21:26, 1 June 2022
YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Hayk Sargsyan, the nephew of the third president Serzh Sargsyan, is under remand, ARMENPRESS reports his lawyer Amram Makinyan wrote on his Facebook page.
Hayk Sargsyan is charged with mass disruptions of public order after the clashes near the third government building. He had been arrested earlier.
Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a phone conversation with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
The sides discussed the prospects of establishing bilateral and multilateral agenda of cooperation and development of relations between Armenia and Saudi Arabia.
The importance of promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries and implementing investment programs was highlighted.
Minister Mirzoyan informed his interlocutor that Armenia supports Saudi Arabia’s application to hold “World Expo 2030” in Riyadh.
Vahagn Khachaturyan congratulates Nikol Pashinyan on birthday
21:48, 1 June 2022
YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and congratulated him on birthday.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the President’s Office, Vahagn Khachaturyan wished Nikol Pashinyan good health, well-being and success.
Creative Armenia has announced the 2022 Creative Armenia Week, a week-long virtual summit that will take place from June 27 to July 1. The panel discussions will feature musician Tigran Hamasyan, artist Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, film producer Howard Kazanjian, curator Eva Khachatryan, scientist Dr. Garik Israelian, and many other artists and leaders who are shaping today’s creative landscape. These brilliant creative minds will meet every day of the week to explore the most thought-provoking ideas across the arts, sciences, and creative industries.
“We are delighted to bring iconic artists and brightest minds together for dynamic and in-depth discussions on the state and future of Armenian art,” said Anush Ter-Khachatryan, Director of Programs at Creative Armenia. “And we invite everyone to join our week-long virtual summit for insight and inspiration.”
The lineup includes:
Monday, June 27 at 9pm EVN Time / 10am PST
Tigran x Tigran, a virtual panel discussion featuring prodigies of music and visual arts Tigran Hamasyan and Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, moderated by Garin Hovannisian, Founder of Creative Armenia.
Tuesday, June 28 at 9pm EVN Time / 10am PST
Curious Curators, a virtual panel discussion with the curators leading the uprising in the contemporary art scene in Armenia featuring Armen Yesayants, Eva Khachatryan, and Vigen Galstyan, moderated by Anna Gargarian.
Wednesday, June 29 at 9pm EVN Time / 10am PST
A Producer’s Life, a virtual conversation with legendary Hollywood producer Howard Kazanjian, who was on the forefront of production of The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi, and many other classics, moderated by Alec Mouhibian, VP of Creative Armenia.
Thursday, June 30 at 9pm EVN Time / 10am PST
The Art of Science, a virtual discussion on the state of art and science with iconic astrophysicist and founder of STARMUS Festival Dr. Garik Israelian, media artist and landscape architect Dr. Aroussiak Gabrielian, and digital artist Espen W. Kluge, moderated by Anush Ter-Khachatryan, Director of Programs of Creative Armenia.
Friday, July 1 at 4pm EVN Time
Artbox: A Celebration, a livestreamed event introducing the 29 projects and wrapping up the successful completion of the first edition of Artbox, a signature creative incubator developed by Creative Armenia and launched in partnership with the European Union in Armenia and GIZ’s EU4Business Innovative Tourism for Armenia (ITTD) project.
Creative Armenia is an arts foundation for the Armenian people, with a global mandate to discover, develop, produce, and promote innovative talent. To learn more about our programs and meet the hundreds of cutting-edge artists we support, please visit creativearmenia.org
45th Homenetmen Navasartian Games graphic
This year’s historic 45th Navasartian Games and Festival will celebrate Homenetmen’s renowned athletic program, which has served the Armenian community for generations. Organized by Homenetmen Western US Region, the festival will be held at the Los Angeles City College campus.
LACC holds a special place in the hearts of Homenetmen members who have fond memories of the original Navasartian Games, which were held on the same campus back in the late 1970’s. The Navasartian Games and Festival, which culminate on Fourth of July weekend, mark a triumphant return for Homenetmen’s many chapters, whose athletes have embraced the opportunity to carry on their beloved sporting tradition in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Athletic competitions and Finals will convene from June 29 to July 3. The Festival, featuring live entertainment, great food, and fun booths, will begin on Friday, July 1st, from 4:00 p.m. and continue through Sunday, July 3rd. The Closing Ceremonies will commence on Sunday, July 3rd at 6:00 p.m., the highlight of which will be the Parade of Champions, where crowds will salute our young athletes and volunteers who embody the spirit of the Navasartian Games.
