Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Friday Armenia's position on status of Jerusalem remains unchanged – MFA spokesman YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenia attentively follows all developments with regard to Jerusalem since the Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the guardians of the Christian Holy Places, Armenian foreign ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan told ARMENPRESS. “Armenia has already expressed its position on the status of Jerusalem and has not changed it. The status of Jerusalem is one of the most important issues on the international agenda and should be solved through the negotiations within the context of the acceptable solution for the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This can pave the way for the establishment of a lasting peace and security”, he said. Tigran Balayan stated that Jerusalem has a centuries old Armenian presence, a rich Armenian historical and cultural heritage. “Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the guardians of the Christian Holy Places. Therefore, we attentively follow all developments with regard to Jerusalem. We took note of the recently expressed positions on Jerusalem recognizing that they do not prejudice the determination of the final status of Jerusalem through negotiations”, the MFA spokesman noted. The UN General Assembly on December 21 adopted a resolution calling on the US to refrain from its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. 128 states voted in favor of the resolution, 35 abstained and 9 were against. Armenia also voted in favor of the resolution.
Author: Alex Jidarian
Rice samples are sent to testing based on the citizen’s complaint
The State Service for Food Safety of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia has taken state control measures on the basis of the complaint filed by Narine Kirakosyan. Her concern was about the rude smell of rice and the dark spots seen in the pamela.
SFSA employees visited the “Nush” sales point at Tigran Petrosyan 11/2, Davitashen district sent the sample of its rice to the laboratory for examination.
At the same time, the Service has also conducted monitoring in the importing organization “Armen-Hamik” LLC. 130 kilograms of rice was found in the store, from which a sample was sent to the laboratory for examination. This batch is also suspended until the results are clear.
A sample of plamellos sold at the Yerevan City supermarket at 25/5 of the same street has been sent for laboratory, too. The results will be published.
Artsakh Praises Iran, Wants ‘Functioning Borders’
Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian
STEPANAKERT—In an interview with the Iranian “Shargh” daily newspaper, Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian praised Iran’s balanced position on the Karabakh conflict and expressed hope that one day the common border shared by Iran and Artsakh can be opened.
“The fact that Iran acted as a mediator in this conflict in the first half of 1992 is a testament to the fact that the country is interested in maintaining peace in the region. This is further supported by Tehran’s willingness to again take up a mediating role in the settlement process,” said Mayilian.
He voiced regret that the border between Artsakh and Iran remains closed and pledged his country’s willingness to have open borders and good-neighborly relations with all countries in the region. “I think will be in the best interests of all stakeholders in the region,” he said.
Speaking of his experience as Foreign Minister of an unrecognized country, Mayilian said the country, which proclaimed independence in 1991, has all the features of state, primarily aimed at creating conditions conducive to secure development.
He added that while there is not international recognition of Artsakh, the republic is “an important military-political factor in the region,” saying the efforts to attain that recognition were already underway.
Asked about the possibility of “giving away certain territories” in case of signing a deal with Baku, Mayilian said, “Our current state borders do not exceed those of historic Artsakh. Furthermore, some territories of the Artsakh Republic, including the Shahumyan region, parts of Martakert and Martuni, which form 15 percent of the republic, are still under Azerbaijani occupation.”
“The areas under Artsakh jurisdiction are secured by the Artsakh Republic Constitution adopted by a popular referendum, which expresses the will of our people,” he added.
Speaking about the negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, the Foreign Minister said “today there is no negotiation process in its classical sense. Since 1997 the mediators have been using shuttle diplomacy to work with parties to ensure consensus on certain issues, which will form the basis for continuing the talks.”
Minister Mayilian said the war unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2016 was a blow to the peace process, which further postponed the prospects of reaching a final solution to the conflict.
“The main objective today is to reinforce peace and stability in the region, and this is what the mediating efforts are targeted at,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said Artsakh is interested in the soonest settlement of the issue” and believes that it will allow to ensure stability and prosperity for all peoples in the region.
Authorities in Azerbaijan face criticism over ‘unjustified’ budget
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 3 2017
Azerbaijan’s parliament passed on Friday a budget for 2018 based on an oil price of $45 per barrel and foreseeing 1.5 percent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) next year, Reuters reported.
A recent slide in the price of oil, which with gas accounts for about 75 percent of state revenues and 45 percent of GDP, has hit growth, the budget, the balance of payments, the manat currency and foreign exchange reserves.
