.

The teacher's classes have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Vanier is currently looking for a substitute teacher.  

Two students have reached out to CTV News saying the video and accusations of racism are out of context.

"I don't really get why this is a big issue. Why has this video gone viral? It doesn't show the whole context. We discussed several things, and this is just a small snippet of what the whole class is about," said Najum Avur Mammu, who was in the class of about 30 students.

"I saw the whole story and it's completely out of context, the video that they took and posted online," said another student, who did not want their name used as they have been harassed online for defending the teacher.

The student said the teacher has a very strong presence, and if people could see the entire class, it would be clear there was no ill intention on his part.

"This could have been anyone who had two last names," the student said.

"He never asked the guy what his religion was, he never asked him where his parents or from. He didn't ask any of those questions at all."

"He said 'Don't you think it's going to cause problems when you have kids and they have your two last names plus your wife's last names? Then your kids are going to have six last names and then nine,'" said the student.

The two students added that they are upset about losing class time while the investigation is ongoing.

"It's a little bit disappointing," said Mammu.

"The teacher's job is to educate us, to make us talk, to share ideas, and we're at school to learn, to gain more knowledge and to share our ideas," he said, adding that the best way to deal with a situation like this is to speak to the teacher or dean rather than taking it to social media.

Mammu is a Muslim Sri Lankan and has never felt any discomfort in Matlabi's class.  

In a statement posted to social media, the college told students it takes allegations of racism very seriously.

“We have mechanisms in place to address such situations and the College is addressing this issue immediately. Vanier is a diverse community of learners and prides itself on trying to create a learning environment free of racism, discrimination and hate.” 

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/vanier-college-says-it-is-reviewing-professor-s-comments-after-viral-video-1.5283676

Valadao to serve as co-chair of Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues

Zhanna Nahapetian
Hartford Sentinel
Jan 26 2021
  • Contributed Report
  • Jan 26, 2021
  • Jan 26, 2021
| News | hanfordsentinel.com

WASHINGTON — Tuesday, Congressman David G. Valadao was named a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

“Armenia is a nation so many of my constituents know and love,” said Congressman Valadao. “During my time in Congress, I introduced several resolutions formally recognizing the Ottoman Empire's deportation and extermination of over two million Armenian people and, after years of Armenian-American advocacy for this cause, the House and the Senate finally passed H.Res. 29, Affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. However, my fight on behalf of my Armenian-American constituents must continue. Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh recently faced attacks from Azerbaijani forces in violation of their decade-old ceasefire agreement. This kind of aggression is unacceptable and must end immediately. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress on this issue and other issues of importance to the Armenian-American community as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. We must continue to advocate for the Armenian people and encourage the new Administration to maintain and strengthen relationships between the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh.”

“The ANCA welcomes Congressman Valadao’s leadership on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,” remarked Armenian National Committee of America Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “The fact the Congressman Valadao was named to the powerful House Committee on Appropriations earlier this month – which controls all federal spending – will make him an even more important ally for the U.S. humanitarian aid package we are seeking to secure for the heroic people of Artsakh,” the ANCA Chairman added.

Congressman Valadao joins co-chairs Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and Vice-Chair Adam Schiff.

Seasonal flu vaccine catches on in Armenia – mostly amongst medical workers

Tambiyan Samvel
JAM News
Jan 27 2021
    Sona Martirosyan, Yerevan

It is already the 11th year that seasonal vaccination against influenza has been carried out in Armenia. Prior to that, the country did not have a national influenza strategy. Residents themselves have largely not been interested and even avoided vaccination.

But in 2020, even before the start of the active phase of seasonal influenza, half of the entire batch of vaccines imported for the year had already been used up in the country.

