Author: Adrine Hakobian

Georgia: Armenian Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan visits Tbilisi, meets Mikheil Chkhenkeli

Adrine Hakobian
Georgia Online, Georgia

Tbilisi: Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Zhana Andreasiani is in Tbilisi with the delegation of Education and Science of Georgia Mikheil Chkhenkeli.

ByMarcin Kentacky

Tbilisi: Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia,Zhanna Andreasyan is in Tbilisi with the delegation of Education and Science of Georgia Mikheil Chkhenkeli.

During the visit Mikheil Chkhenkel held a working meeting with his Armenian colleague and discussed issues of expansion of cooperation in education and science with him. Minister thanked Zhana Andreasiani for many years of fruitful cooperation in the field of education.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed mechanisms to support the education systems of the two countries, including promoting teachers towards upgrading skills and professional development, with varied exchange programs for students and students, and organizing different types of youth events.

Mikheil Chkhenkel also discussed issues of deepening cooperation in higher education and science with his Armenian colleague, which means strengthening the teaching of Georgian and Armenian language and literature in respective higher educational institutions, and promoting the implementation of joint scientific projects in terms of science development. 

According to the minister, it would be good if the traditional scientific connections between the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory named after Evgeny Kharadze and the Armenian Burakan Astrophysic Observatory will be further deepened.

At the meeting Mikheil Chkhenkel provided information about the major mega-projects of the Georgian education system – Kutaisi International University and Adronic Therapy Center. 

The minister also stressed that idea and concept of the university is Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. It was because of his and his family’s very important charity that the world wide academic and scientific research space was created in the country.

Mikheil Chkhenkel assessed that the high standards and quality of internationalization of the university are determined by an approach that incorporates academic programs in a particular field in collaboration with world-leading universities. 

The minister also stressed that idea and concept of the university is Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. It was because of his and his family’s very important charity that the world wide academic and scientific research space was created in the country.

Mikheil Chkhenkel assessed that the high standards and quality of internationalization of the university are determined by an approach that incorporates academic programs in a particular field in collaboration with world-leading universities. 


Newspaper: Total propaganda on subject of Karabakh ‘reintegration’ into Azerbaijan

Adrine Hakobian
News.am
Armenia – March 9 2023
10:16, 09.03.2023

Past daily of Armenia writes: While at the highest level in Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] there are insinuations about the possibility of the presence of some forces or individuals who consider the proposal of [Artsakh’s] integration into Azerbaijan acceptable, in the last two months intensive propaganda is being carried out in Azerbaijan regarding the so-called “reintegration” of Artsakh. The Azerbaijani propaganda machine is trying to circulate theories of “reintegration” and coexistence on the public platform and discourse through various “experts.”

It is clear that all these “experts” are sazandars of the [Azerbaijani] authorities, although in dictatorial Azerbaijan it is difficult to imagine someone who has a real independent or, even more, an oppositional view. In particular, as a result of our study, we found out that [these] Azerbaijani “experts” try to present everything as a matter regulated exclusively in the domain of Azerbaijan, specifying their “ways and roads.” It is noted that the initial dialogue with the Armenians of Artsakh should be started within the framework of representatives of the NGO sector and civil society, emphasize that Artsakh is dominated by theories from the non-government sphere of Armenia and the [Armenian] diaspora, which, according to them, allegedly “affect the real opinion of the people of Artsakh and constrain them.”

It is noteworthy that, in their propaganda claims pushed forward, the Azerbaijani circles emphasize that the anti-Azerbaijani statements coming from Armenia should not be taken seriously (it is about the positions of the opposition), as “they have nothing in common with the opinion of [Armenian PM] Pashinyan’s administration.” By the way, it is specially noted that it is mainly these opinions that harm the “reintegration” of Artsakh and the so-called “peace” process.


Press Release: EPIC to Launch STRIVE Pre-U for Graduating High School Students

Adrine Hakobian
For Immediate Release

YEREVAN, Armenia — In March, the Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) will launch STRIVE Pre-U, an offshoot of its popular STRIVE program. STRIVE Pre-U is a condensed 8-week program specially designed for graduating 12th-grade high school students preparing to enter university. It will introduce students to the world of entrepreneurship and, more importantly, the entrepreneurial way of thinking, otherwise known as the growth mindset.

Alisa Chalakhyan (BAB ’19), STRIVE program leader, explains, “We have had several graduating high school students participating in the mainstream STRIVE program with much success. So we thought, ‘why not design an offshoot for the most eager and enthusiastic students that are getting ready to enter university?’” The program will likewise focus on mindset to establish open, flexible thinking and resilience in our younger generation: a way of thinking that will allow them to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving Armenia and the world by developing entrepreneurial attitudes, behaviors, and skills. “It’s all about developing the thinking and skills to solve problems, mobilize resources, be innovative, and contribute to society in a multiplicity of ways, “Chalakhyan elaborates. With a new program focusing solely on high school students, EPIC aims to provide them with first-hand experience in a university setting before starting the next chapter in their lives.

