Author: Ani Kharatian

Yerevan should get rid of aggressive and cancer causing environment, Inga Zarafyan says

Ani Kharatian
Panorama, Armenia

Environmentalist Inga Zarafyan, President at Ecolur NGO, welcomes the steps and measures by the Yerevan Mayor’s Office to restore the green zone in the capital city.  “Yerevan has the highest level of cancer causing and allergic diseases which is no coincidence. It should finally get rid of the aggressive environment created around our city,” Zarafyan told Panorama.am

The environmentalist reminded that the issue with the green zones first came in the 90s when they were replaced by illegal constructions which were later legalized.

Zarafyan believes that while implementing its urban greening policies, the Mayor’s Office should present a serious plan. Green zones should be restored around the capital city as the Dalma and Nork parks
served once. ”No forests are in Yerevan, green spaces and parks are destroyed and now our courtyards are being destroyed. We had to start from one point. We welcome the decision of the Mayor’s Office and remind that it is a major project which is not realized with just one step and in one year,” she said, expressing hope the city authorities will also involve interested NGOs specialized in the sphere.  

In the specialist’s words the capital city needs four-layer greening  – tall, middle and low trees,  as well as flowers and grass spaces. As Zarafyan said, attention should be paid also to the species of the green population tailored to the specific needs of the city depending on the level of pollution Yerevan has.

To remind, the Yerevan Municipality carries out dismantling woks of several cafes located in the vicinity of the Opera House in downtown Yerevan as part of a program to restore the green zone around the building. The dismantling of the cafes started on Wednesday, four weeks after the Yerevan Municipality formally notified the cafe owners to vacate the premises, since the city is halting its lease contracts.

Deputy head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Armenian Parliament on the State Department report: the word "separatist" does not always have a negative connotation

Ani Kharatian
Arminfo, Armenia
Ani Mshetsyan

ArmInfo. Deputy head of the Foreign  Affairs Committee of the Armenian Parliament Hovhannes Igityan,  commenting on the provisions of the US State Department report on  Karabakh, made notable interpretations, assuring that the word  “separatist” does not always have a negative connotation.

In an interview with ArmInfo correspondent, Igityan, in particular,  tried to explain the vocabulary interpretation of the term  “separatist”:

According to him, applying the word “separatist” in relation to the  Karabakh people, the State Department wanted to note that the  Karabakh people had separated from Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, Igityan  recognized that Artsakh and its people should not be called  “separatists”, since the republic has elected authorities,  institutions of democracy and state governance. “In this regard,  Artsakh is far ahead of Azerbaijan,” Igityan said, shifting the  attention from this chapter of the report to another, which refers to  Armenia.

“The US Department of State is very positive about the events that  occurred in the spring of 2018 in Armenia, considering this to be a  huge breakthrough in the development of democracy in our country.  They are very positive about not only political processes, but also  electoral, as well as economic and legal reforms. The State  Department considers the Armenian government its partner, with whom  it is possible to cooperate further, ” Igityan concluded.

Meanwhile, spokesman for Artsakh President David Babayan, in an  interview with ArmInfo correspondent, on the contrary, considered the  language used in the State Department report unacceptable and  stressed the need to intensify the work of Armenia, Artsakh and  Diaspora for the subsequent removal of such language in international  reports.

To note, the US State Department’s report on human rights for 2018  states: “The separatists, with the support of Armenia, continued to  control most of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent territories of  Azerbaijan.” The report also notes that the final status of Artsakh  remains the subject of discussion within the framework of the  international mediation mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group.  

Armenia sapper injured in Syria is in stable condition

Ani Kharatian
News.am, Armenia
Armenia sapper injured in Syria is in stable condition Armenia sapper injured in Syria is in stable condition

11:53, 13.03.2019
                  

YEREVAN. – The Armenian sapper who was injured in a landmine accident on March 7, and while carrying out humanitarian mission in Syria, is in stable condition, and his medical treatment continues at a hospital.

Nazeli Elbakyan, public relations officer at the Armenian Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise, told the above-said to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

She added, however, that it is not yet known when this sapper will be transferred back to Armenia.

