Author: Albert Nalbandian

USA, Israel plan chaos on Karabakh-Iran border: Republican lawmaker

Albert Nalbandian
Aysor, Armenia
Nov 30 2018

The United States and Israel are planning to create a chaos on the border of Karabakh and Iran, Republican faction lawmaker Artashes Geghamyan said today at the Lazarev Club’s first plenary session.

“The facts show that the United States, together with its closest ally Israel, will by all means create a chaos over Artsakh’s security zone, which has about 100 km-long border with Iran. This chaos will be managed by them. The first step to that is military aggression by the Azerbaijani side,” Geghamyan said.

He said Azerbaijan has spent $5,5 billion for acquiring Israeli military equipment.

Geghamyan stated that it is enough to study the dynamics of financial incomes received from different U.S. organizations to get convinced that the transfers received for “strengthening democracy”, “strengthening civil society” grow.

“As a result we have what we have today. After 20 days of revolution in Armenia U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informs the Armenian side that they are discussing provision of $140 million to assist the efforts of the new Armenian government,” Geghamyan said.

Geghamyan also noted that Armenia believes in Russian and knows that President Vladimir Putin will not to allow war in Armenia and Karabakh.

Armenia Orinats Yerkir party: 7 months passed since revolution but we see incompetence

Albert Nalbandian
News.am, Armenia
Nov 24 2018
Armenia Orinats Yerkir party: 7 months passed since revolution but we see incompetence Armenia Orinats Yerkir party: 7 months passed since revolution but we see incompetence

15:14, 24.11.2018

YEREVAN. – Seven months have passed since the revolution, but during that time we don’t see steps, programs that will enable to lead Armenia along the road of progressive development.

Arthur Baghdasaryan, Chairman of the Orinats Yerkir (Rule of Law) Party (RLP), stated the above-said at Saturday’s presentation of the party’s election program for the upcoming snap parliamentary election.

He noted that there were three reasons why the RLP had decided to run for parliament.

“First, (…) we see ever-growing challenges and expectations in connection with the Armenian people and Armenia, [and] which makes us (…) bring (…) our approach in the forthcoming political processes,” Baghdasaryan said, in particular.

As per the Orinats Yerkir leader, the second reason is the major foreign policy challenges facing Armenia.

“Not having sufficient experience, the new authorities are unable to respond to the [external] threats and challenges that are increasing,” he added, above all.

The RLP chairman also pointed to the third reason why they decided to vie for parliamentary seats.

“Ultimately, what was the revolution done for? It was done so that the people live well,” Arthur Baghdasaryan stressed. “Now seven months have passed [since the revolution]. How should our country develop? With what kind of personnel potential should it develop? We don’t see the answers to these questions.

“We see that the absence of a major economic program is causing major problems.”

Eleven political forces will vie for parliamentary seats in the snap voting in Armenia on December 9.

And the 12-day election campaign season will kick off on November 26.

