ArmenPress, Armenia Press aide makes evasive comments on Armenian PM's media remarks The following is the text of Nelli Babayan's report published on the website of the Armenian pro-opposition Aravot newspaper on 20 June headlined "'The TV company that ran an anti-state propaganda, will no longer do so, as it has realised its mistake': The prime minister's press secretary"; subheadings inserted editorially: The media outlet, which, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, is running anti-state propaganda, will no longer do so, the prime minister's press secretary, Arman Yeghoyan told Aravot.am. Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page on 18 June: "Certain TV companies, in fact making use of the unlimited possibility of the freedom of speech, have decided to carry out anti-state propaganda. This is perhaps one of those cases, when some people again and again confuse the civility of the authorities with weakness or naivety. Don't do that. Just don't do that". Aravot.am asked the prime minister's press secretary several questions. In particular, we asked, which TV company was waging anti-state propaganda and what were the specific manifestations of anti-state propaganda of the TV company. Yeghoyan refused to mention names: "I cannot add anything to what the prime minister said as regards names and cases. If the prime minister deems it convenient, he will make comments himself and give names. What I can say is that the prime minister's words did not apply and will never apply to criticism of the government. The prime minister will never reprimand any media outlet for criticising him". Yeghoyan did not give a specific response to our second question as to what anti-state propaganda might mean and what the prime minister implied: "Anti-state propaganda is anti-state propaganda". Answering our remark that the prime minister's and other users' Facebook pages circulated in comments the names of Yerkir Media [affiliated to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun] and the Kentron TV company [affiliated to businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, head of the Prosperous Armenia party and part of the Tsarukyan bloc], Yeghoyan said: "No, not Kentron either. And it is not Yerkir Media". Nevertheless, what are the threats for this TV company, if it continues to run anti-state propaganda? The prime minister's words sound as a threat and there is an allusion between the following lines: "confuse the civility of the authorities with weakness or naivety". Answering these questions of ours, Yeghoyan said: "The prime minister expressed his opinion, but there is no threat either in his direct speech or between the lines. It is just an appeal to concrete addressees and these addressees have already realised what they deliberately did and have realised this. The media outlets that do not regard themselves as addressees of the appeal do not have anything to worry about. Even those, who these words were addressed to, have nothing to worry about. They have already realised their mistake. If they want to make comments, there are no problems". Yeghoyan stressed: "There were no threats. It was an appeal not to misuse the broadness of the prime minister's thoughts". Asked as to what could happen if the opposite happened, the press secretary answered: "I have already said that nothing specific is going to happen. They will no longer misuse it". Asked as to how it had become clear that they had understood it - they apologised, called, or they no longer ran anti-state propaganda, Yeghoyan said: "This is based on common logic: When a person takes a step and the step becomes visible, the concrete person, who took the step, realises that the general statement is about him". Yeghoyan gave the following answer to our remark that the person could fail to understand that the general statement is addressed to him: "In this case, I am sure that they understood it, as we are dealing with very experienced people". Source: Aravot website, Yerevan, in Russian 1446 gmt 20 Jun 18
Author: Alex Jidarian
Armenian prime minister on Manvel Grigoryan case
ARKA, Armenia
Sports: Armenia’s Edgar Stepanyan is sought after by a Tour de France club
MediaMax, Armenia
Armenia’s Edgar Stepanyan is sought after by a Tour de France club
Photo: Mediamax
World Cup silver medalist Edgar Stepanyan had successful performances in several tournaments in the United States and drew the attention of top American teams.
The cyclist has told Mediamax Sport the managers follow all his performances and results.
“They noticed my potential and they think an athlete like me could have a place in their squad. Owner of my current club Velo Pasadena Hrach Gevrikyan is negotiating with BMC manager and I have sent them results of the VO 2max I passed recently. They said I complied with their standards and were surprised to find out I haven’t been in a professional team before,” said Stepanyan.
The Armenian cyclist thinks it is too early to speak about the transfer. BMC participates in Tour de France and will form the new squad in November, so Stepanyan has to wait till then.
“If I really get into such a team, my career will change drastically for the better. BMC is one of top 21 clubs in the world and competes in Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta Espana and other big tournaments,” added Stepanyan.
Stockport audiologists to return to Armenia to give the gift of hearing
BDaily, UK
This week, a team of audiologists from Starkey Hearing Technologies, in Hazel Grove, Stockport is returning to Armenia on their third hearing mission.
The five-strong team from the hearing device manufacturer includes Helen Whipday, Margaret Black and Julie Adshead from the sales team. Joined by two members of the European HQ operations team and 14 volunteer audiologists from across the UK and Ireland, they’ll all travel some 2,400 miles to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on Friday.