In Elbakyan’s words, this sapper was carrying out humanitarian mission in Syria since February 8.

He is part of the 83-member team—comprising deminers, doctors, and their security professionals—that traveled from Armenia to Syria on February 8, to provide humanitarian and professional assistance to the Syrian people.

Asbarez: Pallone, Schiff, Praising Armenia’s Progress, Call for Increased Aid to Armenia and Artsakh

Ani Kharatian
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House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Select Committee on Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) both offered testimony in support of expanded aid to Armenia and Artsakh.

WASHINGTON—With a strong focus on the new opportunities for the growth of U.S.-Armenia relations in the wake of last year’s Velvet Revolution, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Select Committee on Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) each offered testimony to the U.S. House foreign aid panel in support of expanded assistance to both Armenia and Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We strongly support the foreign aid priorities advanced by Congressmen Schiff and Pallone and thank them both their leadership in working with key appropriators in support of a forward-leaning aid package for Artsakh and Armenia,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We look forward to continuing to engage with our friends across Capitol Hill throughout the appropriations process to support each of these priorities, and – more broadly – to leveraging U.S. aid policy in driving a strategic upgrade in U.S.-Armenia political, economic, and military relations.”

Congressman Pallone, the founding Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and Rep. Schiff, a Vice-Chairman of the bipartisan Caucus, identified the following five appropriations priorities in the Fiscal Year 2020 foreign aid bill:

  • Economic aid to Armenia – to promote sustainable growth
  • Military aid to Armenia – to support peacekeeping programs
  • “Safe haven” aid – to help Armenia settle Middle East refugees
  • Artsakh aid – for de-mining and rehabilitation services

Royce-Engel aid – to strengthen the cease-fire by deploying gunfire locators

In their testimony, both Congressman Pallone and Congressman Schiff called upon the Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations to appropriate funds to support media freedom, judicial independence, anti-corruption, and civil society programs. They also encouraged the panel to zero-out U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan “until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

ANCA Government Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian will also be providing testimony on the ANCA’s FY2020 foreign aid priorities before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations on Tuesday, March 12th. Karakashian’s testimony will be streamed on the ANCA’s Facebook page at approximately 12:15pm.

The full text of both testimonies is provided below.

Testimony Of Rep. Frank Pallone
Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Rogers, Members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify. Now more than ever, American interests are at stake as we confront unprecedented instability and growing humanitarian crises around the world. Congress must invest in our national security, which includes development and diplomacy programs, alongside strong defense.

While I will extend and expand on my requests to the subcommittee, today I want to highlight two matters that I hope the subcommittee will prioritize in the FY20 bill – support for Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the civilian arm of U.S. international media.

Nagorno Karabakh
I have always been a strong proponent of support for Armenia. I have also been unwavering in my support for the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh.

The continued instances of violence against the people of Artsakh call for specific steps to defuse tension and violence along the border, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh who simply want to live free of fear and violence, and exercise their right of self-determination.

I urge the Subcommittee to:

  • Ensure that not less than $6 million in Fiscal Year 2020 aid be appropriated to Nagorno-Karabakh for de-mining efforts and other humanitarian projects.
  • Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno- Karabakh, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
  • In the interest of effective U.S. oversight of our aid programs, we request that the Department of State and USAID lift any official or unofficial restrictions on U.S. travel, communication, or contacts with Artsakh government officials or civil society stakeholders.
  • Include bill language providing funding to support implementation of the Royce-Engel peace proposals, prioritizing the placement of OSCE-monitored, advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Support for Armenia’s Independence and Democracy
The U.S.-Armenia relationship is founded upon a shared commitment to freedom and democratic values. Armenia provides a safe haven for refugees, participates in U.S. led peacekeeping deployments, and supports the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Blockaded by Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia confronts serious challenges to its security and its sovereignty. U.S. economic and military assistance plays a vital role in strengthening Armenia’s independence. Military aid enables Armenia’s membership in NATO’s Partnerships for Peace and supports Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

The peaceful transition of government in 2018 and successful democratic elections provide an opportunity for the United States to support meaningful long-term governance reforms as an adjunct to our commitment to Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition. Increased funding for technical assistance on governance-related priorities, including rule of law reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, support for civil society and independent journalism should be prioritized. I urge encouraging the Administration to maximize the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meetings and to strategically broaden the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force to include support for governance reforms. I also support movement on a modern Double Tax Treaty, Social Security Totalization Agreement, debt-for-reforestation swaps, and non-stop U.S. to Armenia commercial flights, all of which would be to the benefit of both Armenia and the United States.