Azeri GDP declined 0.7 percent year-on-year in January-October this year, and Moody’s said in September it expected the Caucasus republic’s economy to contract for a second consecutive year in 2017. Azeri GDP shrank by 3.8 percent in 2016. The government expects the economy to grow by 1 percent this year.
The budget sees annual inflation slowing to 6.1 percent in 2018 from 13.2 percent anticipated this year. Azerbaijan’s budget deficit is expected to fall to 900 million manats ($529 million) in 2018 from 1.175 billion manats expected this year.
Revenues are seen at 20.1 billion manats in 2018, up from 16.8 billion projected for this year. Spending is expected at 21.1 billion manats, up from 17.9 billion in 2017.
Kavkazuzel news outlet wrote that Azerbaijani independent economists slammed the country’s budget. “The parameters laid at the 2018 budget show it is still vastly dependent on oil. As in previous years, the revenues are made from transfers of the State Oil Fund SOFAZ, which would equate to 45 percent of the budget’s total revenues next year. Given the amount of the taxes by oil companies in Azerbaijan, it will cover only 2/3 part of the budget revenues. That means the reforms declared by the leadership aimed at the development of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan have produced little result,” Gubad Obadoghlu, member of the Public Chamber of Azerbaijan told. He next pointed to the lack of budget transparency, where around 40 percent of the expenditures are closed to the public.
Natig Jafarli of the Republican Alternative Movement (ReAl), in turn, spoke of the necessity of publishing budget implementation data on the finance ministry website, which is not a practice in Azerbaijan. “The public remains unaware where the millions of from oil revenues are spent,” Jafarli said.
The 2018 budget envisages 11% growth on the basic standard of living to stand at 173 manats ($102) for the working population, 144 manats ($84.78) for pensioners and 154 manats for children.
Jafarli insists while drawing the number of the minimal living standard the authorities took no notice of the inflation which has stood at 14% this year. Furthermore, as the expert suggested, the government sought to supplement the budget by taxes and excise fees which would inevitably entail a price hike.
Political commentator Anton Yevstratov was the next who reflected on the Azerbaijani budget labeling it as “miserable”. “In 2018 Azerbaijan will spend $1.6 billion on security and defense. Yet the issue remains for Baku to make payments for the already signed contracts. As usual, Azerbaijan comes up with unjustified costs such as buying MIG-29 և SU-25 bombers which would hardly overcome Armenia’s and Artsakh air defense,” wrote the analyst in Eadaily.com.
Armenia-EU agreement is not against anyone, it’s beneficial to all, says EU Delegation chief
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia December 1, 2017 Friday Armenia-EU agreement is not against anyone, it's beneficial to all, says EU Delegation chief YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is beneficial not only for the sides that signed it, but also for the region, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Świtalski said during the parliamentary hearings on the abovementioned agreement, reports Armenpress. “There is nothing in this agreement which can be perceived as a provision against someone. It is for benefit of all of us”, the EU Ambassador said. He stated that the agreement has a key significance and is the beginning of a long path. “Some of the actions mentioned in the agreement will be implemented very soon, therefore, we expect the participation of member states in the works on implementing it”, Piotr Świtalski said. He emphasized that the agreement has a separate provision on the importance of parliamentary and civil society control for implementing it. “I hope the Armenian Parliament, as well as the European Parliament will be active and will play their key role on implementing the agreement. Of course, the participation of civil society in these works is also important”, the EU Ambassador stated. Armenia and the European Union signed the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement in Brussels on November 24. The document was signed by Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
Calendar of Events – 11/30/2017
Armenian News's Calendar of events
(All times local to events)
=========================================
What: Release of "Van 1915: The Great Events of Vasbouragan"
Talk by Ara Sarafian on "The Importance of Armenian Sources
in English-Language Discussions of the Armenian Genocide"
When: Dec 6 2017 2pm
Where: National Library of Armenia, Yerevan
Online Contact: [email protected]
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Fashion: Do you have a Talar Nina?
Khaleej Times, UAE
Nov 22 2017
Do you have a Talar Nina?
One of the best things about being in Dubai is that we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to up and coming designers and brands. Dubai fashionistas have managed to hone their skills at spotting which designer is really worth our attention and our money. Talar Nina is proving to be one such designer.
Her self-named brand is all about aesthetic fun – wearable and versatile pieces that feel and look good no matter your style. Despite being worn by mainly women, Talar Nina’s jackets have found their way into men’s closets as well!
Born in Los Angeles, Talar moved to London to pursue her education in the arts, where she became infatuated with the city’s history. After relocating to Dubai, the Armenian designer started to build her platform and brand Talar Nina.