Using an experiential, problem-based methodology, the program will encourage participants to apply what they learn in real-world, resource-constrained settings. STRIVE Pre-U is open to 12th-grade high school students who have no prior experience in entrepreneurship or startups but who are eager to learn and are open to new ideas and approaches. The program aims to help high school students develop valuable skills, build confidence, and create a positive impact.

STRIVE is designed to serve as the first stage in the startup journey of aspiring Armenian entrepreneurs. It is where talented individuals first familiarize themselves with entrepreneurship and begin understanding what it takes to succeed. “Entrepreneurs are trained to think a certain way. When others see a problem, entrepreneurs see an opportunity. Our new program will seek to strengthen participants’ leadership skills, interpersonal traits, and emotional intelligence, thereby planting seeds for growing creativity and critical thinking to identify and solve problems. As we all know, when it comes to entrepreneurship, it is not about what you think but about how you think,” states Sona Martirosyan, who will lead the STRIVE Pre-U program. Sona, a program assistant at STRIVE, is experienced in curriculum development and leading cohorts at the Startup School program organized by Startup Armenia Foundation for middle and high schoolers.

“I took part in the second batch of the STRIVE program as a junior student at AUA. At some point in the program, I caught myself thinking, ‘if only STRIVE were available when I was in high school.’ The more I learned about entrepreneurship, the more confident I became with my thoughts. I’m glad my younger friends will have the opportunity to do so now,” says Azat Harutyunyan, one of the graduates of the STRIVE program. Azat is now participating in EPIC’s Incubation program after forming a startup team during the EPIC Jam ideathon.

Registration for the program is now open. Application deadline is extended to March 10. Graduating high school students in Armenia have a unique opportunity with STRIVE Pre-U.

STRIVE is the first-of-its-kind pre-incubation program in the Armenian startup ecosystem. Designed to engage participants from all walks of life, regardless of prior work experience or the existence (or not) of a startup idea, the program aims to shape aspiring founders’ mindset by helping them define, analyze, and test the most fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is a platform of the American University of Armenia (AUA) for promoting entrepreneurial education, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and startup venture incubation. EPIC provides an ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs consisting of first-class facilities and collaborative workspace, programs and events, and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors. EPIC fosters the understanding and application of entrepreneurship in students and faculty at AUA to craft high-impact multidisciplinary ventures.

—

Bella Karapetyan | Communications Manager

Bella Karapetyan|: Communication manager

+374 60 612 514,  

bkarapetyan@


__________________________________________

American University of Armenia

Republic of Armenia, 0019, Yerevan, Marshal Baghramyan Ave. 40:00

40 Baghramyan Avenue, Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia


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We should be able to use the international attention focused on Armenia and the region to serve the peace agenda. PM

Adrine Hakobian

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 21:28, 3 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is in a very difficult and dangerous period, maximum seriousness and flexibility are required from everyone to overcome the existing challenges, ARMENPRESS reports, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Germany.

“I cannot say that we have guaranteed the security of our country today, on the contrary, especially in these conditions, when geopolitical earthquakes take place. Under these conditions, we are in a very dangerous environment. But on the other hand, we also have an idea of what needs to be done in terms of managing this security environment. The peace agenda is very important for us. We understand that it is not an easy page for us. We understand that there are many risks there, we understand that peace does not depend only on us and our desire. Armenia is in a very difficult and dangerous period. We need maximum seriousness and flexibility in order to overcome the existing challenges,” said the Prime Minister.

According to the Prime Minister, Armenia does not have deep economic problems, there are no problems also in terms of internal security and democracy either.

“Our problems are related to the external environment and security, and we share these concerns first of all on international platforms. In these conditions, we do not have good news, but in a bad environment, the good news is that some international attention is focused on Armenia and the region, and we should be able to use this attention to achieve lasting solutions and peace in the region, concluded Pashinyan.

Asbarez: UCLA Promise Armenian Institute Announces Kerr Family Lectureship

Adrine Hakobian
by Contributor

 

 March 3, 2023

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Ann Kerr and family


LOS ANGELES— The UCLA Promise Armenian Institute and the Kerr Family have come together to create an endowed lectureship with the aim of amplifying the stories of heroes and heroines who dedicated themselves to providing humanitarian support for victims and survivors of violence and mass atrocities in times of crisis.     