“We are so proud of all of our athletes,” said Varant Melkonian, Homenetmen Western US Region’s 2022 Exemplary Member. “They are our greatest achievement, as they inspire us to elevate one another through the values of kindness, sportsmanship and humility. The Festival is our way of saying thank you,” he added.
Los Angeles City College is located at 855 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Accessible parking, as well as Metro and Bus Stops, are available.
Scenes from Homenetmen Navasartian Games in the 1970’s
The Navasartian Games, Closing Ceremonies, and Festival will punctuate a beautiful series of events honoring Navasartian’s 45 years of service to the Armenian community, beginning with the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball. The Ball will be held on Sunday, June 26th at The Beverly Hilton.
Given the rich legacy of Homenetmen’s programs for athletics, scouting. and public service, it is fitting to mark the occasion with not one, but two major celebrations of our youth and their exceptional commitment to excellence.
For more information about the Navasartian Games and Festival and the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball, visit the Navasartian Games website or call (323) 344-4300.
Opposition leader and deputy parliament speaker Ishkhan Saghatelyan has denied reports that the opposition plans to take a timeout from daily anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan.
"The reports are false. We are not considering any option for a break, because there is no reason for it. On the contrary, we are discussing options for stepping up the struggle,” Saghatelyan told News.am on Wednesday.
“I think that our past activity should not have given anyone a reason to draw such conclusions. We rule out such a scenario and there can be no retreat, everything else is just idle talk.
“June 3 is a crucial day. All those who think that the movement may announce a break or die out will be deeply disappointed," he said.
According to report on Hraparak daily, the opposition groups, that have been holding street protests for over one month, may announce an end to the current phase of civil disobedience acts in the near future.
Catholicos Aram I pins the "Knight of Cilicia" medal on Vahe Hovaguimian
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia has bestowed the “Knight of Cilicia” medal upon Western Prelacy Executive Council chair Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife, Hasmig, for their decades of service to the Armenian Apostolic church.
Aram I pins the “Knight of Cilicia” medal on Hasmig Hovaguimian The Hovaguimians with Aram I and Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan
The medal was presented to the Vahe and Hasmig Hovaguimian following the ordination of three celibate priests in Antelias, Lebanon. Vahe Hovaguimian served as what is known as the godfather of the ordination.
Following the ceremony on May 22, Aram I presided over a luncheon honoring the newly-ordained at the Antelias Seminary, where the Hovaguimians were joined by clergy, seminary administration members, students and the parents of the newly-ordained priests. At the conclusion of the event, the Catholicos presented the medals.
Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan read the Aram I’s Encyclical, in which the Catholicos emphasized the Hovaguimians dedication and service to the Armenian Church.
“As a tangible _expression_ of your enthusiasm toward the Armenian Church, you have made and continue to make an important contribution to the activities of the Western Prelacy of the United States of America, both through the National Assembly and the Executive Council. Both you and your wife Hasmig have supported the endeavors of the Western Prelacy through various means,” the Encyclical said.
Prelate Donoyan was in Antelias to conduct the ordination of the three new celibate priests. After celebrating Divine Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral that was presided over by Catholicos Aram I, the three graduates were ordained and elevated to the ranks of the celibate priesthood.
Bishop Donoyan officiates celibate priest ordination The ordained priests with the Hovagumians and Catholicos Aram I
The three deacons— Hrag Kalayjian, Shant Kadehjian and Nareg Filikian—then assumed their priesthood names and will be known as reverends Armen, Arakel and Azad respectively. As is tradition, the newly-ordained priests will spend the next 40 days in prayer, fasting and reflection at St. Mary’s Seminary in Bikfaya, to begin their sacred mission.
The Dean of the seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian assisted in the ordination ceremony as
the Sponsoring Priest.
Following the ceremony, Vahe Hovaguimian, who served as godfather, washed the foreheads and hands of the newly-ordained priests.
Later, Prelate Bishop Donoyan delivered his sermon and expressed his gratitude toward Catholicos Aram I for providing him the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion. He also congratulated the priests, their parents and the Hovaguimians.
At the conclusion of the sermon, Bishop Donoyan addressed Catholicos Aram I: “Your Holiness,
on behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy of the United States of
America, and thousands of our faithful parishioners, we formally invite you to the Western Prelacy of the
United States of America, so that our faithful may experience comfort in your fatherly presence.”
The spokesperson of European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday issued a statement regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan. The full text of the statement is provided below.
“In the context of the past days' tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, President Michel reiterated the EU’s commitment to deepen its cooperation with both countries to promote a South Caucasus that is secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous for the benefit of all people living in the region.
