News.am, Armenia
Sept 20 2020
20:03, 20.09.2020
Author: Alex Jidarian
Government did everything right in terms of coronavirus response strategy – Armenia PM
18:09,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is confident that the government has done everything right in terms of the strategy of fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), didn’t hide anything from the public, and as for the launch of the parliamentary committee observing the effectiveness of the government’s anti-COVID19 measures, he doesn’t oppose it.
“The Armenian government, as it was obliged to, has been transparent by 100% and remains transparent over the coronavirus. I am happy over the creation of the committee because looking at something again is always useful. In general, the most important indicator we need to pay attention to is the percentage ratio of our daily positive cases with the tests. Now the positive cases comprise nearly 5-6%, compared to the number of tests. This means that we are detecting the cases very effectively”, the PM said during a Q&A session in the Parliament, commenting on the question about the creation of a parliamentary committee aimed at observing the efficiency of the government’s anti-coronavirus measures.
“We have adopted the following public principles: we have stated that we need to get used to living with the coronavirus. We have done it, do it and have done it right in terms of the strategy. We have done everything right in terms of the strategy. Of course, shortcomings took place in that process”, he said.
Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Predictions on social and economic collapse will not come true in Armenia, says PM
19:10,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The novel coronavirus has brought social and economic difficulties, but the predictions according to which Armenia will face a social or economic collapse, have not come true and will not come true, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a Q&A session in the Parliament, responding to the question of opposition Bright Armenia faction MP Arkady Khachatryan.
“There is a concrete statistics that there is no doubt that the coronavirus has caused social and economic difficulties, but it’s also clear that the predictions according to which there is going to be a social or economic collapse in Armenia, have not come true and will not come true. The situation is manageable”, the PM added.
Pashinyan said there is a traditional problem with the capital expenditures, but the government is making efforts for the works to be done more intensely. He said the Cabinet will implement new projects in autumn which will boost the construction and other branches of the economy.
Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Authorities ramp up supervision in petrol market with plans to link fuel nozzles with cash register
11:18,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Authorities in Armenia are planning to introduce new technologies to minimize tax violations in the petrol market.
Artur Asoyan, the head of the Coordinating Office of Inspection Agencies of the government, said that they will use advanced technologies to connect the fuel nozzles with the cash register of the gas stations, thus minimizing potential violations.
“We will soon have an automated system, and the cash register of the gas stations will immediately print the bill for the customers when the fuelling is completed,” he said.
Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Azerbaijani press: Ambassador: Malaysia welcomes all possible joint projects with Azerbaijan [PHOTO]
10:59 (UTC+04:00)
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Trend’s exclusive interview with Ambassador of Malaysia to Azerbaijan, Dato’ Yubazlan Yusof.
Many Malaysian companies are looking at the potential of business opportunities in Azerbaijan, Ambassador of Malaysia to Azerbaijan, Dato’ Yubazlan Yusof told Trend.
“We have and continue to encourage Malaysian companies to be involved in the dynamics of Azerbaijan economic spheres,” added the ambassador.
The ambassador noted that if the conditions are conducive and there are available opportunities, Malaysia would like to welcome all possible and potential joint projects and collaborations in the future from both sides.
In terms of exciting cooperation, the ambassador noted that Malaysia’s investment in Azerbaijan is currently focused on the oil and gas industry.
“As a global energy and solutions company, PETRONAS portfolio includes conventional and unconventional resources and a diverse range of fuel, lubricant and petrochemical products,” he added.
In terms of PETRONAS activities in Azerbaijan, the ambassador added that the company has acquired a 15.5 percent stake in the Shah Deniz II production sharing agreement operated by a consortium of companies, 15.5 percent share in the South Caucasus Pipeline Company (SCPC), 15.5 percent share in the SCPC holding company, and 12.4 percent share in the Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company (AGSC). The total expenditure by PETRONAS in Azerbaijan thus far is estimated at $5 billion.