The lectureship will be named in honor of the Kerr Family, whose progenitors include Professor Stanley and Elsa Reckman Kerr, who not only worked for many years with the Near East Relief organization, rescuing and caring for survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915–23, but also documented their experiences. The Kerrs’ descendants include the late Malcolm Kerr, former UCLA professor and president of the American University of Beirut, and his wife, Ann Kerr, who has served UCLA for many decades as the Coordinator of the Fulbright Enrichment Program.   

The first Kerr Family Lecture at UCLA will feature documentarian Ani Hovannisian, who will present the extraordinary humanitarian work of Stanley and Elsa Kerr during and after the Armenian Genocide in Marash, Aleppo and Beirut. Hovannisian has gathered and will share extensive archival material and footage on the history of the Kerrs and their longstanding contributions, which continue through their family to the present day. Historian and UCLA Professor Emeritus Richard Hovannisian, who knew the Kerrs and wrote the introduction to Stanley Kerr’s 1973 memoir, “The Lions of Marash,” will deliver an introduction and commentary prior to the talk. 

The inaugural Kerr Family lecture will take place in person on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. PST at the UCLA Mong Learning Center (Engineering VI Building). Pre-registration is required for the hybrid event, which will offer remote online participation. To register for in-person attendance or participation via the Zoom webinar platform visit the event website.

Stanley, Elsa, and Marion (sister) in Marash with the Near East Relief, 1921

Subsequent lectures in the Kerr Family lecture series, which aims to inspire courageous humanitarian efforts by future generations, will focus on the contributions of individuals — especially those who are not widely known — who have played similarly critical roles in helping alleviate the suffering of those facing war, famine, genocide and other mass atrocities. Annual talks provided by distinguished scholars will make the life stories of these heroes more widely known.  

“It is particularly fitting that the Promise Armenian Institute will host this annual lecture series. The actions of numerous heroes during the Armenian Genocide no doubt inspired and found parallels throughout the century that followed and well into the 21st century. Drawing such connections in a visible way, year after year, will encourage future scholarly research and humanitarian action in response to mass tragedies,” remarked Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and a grandson of Stanley and Elsa Kerr.    

“As a scholarly organization with a focus on Armenia and Armenians — an ethnic group that has unfortunately suffered subjugation and genocide, as well as a century of systemic denial of that genocide — it is fitting for the PAI to celebrate not only the Kerr family’s contributions, but those of unsung heroes associated with other mass atrocities,” said Ann Karagozian, director of PAI and distinguished professor in the UCLA Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.    

“The commemoration of both historical and contemporary events will place the Armenian experience within a global context and clearly demonstrate the chilling effect that indifference, denial and lack of accountability can have on the repetition of mass violence, as we are witnessing even today,” she noted.    

For registration and event details visit the event website.   

For more information on this event, please contact the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute at [email protected], 310-569-6325, or visit its website.

Armenian law enforcement agencies seek to introduce electronic tagging for domestic violence cases

Adrine Hakobian

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 11:46, 1 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian law enforcement agencies seek to introduce electronic monitoring to deter repeat domestic violence offenders from reoffending and to keep victim-survivors safe.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan presented a bill on introducing electronic tagging in preventing domestic violence at the plenary session of parliament on March 1.

The current law enables law enforcement agencies to conduct either “urgent intervention” or institute a “protection measure” in domestic violence cases, with the latter requiring a court order.

Citing international experience, Sargsyan said the electronic monitoring will increase effectiveness of protecting the victims.

The bill seeks to enable relevant authorities the power to order the offender wear the ankle or arm monitor, while the victim will have a notification device designed to issue a warning (both to the victim and police) in case of the offender approaching them.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 24-02-23

Adrine Hakobian

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 17:12,

YEREVAN, 24 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 24 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.66 drams to 389.42 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.13 drams to 412.28 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.07 drams to 5.13 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.92 drams to 467.62 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 160.40 drams to 22862.41 drams. Silver price down by 4.72 drams to 269.43 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Details of Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Armenia revealed

Adrine Hakobian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 17 2022
, 15:46

 2 minutes read

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading a Congressional delegation to Armenia to highlight the strong commitment of the United States to security, economic prosperity, and democratic governance in Armenia and the Caucasus region.  Speaker Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Armenia since the Republic achieved its independence.

“We are proud to travel to Yerevan following the 2019 passage of House Resolution 296, introduced by Chairman Adam Schiff, which recognizes the murder of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide, and following President Biden becoming the first president to formally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.  “It is the moral duty of all to never forget: an obligation that has taken on heightened urgency as atrocities are perpetrated around the globe, including by Russia against Ukraine.”