I urge the Subcommittee to support Armenia by:

  • Ensure not less than $30,000,000 be made available for governance and rule of law assistance to Armenia.
  • Ensure not less than $20,000,000 be made available for economic assistance to Armenia.
  • Support FMF aid for projects that develop Armenia’s capability to undertake peacekeeping missions.
  • Increase IMET funding to expand U.S. training opportunities for Armenian officers.
  • Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, ends its threat of renewed war, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Regional Safe Haven for Middle East Refugees
Over 25,000 individuals from Syria have sought safety in Armenia, which, despite being a small country, has received only modest levels of U.S. and international relief and resettlement assistance to accommodate this influx of refugees. Armenia has demonstrated its willingness to play a larger role as a regional safe haven for those fleeing persecution and death in the Middle East, but lacks the financial resources to offer the transition assistance needed by families fleeing violence.

I request the Subcommittee:

  • Include language recognizing Armenia’s efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for Christians and other at-risk populations fleeing violence in the Middle East, and supporting these efforts through aid and international organizations.
  • Provide funding to help Armenia provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven in Armenia.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to testify before your Subcommittee. As co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I believe the Fiscal Year 2020 House budget should reflect an unwavering commitment to democracy building and trade relations with the Republic of Armenia and to promoting peace in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

In the last year, we have seen an incredible grassroots movement take hold in Armenia. The Armenian people have proved their commitment to democracy, anti-corruption measures, and rule of law during the nonviolent “Velvet Revolution” starting in April 2018. That revolution culminated this past December with one of the freest, fairest and most open national elections in the country’s history. The elections led to the elevation of the movement’s leader, Nikol Pashinyan, to Prime Minister and to the election of one of the youngest and most reform-minded legislatures Armenia has ever had.

Armenia’s newly-elected government has indicated its intentions to bolster civil society and democratic institutions. The United States Congress can aid this process by ensuring targeted assistance is given during this exciting transition. This is especially true with concern to the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, which has been generous in its support of Armenian and Artsakh in previous Congresses. We are in a critical moment in which a meaningful increase in FY20 technical assistance to Armenia on important priorities – including for media freedom, judicial independence, anti-c01Tuption, and civil society purposes – will likely have an exponential positive impact on the country’s budding democratic institutions. I ask that the Subcommittee appropriate the specific funds it deems necessary to the Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Eurnpe and Eurasia and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia for these pmposes.

As Armenia is an important safe haven for refugees and a strategic American partner, aid from the U.S. has also provided critical support for peacekeeping deployments and NATO interoperability in the region. The FY20 appropriations bill should include $30 million in economic aid and $10 million in military aid for Armenia, including funds for the Foreign Military Financing program and the International Military Education and Training program. I ask that Armenia also receive at least $20 million to help the country provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven there.

The Subcommittee’s tradition of generosity towards Artsakh also includes aid that has helped to provide maternal health care, support a multi-year HALO Trust land mine and unexploded ordnance clearance efforts, rehabilitation centers, and funds for badly needed water systems in Nagorno Karabakh. The FY20 appropriations bill should include $6 million to strengthen these critical programs and complete the work of HALO Trust in that area.

Additionally, intimidation and violence against the Armenian people continues today, in part because of continued U.S. military assistance to the Azerbaijani government. While much of the violence we saw in the spring of2016 has subsided, Azerbaijan continues to launch cross-border attacks into Artsakh and Armenia. Rather than• agreeing to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan has continued to offer threats of a renewed war between the two countries. The U.S. should suspend military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

For this reason, this year’s bill should also continue to invest in peace by providing the OSCE Minsk Group with $4 million, allowing for the placement of advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Taking these steps will continue to build on the U.S.-Armenia strategic relationship and help to grow the seeds of pro-democratic and civil society institutions in Armenia. I urge the Subcommittee to invest in peace and assist Armenia at this exciting time of continued development.