He welcomed the first historic meeting of both countries' Border Commissions on 24 May and stressed the paramount importance of ensuring stability and security along the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan as delimitation will be pursued.
More broadly, President Michel stressed that for a sustainable normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is important to address all outstanding issues at hand, including advancing discussions on the future peace treaty and addressing the root causes of conflict. In President Michel's opinion, all core issues that had led to the first Nagorno-Karabakh war as well as to the renewed hostilities in 2020 will need to be addressed by all stakeholders to create conditions for lasting and equitable peace.
As with any legacy of conflict – terminology is particularly sensitive in this context. President Michel's statement on outcomes of the leaders meeting on 22 May should not be interpreted as favouring a pre-determined outcome of discussions either way. What ultimately matters most is that all issues are comprehensively addressed; this includes rights and security of all populations.
Connectivity was specifically discussed in Brussels on 22 May to advance opportunities for unblocking the region. In this context, both parties confirmed there were no extraterritorial claims with regard to future transport infrastructure. Speculation to the contrary is regrettable.
Finally, President Michel stressed the need to prepare populations for peace and the paramount role public rhetoric plays in this regard. He welcomed Yerevan and Baku's leadership and stated intentions to engage in good faith in ensuring a conducive atmosphere for the continuation of the talks and expressed the EU's readiness to step up its support to confidence building measures.
EU Special Representative Klaar will be traveling to the region in the next days to follow up on all aspects under discussion."
Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan paid an official visit to Georgia in late May. At a private meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, issues concerning Armenian-Georgian relations and the prospects for their development were discussed. Zourabichvili highlighted that the visit took place on the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia. Also, she made statements regarding Georgia’s Armenian community.
Panorama.am has reached out to Eduard Ayvazyan, Director of the Samtskhe-Javakhk (Javakheti) Media and Analysis Center, for comments on the Georgian leader’s statements.
Panorama.am: At a meeting with Vahagn Khachaturyan, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said that "all conditions have been created in Georgia to preserve the national identity, language and culture of Armenians living there. Georgian Armenians can actively participate in the public life of the country. Efforts in this regard continue unabated. Peaceful coexistence of ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Georgia indicates the tolerant environment created in the country and is a good example for the Caucasus region.”
Is the situation as the president of Georgia has presented it? What problems pending settlement for years have you identified? Are any steps being taken to solve them?
Eduard Ayvazyan: In fact, the problem of preservation of the Armenian language has always been. Years ago, before Zourabichvili took office as president, the number of Armenian language classes in Armenian schools decreased from five to three. True, school principals can add an extra class, but not everyone does it.
Armenian language teachers need refresher courses, which should be organized jointly by the Armenian and Georgian authorities. In general, there are no serious obstacles to teaching Armenian, but there is no encouragement either. Young people have no desire to become teachers of the Armenian language and literature, thus their number is falling. The Armenian authorities should work hard to tackle the issue.
As for textbooks, the problem has not yet been completely solved. There is a shortage of textbooks, which also affects the teaching of the Armenian language. In addition, there is an issue of raising the qualification of teachers. Teachers are required to pass an exam and get the status of a senior teacher so that their salaries are increased. Armenia should help Armenian language teachers to pass these exams for raising their qualification and, as far as I know, it's all under consideration. To the best of my knowledge, Shirak Torosyan, who represents Javakhk in the Armenian parliament, is dealing with these issues and results are already visible.
As far as the involvement of Armenians in the internal life of Georgia is concerned, the Georgian authorities need to work on it. I believe there is a very serious problem here: Armenians are not integrated into Georgian society, they are not involved in the processes taking place in the country. It’s for the state to deal with the issue, but whether they want it or not is another question.
The claims about peaceful coexistence of Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Georgia is also only partially true. Before the 44-day war [in Artsakh in 2020], when tensions escalated in Tavush Province in summer, the Azeris held a rally and then a group of them attacked an Armenian. After the 44-day war, Armenian drivers passing through the Azeri-populated areas were stoned. Finally, last year in Adjara, chanting slogans like "Karabakh is ours or yours", Azerbaijanis attacked with knives the schoolchildren from Akhalkalaki, who were on an excursion in Adjara. You know, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs did not properly respond to these incidents, while our requests were almost always left unanswered.
We know that an arrest has been made, but no one knows anything about the punishment, which suggests that such incidents may reoccur because they will not be afraid of law enforcement.