AIWA Names New Executive Director

Albert Nalbandian 
PRESS RELEASE
    Armenian International Women's Association (AIWA)
    65 Main Street, #3A
    Watertown, MA 02472
    Contact: Barbara Merguerian
    Tel: 617-926-0171
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: 
Rachel Nadjarian Named AIWA Executive Director
Poised to Lead the Organization into the Future
BOSTON– The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) has announced 
that Rachel Onanian Nadjarian has been named Executive Director of the 
non-profit organization, founded in 1991 and devoted to serving the needs of 
Armenian women throughout the world.
Nadjarian, who was elected to the AIWA Board in 2017, will assume the role in a 
full-time capacity, succeeding Jennifer Philips who served part-time as AIWA’s 
first Executive Director from 2016-2018.
“All of us at AIWA recognize how significant this time period is for our 
Diaspora and for Armenia,” stated AIWA President Ani Kharajian. “We see a 
tremendous opportunity for us to make a greater impact in our communities and 
we are confident Rachel has the exact leadership, entrepreneurial capability 
and know-how to make it happen.”
Nadjarian’s hiring comes at a crucial time for the organization, which is 
seeking to reach wider audiences around the world and better meet the needs of 
Armenian women in the 21st century. As both Armenia and the Diaspora continue 
to evolve and progress, AIWA is attuned to the crucial role it plays in 
strengthening attitudes and conversations around gender equality and the 
eradication of discrimination in Armenian communities.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead AIWA in regenerating itself. I am 
confident we are ready – across the globe – to work more collaboratively and 
cooperatively in trying to understand the challenges facing Armenian women and 
in working to arrive at potential solutions. AIWA is poised to build upon its 
vision of empowerment and connectivity, and I look forward to driving the 
organization to its next level of impact,” Nadjarian said.
Nadjarian assumes the position of Executive Director with over 25 years of 
experience in serving as a marketing and fundraising consultant for 
non-profits, and playing leadership roles in various non-profit-organizations.  
She holds an MBA from Boston University with Certification in Public and 
Non-Profit Management, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Wellesley 
College. A native of Boston, Rachel currently resides in Washington, DC with 
her husband and three children.
Additional information regarding AIWA activities and projects to advance the 
interests of Armenian women (and all women) is available by contacting AIWA at 
65 Main St., 3A, Watertown, MA; telephone 617-926-0171; email: 
[email protected].

Nikol Pashinyan banned Zhirayr Sefilyan from entering the National Assembly

Albert Nalbandian
  • 10.11.2018

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Zhirayr Sefilyan cannot be included in the pre-election list and will not participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Hermine Mkrtchyan, the spokesperson of the “Sasna Tsrer” party, stated that Sefilyan does not have RA citizenship.

“Zhirair Sefilyan cannot be included in the pre-election list as a candidate, because he was never granted RA citizenship,” he said. Sefilyan, according to the speaker, as an honorary representative of the “Sasna Trees” party, will take an active part in the entire election process.

Zhirayr Sefilyan applied for RA citizenship on August 2. The speaker noted that he also attached a separate letter to his application to the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, taking into account his previous applications for citizenship, to resolve the issue of granting citizenship retrospectively. At the beginning of October, the head of the staff of the RA government Eduard Aghajanyan reported that this issue can be resolved in court.

“Since the authority to grant citizenship is discretionary, in this case, the law does not prohibit to consider the previous applications of Zhirayr Sefilyan respectable and to grant him citizenship retroactively. According to that, the chief of staff of the RA government, in fact, records that there is no desire and will to grant back-numbered citizenship to Zhirayr Sefilyan. Aghajanyan noted that if Zhirayr Sefilyan does not agree with that decision, he can apply to the court,” said Mkrtchyan in a conversation with Yerkir.

And to the clarifying question, if they did not grant citizenship in the last number, then they will not be granted citizenship according to the normal procedure, to respond. “Sefilyan also applied for citizenship through the normal procedure, the application is in progress, but it is being delayed for unknown reasons.”

168: Armenian, French Presidents attend presentation of architectural project of “Aznavour” center (photos)

Albert Nalbandian
| 10:42 | October 12 2018
Category
Culture

President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian, President of France Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron attended the presentation of the architectural project of “Aznavour” center at the “Charles Aznavour” Residence on October 11.

ARMENPRESS reports Nicolas Aznavour, the son of French-Armenian chansonnier, who is also the founder of “Aznavour” Foundation and Director Kristina Sarkisian presented the goals and activities of “Aznavour” center.

An interactive museum will operate in the center, dedicated to Charles Aznavour’s life, as well as music, French and film making will be taught.

The two Presidents, accompanied by their wives and the leadership of the Foundation toured in the area of the center, which will open its doors after the full reconstruction of the building.

Afterwards, Emmanuel Macron and Armen Sarkissian gave speeches. Armen Sarkissian quoted the words of Aznavour that he is 100% French and 100% Armenian, adding that he was also 100% internationalist, citizen of the world.

“Dear Nicolas, on behalf of the entire Armenian people, my wife and personally me I once again extent deep condolences on the occasion of this great loss. Your father, the great poet, once said in a philosophic manner that life is very simple – there is birth, there is death and there is life between them. But let me say that in case of a great poet, musician and artist such as Aznavour there is something beyond all that – a second life coming after death. His second life started a few days ago”, President Sarkissian said.

