Author: Andres-Papazian

March 21- World Day of Poetry

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: March 21 is the World Day of Poetry. An
official from the Art Department of the Ministry of Culture told
Armenpress that the ministry is not planning events on that day,
instead program of events is being prepared by the Union of Writers.
An official from the union said that the program is in the initial
round.

Still in 1999 at the 30th Summit of UNESCO a decision was made to mark
March 21 as World Day of Poetry. The first ceremonial event dedicated
to the day was conducted in Paris.

From: A. Papazian

news.am, Armenia
March 12 2011

Opposition rallies politically correct, Armenian President says

March 12, 2011 | 20:12

Opposition rallies have been politically correct in Armenia during the
last two years, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan stated on March 12.
`I think the authorities and the Opposition must draw the right
conclusions from the previous blunders,’ he said.

Both the authorities and the Opposition ranks include experienced
people who know well what the state and statehood are. They are able
to see the distinction between the homeland, statehood, national
problems and political ambitions.

The Armenian leader is also ready to listen to the Opposition’s
realistic proposals provided they are not aimed at winning over voters
or influencing any processes.

`It is a normal thing, though. The Opposition’s role is to see
problems, criticize and come to power in the forthcoming elections,
and so on. I think political processes are following the right
course,’ the Armenian leader said.

From: A. Papazian

`Yerkir Nairi’ exhibition to open at Charents House-Museum

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: The 114th anniversary of Armenian
distinguished poet Yeghishe Charents will be marked March 13. Press
service of the Armenian Culture Ministry told Armenpress that day a
visit is intended to the monument of the poet, where a unique holiday
of poetry will be conducted.

Events are intended at Yegishe Charents House-Museum as well, where an
exhibition entitled `Yerkir Nairi’ will open. A concert entitled
`Songs of Armenian Composers with Charents’ Texts’ will be held, and
RA honored artist Azat Gasparyan will come forth with performance of
Charents’ works.

From: A. Papazian

Kim Bakhsi handed anniversary award of Union of Armenians of Russia

MOSCOW, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: A soiree dedicated to the 80th
anniversary of distinguished writer and film playwright Kim Bakhsi was
held March 10 at the House of Moscow. An official from the Armenian
Embassy in Russia told Armenpress that Armenian Ambassador to Russia
Oleg Yesayan, NKR representative Albert Andryan and well known
representatives of Russian culture, public and scientific sphere
participated in the event.

A friend of Armenian people, outstanding journalist and public figure
Kim Bakshi has donated the 40 years of his professional activity to
Armenia and to studying of the historical past of Armenian people. He
expressed his endless love and devotion toward Armenia through his
works.

On the occasion of his 80th anniversary President Serzh Sargsyan
addressed his congratulatory message, which particularly points out
the great talent of the intellectual and activity for the good of
Armenians. Armenian Ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan, presenting the
message, noted in his congratulatory speech that outstanding writer
Kim Bakshi occupies its unique place among the trustable friends of
Armenia which have made their unappreciable contribution to propaganda
of the history and cultural heritage of Armenia. According to the
ambassador, every work of Kim Bakhsi is a great effort of presenting
Armenia to the Russian speaking community.

NKR President Bako Sahakyan’s message was read aloud as well. After
numerous congratulations Director of the Political and Sociologic
Studies Institute of Black Sea and Caspian region Vladimir Zakharov
handed to Kim Bakhsi `Peace in Caucasus’ medal of the Caucasus Academy
of Russia. Bakhsi was also awarded with the medal of the Union of
Armenians of Russia.

Besides outstanding representatives of the Russian literary sphere and
art figures, representatives of the Armenian community of Russia and
all those who highly assess the activity of Kim Bakhsi attended the
soieree.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian Artist’s `Simulacrum’ Project on a Theme of Vermeer’s Masterpiece

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: Narek Avetisyan’s “Simulacrum’ project,
featuring 33 variations on the theme of Johannes Vermeer’s `Girl with
a Pearl Earring’ painting, will kick off March 15 at the Armenian
Center for Contemporary Experimental Art.

Narek Avetisyan, artist, project author, said today at a meeting with
journalists that he will present to the public a whole new project,
which features 33 variations on the theme of `Girl with a Pearl
Earring’, animation and computer effects and music, written specially
for the project

“Actually I realize that this is an innovation and perhaps it will not
be accepted and perceived by the public easily,” he says, noting that
each version has been created with famous styles of the world and
Armenian painting.

According to Lilit Sargsyan, art critic, `Simulacrum’ is a complete,
multipartite project, consisting of canvasses, video-animation and
music. She says the canvases are accompanied with an animated video,
which shows how images transform into one another. `Narek Avetisyan’s
works are based on Platonism. The art, according to that theory, is
just a great simulacrum,’ she said.

`In the `33 variations’ Narek Avetisyan replaced the post-modernistic
irony with an evident admiration for a classical masterpiece, with the
copy-paste-edit logic he creates a copy of a copy – double
simulacrum,’ the art critic said.

According to Sona Harutyunyan, head of the RA culture ministry’s
contemporary arts department, the project was first planned to be
presented in other countries, and then in Armenia, however because of
some obstacles it became impossible.

The public will have the opportunity to visit the art project until March 30.

From: A. Papazian

Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenia
March 12 2011

The first resident Ambassador of Switzerland started his mission in Armenia

On March 11, the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received
Konstantin Obolensky, the newly appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to
Armenia on the occasion of presenting the copies of his credentials.