The team’s visit is part of the worldwide Starkey Hearing Foundation initiative, which has provided over 1.9 million hearing devices in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to give the gift of hearing to those in need, helping them to achieve their potential. High-profile supporters include Richard Branson, Bill Clinton and Elton John.
During Starkey Hearing Technologies’ previous visits in 2017, the mission worked closely with local teams to help fit more than 1800 Armenians with hearing devices.
Last June they carried hearing screening tests and took ear impressions to identify candidates. Then in October, The Starkey mission team returned to fit the hearing instruments, counsel patients and support them with what is all-important aftercare. This month’s visit will further build upon the work already undertaken. Starkey UK Managing Director, Roger Lewin, said: “Meeting the people of Yerevan and those helping them on the ground is always a truly humbling, inspiring and worthwhile experience.
“This will be the third visit for some of the team, but there is still so much work to be done. It goes without saying that the team are really looking forward to returning, yet again, to give what is without a doubt the gift of better hearing to more people who really need it.
“Providing access to hearing care opens up a whole new world of opportunity. It connects individuals to life and helps them accomplish more than they ever thought possible – bridging gaps at school, work and in life for both children and adults with hearing loss. Our aim is to establish an ongoing community based hearing service in Yerevan.”
According the World Health Organisation, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, with the greatest number living in developing countries. Unfortunately, less than three per cent can afford hearing aids or access to care.
Nelly Manucharyan makes decision to resign
Dear Colleagues,
I decided to leave the post of State Revenue Committee (SRC) Information and Public Relations Officer, and I would like to thank you for your effective work, partnership and friendship, and I am grateful also for your significant contribution to numerous achievements made by the SRC.
I am confident that our cooperation will continue, I wish all of us success and new achievements.
Nelly Manucharyan
Armenia has brand new government
ARKA, Armenia
Armenia turmoil: end in sight?
Agence France Presse May 2, 2018 Wednesday 6:45 PM GMT Armenia turmoil: end in sight? Yerevan, May 2 2018 Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday called an end to a huge wave of protests and said all parties would support his bid to run for prime minister again next week. Armenia's parliament is to hold an extraordinary session next Tuesday in a new attempt to elect a prime minister, who holds the country's top job under a parliamentary system of government. But analysts said the latest development did not mark an end to Armenia's most serious political crisis in years. Events could unfold according to three possible scenarios. - Pashinyan gets elected PM - This now appears to be the most plausible scenario. The hugely popular protest leader Pashinyan was on Tuesday eight votes short of getting elected prime minister after the ruling Republican Party -- which has a majority in the 105-seat legislature -- rejected his bid. "That was the first round of a showdown between Nikol and the Republicans in which both sides flexed their muscles," said political analyst Vigen Hakobyan. Relying on massive popular support, Pashinyan, 42, piled pressure on the ruling party through an unprecedented campaign of civil disobedience, while the Republican Party demonstrated its tight control of the legislature. After Republicans indicated on Wednesday they would support Pashinyan's bid this time around in an apparent effort to retain their parliamentary majority he called an end to protests. But many observers are sceptical they are genuinely ready to back the opposition leader after the Republicans promised not to stand in the way of Pashinyan's candidacy yet withheld their support during Tuesday's vote. Even if Pashinyan is elected prime minister the crisis will not end because the ruling party will sabotage his initiatives in parliament. "We are in for difficult times. The crisis is not over," said analyst Arman Boshyan. - Ruling party elects own PM - The ruling party said it would not nominate its own candidate, just like it said last time before sabotaging Pashinyan's bid. In principle, the Republicans could easily withdraw support for Pashinyan and elect their own candidate. But given the party's increasing unpopularity with everyday Armenians the move would only deepen the crisis, leading to unpredictable political and economic consequences. Analysts say the turmoil is quickly eroding the party's capacity to govern the country as the elites are increasingly losing both legitimacy and control over state institutions. "Society no longer wants to obey these authorities," said analyst Stepan Safaryan, adding many state employees have joined the protest movement. After "electing their own candidate, they could take a reckless step and introduce an emergency situation," Safaryan added. Critics accuse the government of corruption and failure to tackle widespread poverty in the tiny South Caucasus nation of 2.9 million people. - Dissolution of parliament - If lawmakers fail to elect a prime minister for a second time next week, the legislature will be dissolved and early elections called. Early parliamentary polls must be held no sooner than 30 days and no later than 45 days after the chamber is dissolved. Such a development would be the least desired option for the authorities as the Republican Party may lose its majority or fail to make it into parliament at all. "I think they will do everything to avoid this," said Safaryan. "They understand that there's no way they will get into parliament during snap elections," added analyst Manvel Sargsyan. Some observers said that the Republicans might opt for a wait-and-see approach hoping that popular protests will fade away in the run-up to new elections, effectively stripping Pashinyan of his main political weapon. If the government resorts to extreme measures and introduces a state of emergency, early elections will not be held, according to the constitution. mkh-im/as/je/cw
Avghan Hovsepyan: I am not a political figure to say whether it was a revolution or not (video)
Chairman of the RA Investigation Committee Aghvan Hovsepyan found it difficult to answer journalists’ questions in Tsitsernakaberd.
