The resistance movement is holding a procession in Yerevan.
Ishkhan Saghatelyan, representative of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Supreme Body and deputy speaker of Armenia’s opposition parliament, said the marchers will march through Saryan and Khorenatsi streets.
“Then we will return to France Square and lead the outcome of the day,” he added.
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, who is in Qatar, gave an interview to Al Jazeera Monday, during which he touched upon the processes taking place in the South Caucasus, the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, Armenian-Turkish relations, and several other topics. Below is the text of an excerpt from this interview.
Let me start with the agreement you signed with Azerbaijan, because of which you were subjected to strong pressures, so that the demonstrators even arrived at your house. How do you evaluate this agreement now?
I think you mean the trilateral statement signed [on November 9, 2020] by me, the President of Russia and the President of Azerbaijan. With that statement, the ceasefire came into force, all military actions ended, I think at that time it was a step aimed at ending the violence in Nagorno-Karabakh. I should mention that this statement does not address the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, but it is necessary to address the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, we hope that in the near future we will be able to address the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Interrupting the talk about Nagorno-Karabakh, I want to note that this particular issue assumes that there is a border demarcation commission between the two countries that will look into this matter. What is hindering its work so far?
In fact, we have communication with Azerbaijan in several dimensions, You are right, we have recently formed a delimitation commission between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is very important to continue that work. Only one meeting has taken place, but we already have an agreement that the second meeting will take place in the Russian capital Moscow, and the third meeting in Brussels. We hope that with the support of our international partners, and of course, due to direct work, we will be able to carry out the delimitation of our borders.
What if this committee came to a decision that the entire territory of Nagorno-Karabakh will belong to Azerbaijan, what would be your position then?
In fact, the Delimitation Commission has nothing to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, because, as I said, we have different dimensions of communication with Azerbaijan, one of which is demarcation. It’s also very important to mention the issue of border security, which is also under the mandate of this commission, because we must maintain stability and security along the entire border.
The second dimension is the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is another dimension, which is about the opening of regional, transport and economic communications. But, of course, the most urgent issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for the regional peace is the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Interrupting the talks about peace with Azerbaijan, and this is exactly what angers the opposition. Russia, which is the sponsor of this agreement or the statement as it was called, is considered to be involved in a conspiracy against Armenia, and rather stands by Azerbaijan.
You know that Russia is Armenia’s strategic partner and ally, but Russia is also a very close country for Azerbaijan. And in this context, we see the role of Russia as the guarantor of a trilateral statement, which, as I mentioned, was signed between the three parties.
YEREVAN, Armenia — On June 11, 2022, the American University of Armenia (AUA) held its thirtieth commencement ceremony to see off the Class of 2022. The ceremony was hosted in the Large Auditorium of the University, with over 500 students receiving their degrees. Among the guests attending the auspicious occasion were representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Armenia and USAID; the RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Artur Martirosyan; Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, former president and co-founder of AUA; and members of the AUA Board of Trustees Dr. Yuri Sargsyan and Yervant Zorian. Family and friends of the graduating class, as well as AUA staff, alumni, and others joined the joyous celebration.
AUA President Dr. Karin Markides opened the ceremony with her congratulatory remarks to the graduating class: “Today, we celebrate your remarkable accomplishments as the American University of Armenia’s thirtieth graduating class,” she announced. “Class of 2022, your graduation marks not only a great milestone in your own life, but also in the history of the University. Today is your day. Be proud of what you have achieved.”
In her speech, Dr. Markides highlighted significant events in the life of the University in the previous academic year. Despite the complex challenges posed by the global pandemic, including transitioning back to in-person instruction after a year and a half of remote learning, AUA was not only able to open its doors to a safe and healthy environment, but also achieved new milestones. AUA successfully launched a groundbreaking new undergraduate nursing program in the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian College of Health Sciences; a graduate Executive Certificate program in Management offered by the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics; and a new minor in Gender Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Additionally, in the 2021-22 academic year, AUA made several academic appointments, selecting Dr. Knar Khachatryan as Vice Provost for Integration, Dr. Hagop Yacoubian as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, new chairs to support enhanced opportunities for research and collaboration in the Open Centers of Excellence, and over 25 new full-time faculty.
Subsequently, President Markides delivered the greetings from the University of California and Provost Ellison read the congratulatory letter from U.S. Congressman Adam B. Schiff. “While many things in this world are uncertain right now, this much is clear: your futures are incredibly bright. The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives likes to say ‘know your power’ — and as young people today, your power is immense. The future is yours, and I have every optimism that each and every one of you will go out and make your mark on it,” the letter underscored.