And it seems to be going more than well with Talar launching her third collection, Eastern Promise. Inspired by her love of the Middle East, Eastern Promise has a mix of delicately embroidered bomber jackets, ornamental track pants, and skirts, all of which are both elegant and comfortable.
The sequined collection consists of four bomber jackets, track pants, joggers, a long sleeveless vest, and mid-length skirt. Two of the bomber jackets will also be available for men.
The bomber jackets are one of our favourite pieces. Unique, comfortable, they easily transition your look from day to night. And guess what – they look great on guys as well!
One of the best parts about owning a piece from Talar Nina is knowing that the philanthropic designer also donates a percentage of profits to the ‘Moving Forward’ Centre for children in Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri.
We had the chance to chat with Talar about her latest collection, her inspirations, and her creative process.
When did you start designing? When did you know that you wanted to be a designer?
My first exposure to fashion design started while doing my A levels in Textiles, Art History and Fine Art. I enjoyed the Textile class the most and started designing pieces around specific fabrications for fun. It was my Fine Art teacher in London, Mrs. Skinner, who ultimately encouraged me to pursue a career in fashion and the rest is history.
Who do you design for?
My brand is worn by women of all ages but I have a growing male client base and am exploring a more unisex range of jackets and trousers that can be worn in different ways. There are no age limits with our clothes, we have clients from 17 years old to 80!
What would you say are your major aesthetic or cultural influences?
My frequent trips to Armenia are a source of inspiration – the architecture, art, embroidery and needle lace. Spending summers with my extended family in Amman, Jordan has also given me opportunities to travel throughout the Arab world and visit cities like Beirut, Aleppo and Damascus and experience the history and diversity of the region.
What’s your creative process like? Does your initial vision change as you start working?
My creative process usually starts with a variety of images on a mood board. I will sketch out silhouettes and then focus on sourcing unique fabrications, trimmings and embroidery motifs.
What are your strengths as a designer?
Fit and function are important elements in my design ethos. It’s easy to overlook these with so much choice these days but I believe if a piece is well designed and versatile and made from quality fabrics … chances are you will keep it for years to come and that piece will become a cherished favourite in your closet.
What have been the biggest issues you’ve faced from a business perspective here in Dubai?
My brand was launched in 2016 and the most challenging aspect was finding a professional workshop willing to work with us as we started off with small production runs. It took us a few tries but the tailors we are working with now are amazing and we couldn’t be happier. One thing I have learned is that it’s vital to live close to your production facility. Monitoring every step of the production process allows for better quality control and trouble shooting.
In a highly competitive market how do you stay relevant?
In this highly competitive market, my brand hopes to introduce new pieces every 2-3 months, our aim is to launch four collections a year, and add holiday and Ramadan collections to provide options for our clientele. We also will be taking part in pop-ups around the region, along with a constant stream of new content on social media platforms.
Fashion is a sector where one needs to combine creativity and commerce – how do you do this? Is one part stronger than the other for you?
For me, I think creativity and commerce go hand in hand. Without one there wouldn’t be the other. Ultimately, I want people to enjoy wearing my brand and become repeat customers! Although I do prefer the creative side of the business, I had to learn the commerce side very quickly or I would not have been able to adapt.
Tell us about your new collection Eastern Promise.
The latest collection, Eastern Promise, was inspired from my many trips to the Levant, mainly Lebanon and Jordan. This part of the world has always been considered a cross roads between East and West. The ‘Weaver’ bomber jacket and track pants are inspired by the intricate art of carpet weaving. The ‘Gigi’ bomber and ‘Gigi’ vest are made from an all over embroidered fabric of crème cotton thread on a black base with a delicate sprinkling of sequins for a touch of sparkle. The ‘Blossom’ jackets are embellished with gold thread and mirrors and tiny pearls and stones designed to create a beautiful and exotic floral motif.
How do you combine Middle Eastern inspirations into pieces that are modern and contemporary?
Middle Eastern art, architecture, and music are grounded in ancient traditions that somehow remain timeless. I enjoy curating and combining these old elements with new ideas to produce clothes that are wearable and timeless yet still offering fresh looks every season.
In your opinion, what is the difference between style and fashion?
In my opinion fashion and style are two different things. Style is how you express yourself, how you interpret what is in fashion at that moment … It is about your taste and personal preference. Fashion is driven by market forces, trends, influencers and is evolving all the time. It is my hope that my designs will always be more about style and less about fashion.
Who are your constant muses? Or do you have a different inspiration per collection?