He noted that in any case he would continue his work with the authorities.
“I have always worked – I have served the Republic of Armenia and I do not intend to resign,” he said.
On the question of whether there was a revolution in Armenia yesterday, Aghvan Hovsepyan:
“What happened yesterday was a change of power, I am not a political figure to say whether it was a revolution or not. I welcome our people,” added Aghvan Hovsepyan.
Aghvan Vardanyan: The second way one, and Dashnaktsutyun was busy with working on it during these days (video)
“Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation was a step of a responsible state official. Many would not dare to say that Nikol was right, I was wrong,” says the ARF Dashnaktsutyun secretary Aghvan Vardanyan in Tsitsernakaberd.
“I think this is really a new awakening of our society and youth, whose energy should be directed to the solution of problems in the country as soon as possible and to ensure uneven development in an atmosphere of sympathy.”
Aghvan Vardanyan notes that if we fail to develop a roadmap and go forward with a joint responsibility, then this may take us somewhere else.
“We had two ways: either clashes, bloodshed and the collapse of statehood, or a way out through negotiations, discussions. The second way one, and Dashnaktsutyun was busy with working on it during these days. “
Music: Armenian State Symphony Orchestra’s performance at Elbphilharmnie received with loud applauses and "bravos"
Panorama, Armenia
April 2 2018
The State Symphony Orchestra of Armenia gloriously performed Armenian music in the magnificent Hall of Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. As the Orchestra reported in a release, the Armenian music was presented by two generations of Armenian composers-Aram Khachatryan and Eduard Hayrapetyan.
In the first part of the concert the Symphony Orchestra and Narek Hakhnazaryan (cello) performed Hayrapetyan’s concerto N4 for Cello under the conduction of Sergey Smbatyan. The composer wrote this work specially for this concert and presented it to Narek Hakhnazaryan. The world premiere of the concert took place in the Elbphilharmonie.
Hayrapetyan’s Cello Concerto performed by the orchestra and soloist filled the hall with delicate and passionate, intense and charming tones that exposed the author’s ideas to the audience, touched the souls of the people, transmitting beautiful feelings. Eduard Hayrapetyan was present at the evening as well. The audience admitted his work warmly, applauding loudly. People did not let the composer; soloist and conductor leave the stage for a long time.
At the end of the first part of the concert catalan song “Birds” was performed to the audience by Narek Hakhnazaryan (cello).
At the second part of the concert, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra performed Aram Khachatryan’s Second Symphony “Symphony of Bells”, which was received by the audience with applauses and bravos. The spectators made the conductor come back to the stage for several times standing and applausing non-stop. The State Symphony Orchestra of Armenia presented two more Khachatryan’s works: valse from the “Masquerade” suite and the famous “Saber Dance” from the “Gayane” ballet.
Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra told in the interview that at Elbphilharmonie they presented Armenian modern and classical music. ” This is a something like a challenge to reveal to people how rich and unique traditions Armenia has. The fact that the concert tickets were sold out months ago and the audience warm welcome make it obvious that people expect new music and new values. It is a great pleasure to see such a warm reception in the Elbphilharmonie. It’s impressive that our music excites and gives pleasant moments to Hamburg’s art lovers, having great traditions of classical music,”- said Sergey Smbatyan. He also thanked the RA President and the Ministry of Culture on behalf of the staff for assistance in the implementation of this project.
Ashot Smbatyan, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Federal Republic of Germany, was also present at the concert. The Ambassador mentioned, he is proud of the fact the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra could admire the German audience with their performances.
Narek Hakhnazaryan (Cello) emphasized the fact that the Elbphilharmonie Big Hall is one of the best concert halls in Europe and it is a great honor for him to present Armenian music and perform Eduard Hayrapetyan’s world premiere Concerto for Cello at such a prestigious concert hall.
The founder of Dorn Music Agency Tanya Dorn congratulated the orchestra, Sergey Smbatyan, Narek Hakhnazaryan and Eduard Hayrapetyan on the premiere, which was so warmly received by the audience of the Elbphilharmonie.
The next stop of the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra abroad will be on April 15-May 1, 2018 in the Europe’s cultural capital of Malta, Valetta.