Congratulating Ambassador Obolensky on the occasion of his appointment
as the first resident Ambassador of friendly Switzerland to Armenia
and establishment of the Swiss Embassy in Yerevan, Minister Nalbandian
said, `The Armenian-Swiss friendly relations have a history of many
years and it is often talked about the geographical and historical
similarities existing between the two countries. Today we can note
with satisfaction that the high-level relations and close political
dialogue were established between the two countries recently. The
establishment of an Embassy in Yerevan will open new possibilities for
the further development of bilateral cooperation. ‘

Expressing gratitude for the warm words and wishes, Ambassador
Obolensky expressed confidence that he will do his utmost for the
further strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations between
Armenia and Switzerland.

Minister Nalbandian and Ambassador Obolensky touched upon the
preparatory works of an official visit of the President of the Swiss
Confederation to Armenia by the invitation of the Armenian President
at the end of March. The Swiss Embassy in Armenia will be officially
opened during the mentioned visit.

The sides had a thorough talk on issues related to the further
strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations in various spheres.
They also touched upon the regional issues.

From: A. Papazian

Events dedicated to Francophonie Days in Armenian provinces

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: From March 14 to April 21 the Days of
Francophonie will be celebrated both in the capital and in the
provinces of Armenia.

An official from the Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry told Armenpress
that exhibitions, a competition of compositions, a concert will be
held in the province of Aragatsotn. An event dedicated to the 145th
anniversary of R. Rolland, a concert program entitled `Aznavour
Modulations’ will be organized in the province of Armavir, a meeting
with students will also be held.

A concert of French songs will be conducted in the province of
Ararart, a program organized by the club of franophone people will be
implemented. A fairytale festival and theatrical performances are
intended within the framework of the celebrations in Gegharkunik
province. A concert, an expo of French national clothes, performances
and a workshop are also intended March 14-April 21 in Lori province.

Kotayk and Syunik will be involved in the Francophonie Day
celebrations too, organizing different events. In the province of
Shirak the events will launch by a parade. Gyumri mayor will host the
official guests, expos, films showing, competitions and concerts will
be organized.

From: A. Papazian

The first Euroregion in Caucasus

VANADZOR, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: The first and only Euroregion in
Caucasus was based during the meeting held March 11 in Argishti hotel,
Vanadzor. At the moment there are over 100 Euroregions in Europe, the
main goals of this cross-border cooperation are the growth of level of
life in cross-border territories, the development of joint economic
and cultural environment, the ensuring of the population employment,
the annihilation of border obstacles. The first Euroregion has been
designed in Armenian-Georgian border involving 5 Armenian communities
– Alaverdi, Tashir, Vanadzor, Dilijan and Ijevan, and 4 Georgian
regions – Ninotsminda, Dmanisi, Bolnisi and Marneul, it is called a
`EuroCaucasus’.

The establishment is the joint initiative of the Armenian Association
of Communities and Local Authorities Association in Georgia. TRANSFORM
program of German Federal Ministry for Economics and `KfW’ banking
group has supported the program.

Coordinator of the Armenian Association of Communities Emin Yeritsyan
told a correspondent of Armenpress that the parties signed under the
launch of the pilot programs.

Mr. Yeritsyan expects good results from programs on promotion of
tourism, business and ecology. He expressed hope that other programs
will be implemented as well: a big gathering will be held in summer in
Georgia, where it will be presented what has been done by pilot
programs, what is intended; a more large-scale cooperation will start.

From: A. Papazian

news.am, Armenia
March 12 2011

Days of Armenian culture to be held in Kuwait

March 12, 2011 | 04:20

Days of Armenian culture will be held in Kuwait, March 23 to 28.

The press service of the Armenian Ministry of Culture informed
Armenian News-NEWS.am that the State the cultural program envisages
performances by the State Dance Company of Armenia and exhibitions of
paintings by seven modern Armenian painters.

The Days of Armenian culture are held under an Armenian-Kuwaiti
cooperation agreement signed during Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan’s visit to Kuwait, November 2009.

An Armenian-Kuwaiti intergovernmental cultural cooperation program for
2011-2013 is to be signed as well.

From: A. Papazian

Trend, Azerbaijan
March 12 2011

Azerbaijani official mulls Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Turkey
12.03.2011 11:09 Azerbaijan, Baku, March 12 / Trend /

Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov and Turkish General
Staff Chief Gen. Isik Kosaner mulled the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Ankara on Friday. The sides also
discussed the two countries’ relations, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani
Embassy in Ankara Elsevar Salman told Trend.

Following this meeting, Azimov attended the “Regional Security:
Azerbaijan- Turkey relations” conference as the keynote speaker. The
event was organized at the Bilkent University by the Azerbaijani
Embassy and attended by University’s Governing Council Chairman Ali
Dogramaci, professors, teachers and students.

During his visit, Azimov also met with a delegation headed by Foreign
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The sides discussed bilateral ties and
opportunities for their development, current state of the Armenia-
Turkey relations, process of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and regional security issues. Following this, Azimov gave an interview
to CNN Turk.

He delivered a report on “Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy: Opportunities
and Problems” at the conference organized by the embassy at the
Turkish International Research Center (USAK).

The heads of diplomatic missions and senior diplomats, academics,
representatives of the diaspora, students and journalists took part in
the event.

Azimov hold consolations with Turkish First Deputy Foreign Minister
Feridun Sinirlioglu
on Thursday.

Following this, the sides held meeting in an expanded format. The
meeting was also attended by Deputy Undersecretary Fatih ceylan and
Azerbaijani Ambassador Faig Bagirov. The meeting discussed bilateral
relations, prospects of development of relations between the two
countries, current state of Turkish-Armenian relations, process of
resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and regional security issues.

Azimov then gave an interview to Hurriyet Daily News.

From: A. Papazian