As a stakeholder, PETRONAS’s role is to manage its stakes while working together with the other concessionaires to ensure the success of the project.
Furthermore, the ambassador pointed out PETRONAS’ contribution to Azerbaijan’s Coronavirus Response Fund.
“Malaysian PETRONAS has contributed 10,000 manats ($5,882) to the Coronavirus Response Fund,” he said.
“In Azerbaijan, PETRONAS as one of the co-ventures in the Shah Deniz Consortium has continuously supported the Operator to carry out all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the operations in Shah Deniz to ensure it continues to run safely and efficiently across the value chain,” added the ambassador.
The ambassador added, that PETRONAS is working closely with the relevant authorities on the requirements during this COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue to exercise strict compliance with the Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) standards and best practices.
He added that among the non-oil sectors of Azerbaijan, Malaysia is interested in the tourism industry, alternative banking, information technology & multimedia, as well as education.
Furthermore, he noted that the enhancement of connectivity could strengthen trade and economic cooperation through physical, institutions, and people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
In terms of cooperation, the ambassador also added that direct flight between Malaysia and Azerbaijan would be an impetus to establish the transport corridor between regions and expand the bilateral cooperation in many potential areas.
“This would be beneficial for our growing economies as it will provide the linkages bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally as well as contributing to the development of the surrounding economic zones,” he said.
Another sector with the growth potential was tourism. The ambassador highlighted that the tourism sector would encourage people-to-people connectivity through social and cultural exchange and also cultivate the growth of the bilateral trade and economy as it can integrate the growing regional community through the development of crucial infrastructures in regions.
Overall, talking about the countries’ cooperation it was noted that both Malaysia and Azerbaijan are interested in mutual economic cooperation and highly focused to strengthen the existing good relations.
Ambassador also highlighted its support in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“Malaysia gives its full support to Azerbaijan when it comes to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and has always shown its support and solidarity for Azerbaijan through The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN).”
“Malaysia reaffirms the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Azerbaijan and the inadmissibility of the use of force by Armenia,” added the ambassador.
The ambassador added that Malaysia will continue to support international efforts for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Armenian Armed Forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
“Malaysia strongly urges the Government of Armenia to fulfill its international obligations, adherence to all UN resolutions and end their occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories, as it is the only viable and long-term solution to the root causes of the conflict,” noted the ambassador.
In terms of recent Armenian provocation on the border area with Azerbaijan, which resulted in casualties, including among the civilian population of Azerbaijan, the ambassador expressed deepest condolences to the loss of lives.
“Malaysia calls for an immediate end to the fighting and for the parties involved, to take necessary steps to de-escalate the situation outside of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict region,” noted the ambassador.
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Sports: Armenia falls defeated in Caparrós’ debut
Sports Finding
Sept 5 2020
Spanish coach Joaquín Caparrós could not start his career at the helm of the Armenian national team with victory, after falling 2-1 to North Macedonia on Saturday in the first day of the Nations League. The Caparrós team, who took over the Armenian team last March, could not overcome the early goal of Macedonia, which went ahead after 5 minutes of play on the scoreboard (1-0) with a penalty goal from the English Leeds player Egzijan Alioski.
Likewise, the second goal for the local team came from eleven meters, the work of forward Ilija Nestorovski, who did not miss the maximum penalty committed at 38 minutes by the Armenian Hovhannes Hambartsumyan. Two so many that Armenia, who could not count for the contest with his greatest star, the Roma player Henrikh Mkhitaryan, could only respond in the extension time, thanks to a goal from Tigran Barseghyan, who scored the final 2-1 penalty in 94. A defeat from which Caparrós and the Armenian team will have the possibility to compensate in the match that will face them next Tuesday with Estonia in Yerevan.