However, in general, Armenians and Azerbaijanis live peacefully in Georgia, but I reiterate that such incidents must be punished so that the others are not tempted.
Panorama.am: Is there a problem of Turkification of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region? If yes, what is being done to solve or alleviate the issue?
Eduard Ayvazyan: The threat of Turkification exists not only in Samtskhe-Javakheti, but also in the entire region. Look at the number of Azeris and Turks in our region. Armenia and Georgia have become small islands in the Turkic world, and we should all draw conclusions from it. It seems that very good relations are now being formed between Armenia and Georgia, which inspires fresh hope that the countries, being aware of the common challenges, will solve these problems together.
Interview by Tatev Manukyan
Homenetmen scouts at the Navasartian Games and Festival
BY KATY SIMONIAN
“Elevate Yourself and Others with You.” These words are far more than a motto for the members of Homenetmen’s Western US Region. They serve as a guiding principle for the global Armenian organization that has honored a passionate tradition of public service for over a century. The spirit of sharing and commitment to excellence is most apparent in Homenetmen’s storied legacy of scouting and athletics.
Homenetmen’s Scouting Program offers over 2,000 Armenian-American Scouts the opportunity to earn medals and badges for their unique areas of interest. The program features regular troop activities such as field trips, outdoor scouting exhibitions, and camping excursions, all graciously supervised by devoted volunteers, made up of parents, seasoned members, and dedicated Scout leaders, many of whom are former Scouts. Our young Scouts are a source of great pride for our Armenian community, as they learn more about their Armenian culture, while developing a sense of social and moral responsibility.
Scenes from Navasartian Games of previous years
“Scouting brings us so much joy. It has made a positive impact on shaping who I am today,” said Dr. Sharlene Gozalians, Homenetmen Western US Regional Scout Master. “So many people invested in me not only as a Scout, but as a person. It is an honor to carry on the cycle of giving. Seeing our children, their smiles – watching them grow and preserve our beautiful Armenian culture, is a gift. Sharing intellectual conversations about our past, present and future – our challenges and are successes, is what inspires me as a Scout leader,” she added.
Our Scouts often have the honor of representing our community and their Armenian heritage at world jamborees, carrying our flag in an impressive display of discipline and respect. They see their work as a sacred act of public service, as they fulfill their duties with a grace and wisdom beyond their years.
Most recently, on April 24th, Scouts from Homenetmen’s Western US Region participated in annual commemorations, standing guard, presenting the colors and placing a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello, honoring the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Homenetmen’s tradition of scouting is matched only by its exceptional legacy of athletics, dating back to the vision of founder, Shavarsh Krissian, whose prowess as an athlete inspired his vision for the organization. Homenetmen’s Athletic Program offers athletes the opportunity to participate in sports from basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and table tennis to track and field, swimming, gymnastics and karate. The main aim of the Athletic Program is to encourage sportsmanship and team work in order to build a sense of confidence in our athletes while instilling the values of hard work, kindness and humility.
Today, Homenetmen’s Western US Region has over 6,000 athletic members and continues to grow. These athletes compete locally and in regional tournaments, most notably, the popular Navasartian Games which are currently underway.
“This year’s 45th Navasartian Games are a privilege for organizers, as athletes have been welcomed back to compete in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with events kicking off in San Diego, Fresno, Orange County and across the greater Los Angeles area,” said Sevag Garabetian, Vice Chairman of Homenetmen’s Western Region. “With record turnouts and an exceptional display of athleticism, the 2022 Navasartian Games are proving to be the experience of a lifetime for our youth and their families.”
The achievements of Homenetmen’s Scouting and Athletic Programs will be celebrated at the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball, which will take place on Sunday, June 26 at The Beverly Hilton.
Our athletes, scouts and beloved volunteers indeed elevate and inspire, as they embody the spirit of the “Unity, Strength, Victory” campaign, a movement to recognize and preserve Homenetmen’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Armenian people.
“We honor all of our athletes and volunteers, as they represent the very best of our Armenian community. Homenetmen stands as a beacon of hope to inspire all people. Our unity and strength will lead to our greatest victory which is the happiness and success of our future generations,” said Hagop Tufenkjian, Chairman of Homenetmen’s Western Regional Executive Committee.
Homenetmen’s many programs reaffirm our commitment to invest in our youth, as they are the wave of the future. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Each generation proudly carries on their stewardship of elevating one another through education and service.
For more information about Homenetmen’s Athletic and Scouting Programs, as well as the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball, please visit the Navasartian Games website or call (323) 344-4300.
Katy Simonian is a member of the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball Committee.