Speaker Pelosi continued, “Our Congressional delegation’s visit to Armenia is a powerful symbol of the United States’ firm commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Armenia, and a stable and secure Caucasus region.  In working meetings with government leaders, civil society members and members of the security establishment, we will convey the strong and ongoing support of the United States, as an OSCE Minsk Chair and longtime friend to Armenia, for a lasting settlement to the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.”

“Our distinguished Congressional delegation members have been proud and longtime champions of Armenia,” Speaker Pelosi concluded.  “Congresswomen Anna Eshoo and Jackie Speier bring a personal commitment to this fight, as proud Armenian Americans and as Californians, home to America’s largest Armenian population.  Chairman Frank Pallone of New Jersey is the longtime Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.  Our delegation looks forward to productive meetings that will continue to strengthen our partnership with the Republic of Armenia and advance our values and interests in the region.”

The Members of the delegation are:

  • Speaker Nancy Pelosi
  • Chairman Frank Pallone, Chair, Energy and Commerce Committee; Co-Chair, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
  • Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Chair, Subcommittee on Health, House Energy and Commerce Committee; Member, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
  • Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Chair, Subcommittee on Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Chair, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, House Armed Services Committee; Co-Chair, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues

During her September 17-19 visit, Speaker Pelosi will meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, and other senior Armenian officials to discuss U.S.-Armenian relations, and the current security situation.

Speaker Pelosi will also address the press, participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Memorial, and deliver a speech at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

Speaker Pelosi will engage on the strong partnership between our two countries, rooted in shared values and long-standing ties between our peoples.

She will be joined by Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Frank Pallone, and Representatives Anna Eshoo, and Jackie Speier.

Armenian Assembly & Armenian Caucus Leadership Congratulate Artsakh’s Independence

Adrine Hakobian

Washington, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America and the United States Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues leadership congratulated Artsakh on its 31st Independence Day. Armenian Caucus leaders Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), reiterated their support in the face of the “ongoing challenges and threats posed by Azerbaijan” in a letter addressed to Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan.

“We are pushing the United States government to take every available diplomatic action possible to penalize the Azerbaijani and Turkish regimes for their attacks on Artsakh in 2020 and their deadly actions that continue to this day,” the letter emphasized. “This conflict demonstrates the dire need for international actors to pressure President Aliyev into halting his blatant human rights violations and return in good faith to negotiations.”


The Armenian Caucus leadership reassured President Harutyunyan that they are urging the Biden Administration to allocate aid to displaced families from Artsakh.

Assembly Co-Chairs Van Krikorian and Anthony Barsamian stated: “We salute democracy in action in celebrating Artsakh’s Independence Day and thank the Armenian Caucus and the Biden Administration. The recent high level appointment of a new U.S. Co-Chair to the OSCE Minsk Group, multiple other actions, and commitment to finding peace based on those principles is important to preventing another genocide by the Aliyev and Erdogan regimes.”

Also today, on the occasion of Artsakh’s anniversary, a bipartisan letter spearheaded by Rep. Pallone and signed by 49 Members of Congress, was sent to the Administration urging humanitarian aid to the Armenian people in Artsakh. House representatives highlighted the hardships caused by the 44-day war launched by Azerbaijan, with the full and open support of Turkey and Turkish-recruited and transported jihadist terrorists, which cost the lives of innocent civilians and thousands of young soldiers, while Armenian prisoners of war remain captive.
In addition, the letter states that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has “acknowledged that over 90,000 refugees displaced to Armenia, the majority of whom are women, children, and elderly, are suffering through an acute humanitarian crisis.”
While noting that the U.S. government has funded landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance efforts and has secured millions of dollars of direct aid for humanitarian assistance initiatives, the letter stressed that the “need for this assistance has only grown due to Azerbaijan’s indiscriminate bombing campaigns in 2020 and the ongoing provocations by their troops which further endanger food, water, energy, and other critical resources for these communities.”
In addition to Rep. Pallone, the following Members of Congress signed the letter: Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Judy Chu (D-CA), J. Louis Correa (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), James Himes (D-CT), William Keating (D-MA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Susie Lee (D-NV), Mike Levin (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Katie Porter (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), David Trone (D-MD), and David Valadao (R-CA).
In Artsakh, celebrations for Independence Day, including a march and rally dedicated to the proclamation of the Republic of Artsakh, are taking place this evening in Stepanakert’s Freedom Square.
In Washington D.C. on Monday, September 19, 2022, the Republic of Artsakh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs David Babayan will be the keynote speaker at the event “A Capitol Hill Salute to Artsakh’s Independence,” which will also include remarks by Members of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.


Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.


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NR# 2022-38


Pashinyan, Putin to hold phone talk

Adrine Hakobian

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 13:56,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, ARMENPRESS. President of Russia Vladimir Putin will hold a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on August 29, TASS reported citing the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.