Sports: Mkhitaryan joins Roma after Arsenal terminate contract
Goal.com
Aug 31 2020
Asbarez: Consul General Meets with Glendale Councilmember Brotman
August 28, 2020
Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian (left) with Glendale City Councilmember Dan Brotman
GLENDALE – Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian met with the newly-elected member of the Glendale City Council Dan Brotman at the Consulate.
During the meeting, Ambassador Baibourtian congratulated the latter on his election and wished him fruitful activity.
Brotman presented the city’s priorities and his approaches to various issues, among them clean energy and concerns for the environment.
Baibourtian briefed Brotman on the consulate’s plans, including a festival, which was jointly organized by the consulate and the city of Glendale but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Baibourtian said that the festival will be held in 2021.
The issue of Armenia-based technology companies extending their footprint in Glendale was also discussed. Baibourtian also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism to Armenia, after COVID-19-related travel restrictions are lifted.
Glendale has sister city relations with Armenia’s Gyumri and Kapan. During the meeting Baibourtian also highlighted the need to develop and implement projects within the context of that program.
Let’s Take Part in Sunday’s Hye Aid Lebanon Telethon
August 26, 2020
HyeAid Lebanon Telethon will air on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Armenian community in Lebanon has been reeling since the devastating explosion that rocked Beirut on August 4.
The blast has claimed 178 lives with thousands of people injured and hundreds of thousands left homeless. The destruction and its aftereffects have not spared the large Armenian community in Lebanon, which has lost 13 of its members, while hundreds are still recovering from their injuries.
Armenian churches, community centers, schools and other institutions have also suffered structural damages.
Before the explosion Lebanon was in the throes of one of its worst financial crisis in its history, sparking street demonstrations by the people who were decrying the collapse of the economy. Then came the global COVID-19 pandemic, which took an even worse toll on the economy and forces the population to isolate themselves against the virus.
Soon after the explosion, the Pan-Armenian Council of Western United States launched Hye Aid Lebanon, a community-wide fundraising effort with the participation of all Armenian religious denominations and the leading community organizations. This effort has already raised hundreds of thousands of much-needed dollars to assist our brothers and sisters in Lebanon. Organizers said that all donations will be transferred to a unified body under the high auspices of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
To bring the Western U.S. community together Hye Aid Lebanon announced a telethon, which will be held Sunday, August 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ARTN, USArmenia and Horizon Armenian television channels and will be livestreamed on the Asbarez, Horizon and HyeAid Facebook pages.
On Sunday, August 16, Artists for Lebanon released a video announcing the August 30 telethon and calling on wide participation from our community. Asbarez was among the various outlets the premiered the video on its Facebook page.
The Armenian community in Lebanon needs our support more than ever. Let us take part in the Hye Aid Lebanon Telethon on Sunday and together provide as much assistance as possible to the Armenian community in Lebanon.
Asbarez: Two Lebanese-Armenian Families Settle in Artsakh
August 25, 2020
Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan chairs a meeting of a committee tasked with assistance to Lebanon’s Armenian community
Two Lebanese Armenian families have settled in Artsakk, according to Artsakh president’s chief adviser, Ambassador at Large Rudik Hyusnunts who briefed a meeting of a state body convened to address assistance programs to Lebanon’s Armenian community.
“All conditions have been created for their accommodation,” Hyusnunys told the meeting, which was chaired by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan.
According to him, in addition to the 25 million dram assistance provided from the state budget reserve fund, more than 17 million drams have been collected for the reserve account of the Government of Artsakh, and various initiatives are being implemented to increase it.
President Harutyunyan stressed that although it is extremely important to preserve the integrity of the Armenian community in Lebanon, to which the Artsakh government contributes to the best of its ability, Artsakh is ready to welcome and provide housing to all our compatriots who wish to move.
The President said jobs and other social guarantees will also be ensured.
President Harutynyan announced last week that his government would provide 25 million drams (about $51,000) to the Armenian community of Lebanon from its reserve funds. Earlier this month Artsakh sent humanitarian aid to Lebanon.