  • Armenia extends quarantine measures for 6 months, vaccination to begin in Feb
  • Armenia: disinformation spreading faster than the epidemic
  • During and after the war: where and how did Karabakh schoolchildren study

Sveta Nersisyan, 58, is hurrying to the clinic for vaccinations early in the morning. At 9:30 am, although the day has just begun, there are already more than 20 people in the vaccination queue. But Sveta does not care that she will have to wait in line for a couple of hours. For the third year now, on her own initiative, she has been vaccinated against seasonal flu. She says that during this time she has never been infected:

“In October last year, I fell ill with coronavirus, but, unlike my peers, I suffered the disease with almost no symptoms. I think this was also facilitated by the fact that I was vaccinated against seasonal flu, my body was not weakened by viruses. This year, unfortunately, I came very late for vaccination, because in the fall the Karabakh war swept everything into the background.”

The grandmother of three grandchildren usually does not come for vaccination alone; she comes with them. But now one of the kids has a cold, and it is impossible to vaccinate in such a state. But Sveta assures that as soon as he recovers, the grandchildren will also receive the vaccine. She complains that her husband does not agree to come with her in any way, although he is at risk.

Vaccine availability

Since Armenia does not produce vaccines, their availability has always been a problem for the country. Years ago, seasonal flu vaccines were imported haphazardly and in extremely limited quantities, only those at risk were vaccinated.

This includes doctors themselves and the police. So, in 2010, only health workers received vaccines against seasonal flu.

The car with a mask parked in the center of Yerevan

Expert opinion

According to Svetlana Stefanet, UNICEF Regional Immunization Specialist for Europe and Central Asia, different factors affect vaccination rates:

“These include inadequate funding for immunization programs due to competing priorities, difficulties in accessing vaccines at an affordable price, which delays procurement as countries rely on domestic financial resources. Another problem is weak evidence-based planning: one in three countries in the region does not have or does not update comprehensive multi-year immunization plans.

Difficulties also arise in introducing new vaccines and maintaining effective vaccine management. Data quality is also an issue in some countries in the region, including the lack of electronic information systems.”

She notes that there is uncertainty and low demand for immunization in many countries due to misinformation and anti-vaccination movements that are particularly active on social media.

In one of the Yerevan hospitals serving coronavirus patients

About vaccination

More babies are brought to polyclinics for vaccinations and patients over 55 years old come. Many of the adults are returning for a second or third time, because they have already become convinced of the effectiveness of vaccination.

Gayane Sahakyan, Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, says that most of those who want to get vaccinated are among health workers:

“About 60% return to us. We consider this a very important indicator, because not only their health depends on it, but the level of confidence in immunization among the population increases. Polls show that 96-98% of people make decisions about vaccinations based on the opinion of health workers”, she says.

According to the Ministry of Health, the guaranteed amount of vaccines for the 2020-2021 season was 210,000 doses. Given the growing incidence of coronavirus, it was decided to import another 50,000 doses. And by the end of September they were already in Armenia.

“As a rule, vaccinations start in November, but seasonal flu intensifies in late January – early February. Usually, the majority of vaccinations are given during this period. For example, last year, at the end of January, a death from seasonal flu was recorded, which was actively covered in the press.

After this incident, Armenia very quickly ran out of all supplies of the seasonal flu vaccine. This year, there is an increase in applications among citizens. The flu season is not yet active, but half of the vaccines have already been used. This was also influenced by the spread of the coronavirus,” says Gayane Sahakyan.

Vaccines are purchased based on the number of those at risk. Several years ago, vaccines were imported to Armenia on the basis of 5% of those in risk groups, given the readiness of people to receive them, then this year the imported doses will be enough for 50% of those included in these groups.

Transport control during coronavirus infection

What about the Coronavirus vaccine?

There is no vaccination against coronavirus in Armenia yet. The country has received a small batch of Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine as a gift.

Armenian Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan (recently transferred to another job) became the first volunteer to receive the vaccine. After that, they received many calls from residents interested in the vaccine, according to the ministry.

“Of course, there is interest, but there are also fears. They are more common on social media. We follow the negative publications regarding immunization and notice that they are mainly not the result of a principled position, but unfounded alarms, which, unfortunately, have an impact on the overall picture,” says Gayane Sahakyan.

The Ministry of Health of Armenia is negotiating the purchase of vaccines, in particular, Sputnik V and AstraZeneca. At the first stage, the Ministry of Health intends to vaccinate 10% of the population.

Proponent of dual protection against infections