This year’s commencement keynote speakers, Nobel Prize 2021 laureate Dr. Ardem Patapoutian and Starmus Founding Director Dr. Garik Israelian, delivered heartfelt congratulations and insightful addresses. “Ask yourself what your country or community needs, and then ask how you can contribute to the solution of that problem. The intersection of your big thinking and thinking practically is where your victory for humanity lies. If you’re looking to maximize your positive impact, this mindset is a great place to start,” advised Dr. Patapoutian. In his turn, Dr. Israelian encouraged the graduates to embrace their uniqueness and remain ambitious. “You are now armed with one of the most important tools needed to forge your path ahead. It’s not the diploma itself that counts; it’s about what you have learned along the way and what you do with the education you’ve received along your journey to graduation today. Your future is in your hands and no one else’s. So, don’t give up. Stay positive, stay strong, be different, be yourselves!”
The ceremony featured graduand addresses in Armenian and English by undergraduate valedictorians Lilit Karapetyan (BSCS) and Mary Margaryan (BAB) and graduate valedictorians Sona Babasyan (MSM) and Ohannes Taghdweirnian (MSE). “Each one of us sitting here would agree that AUA not only provides us with a high quality education, but also reshapes us to become a better version of ourselves and have better judgment in the decisions we take,” said Taghdweirnian. In her speech, Margaryan remarked, “Undoubtedly, the past four years were unusual, interesting, demanding, and filled with twists and turns beyond imagination. Yet, we overcame all the obstacles with perseverance and determination and are now marching to conquer new mountains with confidence and mindfulness.”
Next, President Markides presented a series of awards. The 2022 AUA Presidential Commendation award that recognizes and honors an individual who has made extraordinary contributions in advancing education, research, and outreach, with a particular impact on Armenia was presented to RA National Academy of Sciences Academician Dr. Yuri Sargsyan. As a longstanding member of the AUA Fund, he has served as rector of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia 1988-2006 and has played a significant role in the founding of AUA. His contributions have been invaluable to the advancement of AUA and Artsakh State University. The award was inscribed on special paper made from flowers laid at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial.
The Vartkess M. Balian Merit award that recognizes the best overall performance of a student went to Naira Minasyan (MSE ‘23). The 2022 winners of Faculty Teaching Excellence awards were Dr. Hourig Attarian, associate professor in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS), and Dr. Gayane Barseghyan, associate professor in the Manoogian Simone College of Business & Economics (CBE). Dr. Garabet Kazanjian, assistant professor in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Faculty Research Initiative award.
The commencement ceremony culminated with the conferrals of certificates and degrees to the undergraduate and graduate classes of 2022 by the respective program chairs and deans. This year’s graduation was extra special for the very first graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Data Science program, as well as for those of the Executive Certificate in Management and Certificate in Hotel and Hospitality Management programs.
In closing the momentous celebration, President Markides added a few inspiring thoughts of encouragement: “Class of 2022, throughout your career, please follow your talents, your interests, and your values to discover your unique paths towards living a life of purpose. Remember the ones who helped you get to where you are and help the ones coming after you. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and use the platform you’ve earned to change the world for the better.”
The graduates’ throwing of caps in the air marked the conclusion of the event and the beginning of a new journey to a bright and promising future.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
Margarit Hovhannisyan | Communications Manager
Margarit Hovhannisyan|: Communication manager
+374 60 612 514,
mhovhannisyan@
__________________________________________
American University of Armenia
Republic of Armenia, 0019, Yerevan, Marshal Baghramyan Ave. 40:00
40 Baghramyan Avenue, Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Name: Megan Reid
Contact
Email Address:
Contact
Phone Number:
416-250-9807
Website:
www.zoryaninstitute.org
Zoryan Institute’s Oral History
Testimony of 1915 Armenian
Genocide Survivor Comes to Life on the Big Screen Through
Animated Documentary
: Aurora’s Sunrise
is a
historical animated documentary film about the life of Aurora
Mardiganian.
At only 14 years old, in 1915, Aurora faced the horrors of the
Armenian
Genocide. Within a year, witnessing the deaths of everyone in
her family,
Aurora had lost everything, and was sold into a Turkish harem.
With
extraordinary courage and luck, Aurora escaped to America, where
her story
became a sensation. The Zoryan Institute’s objective with this
film
is to bring its oral history testimonies to life on the big
screen,
through animated documentary films, to relay the stories of the
Genocide
survivors to the younger generations, and to empower young women
and girls to
represent their communities in the face of great adversity and
violence.
In 2015, during the year of the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian
Genocide, the Zoryan Institute, signed a partnership agreement
with Bars Media
of Armenia to produce the animated documentary based on its
testimony of Aurora
Mardiganian. This film is directed by Inna Sahakyan, and
is produced by Bars Media, led by Vardan Hovhannisyan, Gebrueder
Beetz Filmproduktion & Artbox Laisvalaikio Klubas, with the
financial
partnership of Eurimages, the Zoryan Institute Armenia & the
National
Cinema Center of Armenia, and with the contributions of the
Lithuanian Film
Center, ZDF/ARTE, Public TV Armenia, and LRT. Aurora’s
Sunrise was made
possible with the academic contribution of the Zoryan Institute
Armenia, based
on its oral history archives (filmed by the Zoryan Institute on
January 29,
1984).