Armen Sarkissian thanked Emmanuel Macron for what he, his wife and the entire French people did to show the great respect and appreciation towards Aznavour.

Nicolas Aznavour said that it’s a pity for him and the staff of the Foundation to present the project of “Aznavour” center without the presence of his father.

Aris Adamian is the architect of the center, who discussed the reconstruction issue of the center with Aznavour when he was still alive.

President Sarkissian meets with Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York

Albert Nalbandian
ArmenPress, Armenia
Oct 3 2018
President Sarkissian meets with Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York


YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in the USA on a working visit, met with VartanGregorian,PresidentofCarnegie CorporationofNew York. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office, the President highly appreciated the scientific, educational and humanitarian programs implemented in Armenia by the Corporation, and particularly its President VartanGregorian.

The interlocutors discussed the opportunities of implementing projects in Armenia jointly with Carnegie Corporation. Speaking about the activities of the Corporation, VartanGregorian said they are ready to support the initiatives and ideas that will foster Armenia’s progress. President Sarkissian particularly highlighted the educational projects, noting that education and knowledge are the key basis of a developed and progressive country.

Armen Sarkissian and VartanGregorian also exchanged views on Armenia-Diaspora relations, issues of pan-Armenian importance, development of Armenian-American friendly partnership, as wel as a number of international and regional issues.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

The RA President will address the controversial law upon his return to Yerevan

Albert Nalbandian
  • 03.10.2018

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President Armen Sargsyan, who is in the USA on a working visit, is closely following the events taking place in Armenia. This is reported by the Public Relations Department of the Office of the President of the Republic.


“The President of the Republic had phone conversations with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Speaker of the National Assembly Ara Babloyan and discussed the situation. President Sargsyan will address the project of the law “Regulations of the National Assembly” on amending the constitutional law of the Republic of Armenia adopted by the National Assembly upon his return to Yerevan, initiating consultations with the government and the leadership of the National Assembly.


The President urges to be restrained and tolerant towards each other and is convinced that the created situation can and should be resolved within the framework of the Constitution and laws, through negotiation and dialogue.


From the United States, the President of the Republic will leave for Paris to participate in the funeral and funeral ceremonies of the world-famous chansonnier Charles Aznavour.”

Australian Chess Master to Bike Through Historic Armenia in Support of COAF

Albert Nalbandian
  • Armenia

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  • Latest

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  • News

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  • Top Stories

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  • Western Armenia

9 hours ago

 

Australian master Arianne Caoili is the wife of Armenian Chess Grandmaster Levon Aronian

NEW YORK—Arianne Caoili, wife of Armenian Chess Grandmaster Levon Aronian, will embark on a 2-week cycling tour throughout Cilicia, Anatolia and northern Iran this month. Arianne will start her journey from the medieval Armenian port city of Ayas in Cilicia on September 21 and will finish the trek in the town of Agarak located on the Armenian-Iranian border. Born in Manila, Arianne Caoili moved to Armenia in 2013 and has been engaged in various entrepreneurial and philanthropic initiatives. The Australian chess player, born to a Dutch mother and Filipino father, was awarded the title of Woman International Master (WIM) by FIDE and has competed in seven Women’s Chess Olympiads.

Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) is an organization dear to Arianne’s heart since its committed to improving the lives of children throughout rural Armenia by giving them opportunities for advancement. Arianne has always been passionate about helping children, especially with regard to education, music and disabilities. The biking tour’s fundraising goal of $5,500 USD will allow COAF to expand its athletic programs for youth living in 6 villages of Armenia’s Tavush region. Funds will go toward establishing clubs and much needed sporting equipment and salaries for coaches. Tavush, located on the border with Azerbaijan, is prone to sporadic attacks and is in vital need of programs aimed at revitalizing the region and giving youth newfound opportunities and health-oriented activities.