At the moment my muse for the Eastern Promise collection is Queen Rania of Jordan. She was definitely someone I had in mind when designing the new pieces, especially the ‘Gigi’ vest.
Who were some of the designers that have influenced your style?
A few designers that have influenced my personal style would have to be Alexander Wang – he started the luxury streetwear aesthetic, – Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino – both legends in the history of 20th century fashion and they were dedicated to making women look elegant, beautiful and timeless.
Where would you like to see Talar Nina in the next five years?
In five years time I hope to see it become a staple brand where clients go for their fix of embroidered, elegant and easy to wear pieces! I would also love to see the brand stocked in a few more stores around the Middle East and Los Angeles.
What is one of your biggest fashion pet peeves?
One of my biggest fashion pet peeves are people who become slaves to the latest trends and when leggings are worn outside of the gym – they are not trousers!
Clamart : «La Promesse » en avant-première au ciné
Le Parisien, France
19 nov 2017
| 19 novembre 2017, 19h27
Film très attendu racontant le génocide arménien, « La Promesse » sera projeté en avant-première ce lundi soir au cinéma Jeanne-Moreau à Clamart. Réalisé par Terry George et réunissant Oscar Isaac, Christian Bale et Charlotte Le Bon dans les rôles principaux, sa sortie officielle en salle est prévue le 29 novembre prochain. Il s’agit, à ce jour, du long-métrage avec le plus gros budget évoquant ce drame ayant touché le peuple arménien entre avril 1915 et juillet 1916.
Ce lundi à 20 h 30 au cinéma Jeanne-Moreau, 22 rue Paul-Vaillant-Couturier, à Clamart. Tarif : de 4 à 6,50€.
Film: Joe Berlinger on How ‘Intent to Destroy’ Is a Warning Sign About ‘Alternative’ History
Variety
November 12, 2017
PopPolitics: Joe Berlinger on How ‘Intent to Destroy’ Is a Warning Sign About ‘Alternative’ History (Listen)
WASHINGTON – Joe Berlinger’s “Intent to Destroy” shows how the history of the Armenian genocide continues to be disputed and denied more than a century later.
A case in point: He was unable to get a Turkish official to go on camera, as the government refuses to recognize the 1915 atrocities as genocide and has influenced its key Western ally, the United States, not to do so either.
“I wish I could say that I was so prescient that when I started making the documentary, I would realize how relevant and important it is for today,” Berlinger tells Variety’s “PopPolitics” on SiriusXM. “Ever since our president took office and words like alternative facts and fake news get bandied about, and people just on a daily basis just say what they think is the truth, and just think that if they say it long enough, that it becomes the truth.”
“Intent to Destroy” interweaves the history of the Armenian genocide with a movie being made about it, Terry George’s “The Promise,” released in 2016. Berlinger notes that Hollywood studios tried to make to make a movie about the genocide back in the 1930s, but Turkey made it clear that the industry would be banned from the country were they to proceed. The project was dropped.
Even now, Berlinger notes, “The Promise” was barraged by a flood of negative reviews on the internet even before the movie had been released.
“We are so barraged now with alternative histories, from the Civil War to what is going on in other parts of the world, that I think the lesson of Armenian genocide, the complicity of Western powers after World War I to help an ally sweep the truth under the rug, out of self interest, is a real warning sign of where that can lead, which is where we are today,” Berlinger says. “If I were a young person trolling the internet for the truth, I think it is going to be increasingly difficult to know what the truth is.”
Listen below:
“PopPolitics,” hosted by Ted Johnson, airs from 2-3 p.m. ET/11-noon PT on SiriusXM’s political channel POTUS. It also is available on demand.
Listen at
Sports: Armenia beat Cyprus 3-2 in friendly
Xinhua, China
Nov 13 2017
Armenia beat Cyprus 3-2 in friendly
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-14 01:03:44|Editor: huaxia
Video PlayerClose
YEREVAN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) — Armenia beat Cyprus 3-2 in a friendly match at the Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium here on Monday.
Armenia’s Haik Ishkhanyan scored the opener in the 17th minute for his first goal for the national squad in his only second appearance for Armenia.
Varazadat Haroyan doubled the score with a spectacular header in the 38th minute before the Cypriots pulled one back on Konstantinos Laifis in the 50th minute.
Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored a flawless penalty after Armenia’s Tigran Barseghyan was fouled in the 63rd minute to make it 3-1.
Cyprus managed to close it again but were not good enough to stop Armenia from nailing down another win after crushing Belarus 4-1 last Thursday. Enditem