The Zoryan Institute is thrilled that 40 years after the
launch of the
Armenian Genocide Oral History Project, which collected
testimonies across 4
continents, the great-grandchildren of survivors can now
experience life
before, during, and after the genocide through a film that
seamlessly blends
footage from the Zoryan Institute’s original live interview with
Aurora and the
brilliant animation of Bars Media and their German and
Lithuanian co-producers,
along with scenes from the 1919 silent film “Auction of Souls”
(film starring
Aurora Mardiganian, prepared by Near East Relief).
Great credit goes to the Zoryan Institute’s founders and
staff at the
time (early 1980’s), who contextualized and carried out the
Armenian Genocide
Oral History Project, collecting over 3000 hours of oral history
testimony from
over 780 survivors in their 70s to 90s. The project was a
significant financial
undertaking, with the audiovisual equipment alone costing the
equivalent to
nearly half a million USD in today’s dollars, and employing a
work force
to conduct interviews, in cities across Europe, the Middle East,
and North
America. A questionnaire with over 100 standardized questions
was utilized,
developed by a multidisciplinary ZI team of experts,
that allowed the
Institute to extract information on social, economic, political,
and cultural
practices before, during, and after the genocide to capture
commonalities and
patterns across the testimonies. Since launching its Armenian
Genocide
Oral History Project, the Institute has worked continuously and
systematically
to protect, digitize, and index its archival collection to
ensure the quality
of the footage is maintained and usable for films like Aurora’s Sunrise.
Now, 40 years later, the Institute’s dream of utilizing
the enormous
power of film to connect future generations with their universal
history and
raise awareness about the phenomenon of genocide has become a
reality with the
generous support of the Friends of the Zoryan Institute. In
addition to initial
cost of the Oral History testimonies, Aurora’s
Sunrise film had a budget of over USD $1,000,000.00.
This is only the beginning of making these invaluable
stories of
Armenian Genocide survivors known. Ongoing
transcription and
translation efforts currently underway in partnership with the
American
University of Armenia, will make these stories more accessible
to scholars,
filmmakers, authors, institutions, and schools around the globe
who wish to use
these stories, as source materials for education in edifying the
tolerance and
understanding needed in today’s world now more than ever.
The world premiere of Aurora’s Sunrise, is taking
place at
the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival in
France this
week! Annecy is a week-long global festival that brings together
the
biggest names in animation to celebrate creative and diverse
animation styles
and techniques.
Zoryan
Institute, a
non-profit organization, serves the cause of scholarship and
public awareness
relating to issues of universal human rights, genocide, and
diaspora-homeland
relations. This is done through the systematic continued
efforts of scholars
and specialists using a comparative and multidisciplinary
approach and in
accordance with the highest academic standards.
-- Megan Reid Deputy Executive Director International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies A Division of the Zoryan Institute 255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310 Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9 Tel: 416-250-9807 E-mail:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10. On the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, changes have been made to the statements of the head of the foreign policy department of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, about the situation in the village of Farrukh, Khojaly region, voiced by him in Yerevan during a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, Trend reports.
Earlier, commenting on the situation in the village of Farrukh, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry said that “the Russian military continues to keep the situation as one of its priorities. There are certain results on the ground in terms of the de-escalation of this situation. And we have an understanding that as part of the ongoing substantive work on delimitation, these issues will definitely be considered and resolved.”
The transcript of the press conference between Lavrov and Mirzoyan was published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The transcript was amended and Lavrov’s words were published in the following edition:
“As for the situation, the Russian military (our Armenian friends are well aware of this) “keep” it as one of their priorities. There are already certain results “on the ground” in terms of de-escalation of the situation. We expect that the launch of the process of delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border will help increase confidence between Baku and Yerevan and prevent incidents like Farrukh in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.”
As the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said earlier in response to these statements by Lavrov, the activities of the delimitation commissions set up by Azerbaijan and Armenia pursue the goal of delimiting the state border of the two countries, as it was envisaged.
“This process doesn’t envisage consideration of any issues outside the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border, including those related to the Azerbaijani territories where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporary deployed [in accordance with the trilateral statement signed between Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 Second Karabakh War],” ministry said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 13. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held meeting with Chairman of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, the ministry told Trend.
According to the ministry, the sides exchanged views on Azerbaijan’s activities within the UN, cooperation with specialized structures of the international organization, directions for further activities and other issues on the agenda.