The route of the bike ride

Caoili has utilized her professional background in public and private sector consulting as an advisor to the Armenian government. In 2015, she established Armenia’s first boutique strategy consulting firm, Akron Consulting, which specializes in business and public policy advising. She is also owner and editor-in-chief of Champord, the only free, mass-distributed newspaper in the Caucasus region, with the largest print run in Armenia. She serves as chairman of the board for the Champord Fund, an organization invested in the development of civil society and the training of young Armenian journalists. Arianne is currently the CEO of one of Armenia’s largest alcohol distributors, 40 Degrees, a fast-growing, unique and novel start-up which she founded 3 years ago.

Arianne’s cycling expedition will be documented by GoPro action cameras and journalists who will accompany her. Converse Bank has agreed to cover some of the expenses Arianne will incur on her trip. COAF will regularly share footage of Arianne on the road via its social media outlets. Stopping points on the route include Adana, Sis, Gaziantep, Tarsus, Urfa, Diyarbakir, Van, Doğubayazıt, and Maku. “I am excited to explore the rich history and amazing culture of medieval and ancient Armenia. Throughout the cycling tour I will encounter the vestiges of Hellenistic and Roman empires in Armenia. Further afield we will discover ancient cultures and temples that predate recorded history,” stated Caoili in a recent interview.

COAF has been using community-led, comprehensive approaches in reducing poverty in rural Armenia since 2003, impacting the lives of 75,000 people.  Its strategic programs in education, healthcare, child and family services, community engagement and economic development help Armenian village youth access the resources to achieve and, in turn, give back to their communities and the world. COAF believes the new generation of Armenia, together with their families, have the potential and opportunity to revitalize the fabric of community life, and combat the rapid emigration plaguing the country since its independence from the Soviet Union. The organization has dramatically improved the quality of life in 44 village communities over the past 15 years.

COAF SMART is the organization’s newest initiative designed to jumpstart the advancement of rural communities by connecting them to the world by use of advanced communication and information technology. The first state-of-the-art COAF SMART Center opened its doors in Lori, Armenia in May of this year, offering the 150,000 population of the region both project-based and action-based learning programs. COAF’s board of directors cover all administrative costs, allowing 100% of donations to go toward funding programs. The organization has consistently secured the highest rating on Charity Navigator. Prominent supporters of COAF’s mission include Serj Tankian, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Stamos, Andrea Martin, Tigran Hamasyan, Vanessa Williams, Sean Hayes, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Patricia Field, Victor Garber, Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brian, Alexis Ohanian, and Usher.

Support Arianne Caoili’s biking tour for COAF #bike4coaf.

Top military official says army wasn’t ordered to open fire during March 1 events

Albert Nalbandian
| 16:10 | September 12 2018
Category
Politics

The army wasn’t ordered to open gunfire in the March 1 events, claims Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Artak Davtyan.

Davtyan served as head of the tactical department of the defense ministry during the events in 2008.

“The army wasn’t given an order to shoot on March 1. The army did not shoot, if shots were fired then it was fired by individual servicemen. They haven’t been ordered to shoot,” he said.

He also said that the border activities of the armed forces during those days proceeded normally.

“The frontline wasn’t depleted. Combat work was ordinary. The border wasn’t weakened during the March 1 days,” he said.

Earlier the head of the Special Investigative Service Sasun Khachatryan said that the probe into the case has revealed that not only has the army taken part in the March 1 events, but it has also opened fire in the direction of civilians.

What happens in Armenia now is violent populism – Robert Kocharyan

Albert Nalbandian
Aysor, Armenia
Aug 28 2018
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The situation in Armenia may be described as violent populism, Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan said in interview to Russian “NTV” channel.

“The situation is quite interesting and to say that the authorities do not have any experience means to say nothing. At recent rally it was stated that new state management system has been created and the revolutionary square was declared the highest authoritative body. I am not joking, it is a quote,” Kocharyan said.

In his words the new authorities do not understand what is the state management mechanism.

“They declare that the government is to report to the square about its activities, but I naively thought that the government is to report to the National Assembly. What currently happens in Armenia is violent populism the consequences of which will hinder the development of the country for a long time,” the second president said.