Welcoming the guest, Bayramov noted that the visits of the UN General Assembly chairmen to Azerbaijan have already become a tradition.
He stressed that the current visit has coincided with the 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s membership in the UN.
The minister congratulated Shahid on his successful chairmanship of the UN General Assembly at this difficult time for the world.
The UN official noted that Azerbaijan is one of the most active member countries of the UN, and congratulated the country with the 30th anniversary of its membership in the organization.
Besides, he highly appreciated the successful chairmanship of Azerbaijan in the Non-Aligned Movement and expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his leadership in multilateralism [in the joint and coordinated resolution of issues relating to many interested countries].
At the same time, Shahid welcomed the initiatives of global importance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic put forward by the Azerbaijani president and the work done in Azerbaijan at the national level towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The parties also exchanged views on priority issues of the General Assembly chairmanship, including work with youth, climate change, gender equality and other topics.
Bayramov informed the assembly chairman about the current situation in the region, including the reconstruction and construction work in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation [in the 2020 Second Karabakh War], their de-mining, as well as the steps taken by Azerbaijan to normalize relations with Armenia.
He noted that Azerbaijan will continue its efforts in all important areas to ensure peace and stability in the region, including the signing of a future peace agreement, the delimitation of borders, the opening of all communications and other issues.
Chairman of the UN General Assembly Shahid praised Azerbaijan’s efforts to establish lasting peace in the region.
The parties also discussed other issues of mutual interest on the UN agenda.
Armenia, France discuss cooperation in defense field
09:49,
YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister Karen Brutyan is in Paris for participation to the Eurosatory international weaponry industry trade fair, the defense ministry said in a news release.
On June 13 Karen Brutyan met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, discussing a number of issues relating to the cooperation of Armenia and France in the field of defense.
Parliament session kicks off – LIVE
10:00,
YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The Parliament of Armenia convened a session today.
22 items are on agenda.
The lawmakers will debate at second hearing the bills on making amendments to the Law on Prosecution, as well as a number of other laws.
The Parliament will also debate the 2021 state budget performance annual report.
10:01,
YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The trilateral statement signed between Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020 was a step to stop violence in Nagorno Karabakh, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview to Al Jazeera during the official visit in Qatar.
“But I should state that this statement hasn’t addressed the Nagorno Karabakh issue, and Nagorno Karabakh issue should be addressed, and we hope that in upcoming times we will be able to address Nagorno Karabakh issue as well”, the PM said.
Pashinyan stated that Armenia has several tracks with Azerbaijan. “Recently we have established a commission for border delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and it is very important to continue that work. Only one meeting occurred, but we have already agreed that the second meeting will take place in Moscow, the Russian capital, and the third meeting will take place in Brussels. And we hope that with the support of our international partners and of course through the direct work we will be able to delimit our borders”, he said.
Asked what will be the position of Armenia if the border commission decides that the entire territory of Nagorno Karabakh should belong to Azerbaijan, the Armenian PM said: “The commission for border delimitation has nothing to do with the Nagorno Karabakh issue, because, as I said, we have different tracks with Azerbaijan. One track is border delimitation, and border security also, it is very important, and is under the mandate of this commission because we need to keep the stability and security alongside of our borders. The second issue is the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is one more track connected with the opening of the regional transportation and economic communication. But, of course, the most important and the most urgent issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for the peace in our region is Nagorno Karabakh issue”.
Pashinyan highlighted Russia’s role as the guarantor of the trilateral statement. “Russia is the strategic partner and ally of Armenia, but Russia is a very close country for Azerbaijan too”, he noted.
10:15,
YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenia, like all the countries around the world, is very concerned about the situation around Ukraine, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview to Al Jazeera.
“What we see now? We see actually the collapse of the international order, and no one knows what will be the next international order. And of course, we are in favor of solving all issues through dialogue and peacefully”, he said.
When asked to comment on what impact the war in Ukraine could have on the Armenian economy, the PM noted: “Of course, it isn’t a pleasant situation in terms of economy for us. But to be honest, we had a 8.6% economic growth in the first quarter and we hope that we will be able to continue that dynamics. After the events in Ukraine many people and many businesses transferred from Russia to Armenia because we have mutual economic space and both Armenia and Russia are members of the Eurasian Economic Union”.
Pashinyan stated that not only the economic situation in Russia directly impacts the Armenian economy, but also the global economic tension connected with food supplies, inflation, etc. “But now the numbers of the economy of Armenia are quite positive”, he added.
Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is trying to be direct, honest and reliable partner for Russia, for the European and Western partners, and for neighbors. “It isn’t easy task, but I think, the leadership is stipulated for situations like we have now. And it is our duty to manage this situation and keep the proper relations with our partners and not to betray anyone”, the PM stated.