Testimony of Rep. Adam Schiff
Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Rogers, Members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify. Now more than ever, American interests are at stake as we confront unprecedented instability and growing humanitarian crises around the world. Congress must invest in our national security, which includes development and diplomacy programs, alongside strong defense.

While I will extend and expand on my requests to the subcommittee, today I want to highlight two matters that I hope the subcommittee will prioritize in the FY20 bill – support for Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the civilian arm of U.S. international media.

Nagorno Karabakh
I have always been a strong proponent of support for Armenia. I have also been unwavering in my support for the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh.

The continued instances of violence against the people of Artsakh call for specific steps to defuse tension and violence along the border, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh who simply want to live free of fear and violence, and exercise their right of self-determination.

I urge the Subcommittee to:

  • Ensure that not less than $6 million in Fiscal Year 2020 aid be appropriated to Nagorno-Karabakh for de-mining efforts and other humanitarian projects.
  • Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno- Karabakh, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
  • In the interest of effective U.S. oversight of our aid programs, we request that the Department of State and USAID lift any official or unofficial restrictions on U.S. travel, communication, or contacts with Artsakh government officials or civil society stakeholders.
  • Include bill language providing funding to support implementation of the Royce-Engel peace proposals, prioritizing the placement of OSCE-monitored, advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Support for Armenia’s Independence and Democracy
The U.S.-Armenia relationship is founded upon a shared commitment to freedom and democratic values. Armenia provides a safe haven for refugees, participates in U.S. led peacekeeping deployments, and supports the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Blockaded by Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia confronts serious challenges to its security and its sovereignty. U.S. economic and military assistance plays a vital role in strengthening Armenia’s independence. Military aid enables Armenia’s membership in NATO’s Partnerships for Peace and supports Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

The peaceful transition of government in 2018 and successful democratic elections provide an opportunity for the United States to support meaningful long-term governance reforms as an adjunct to our commitment to Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition. Increased funding for technical assistance on governance-related priorities, including rule of law reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, support for civil society and independent journalism should be prioritized. I urge encouraging the Administration to maximize the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meetings and to strategically broaden the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force to include support for governance reforms. I also support movement on a modern Double Tax Treaty, Social Security Totalization Agreement, debt-for-reforestation swaps, and non-stop U.S. to Armenia commercial flights, all of which would be to the benefit of both Armenia and the United States.

I urge the Subcommittee to support Armenia by:

  • Ensure not less than $30,000,000 be made available for governance and rule of law assistance to Armenia.
  • Ensure not less than $20,000,000 be made available for economic assistance to Armenia.
  • Support FMF aid for projects that develop Armenia’s capability to undertake peacekeeping missions.
  • Increase IMET funding to expand U.S. training opportunities for Armenian officers.
  • Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, ends its threat of renewed war, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Regional Safe Haven for Middle East Refugees
Over 25,000 individuals from Syria have sought safety in Armenia, which, despite being a small country, has received only modest levels of U.S. and international relief and resettlement assistance to accommodate this influx of refugees. Armenia has demonstrated its willingness to play a larger role as a regional safe haven for those fleeing persecution and death in the Middle East, but lacks the financial resources to offer the transition assistance needed by families fleeing violence.

I request the Subcommittee:

  • Include language recognizing Armenia’s efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for Christians and other at-risk populations fleeing violence in the Middle East, and supporting these efforts through aid and international organizations.
  • Provide funding to help Armenia provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven in Armenia.

Baku not to help create atmosphere for talks on Karabakh – Armenia’s foreign ministry

Ani Kharatian
TASS, Russia
March 9 2019
Baku not to help create atmosphere for talks on Karabakh – Armenia’s foreign ministry

YEREVAN March 9

HIGHLIGHT: Statements by Azerbaijan’s different officials concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis have noticeably toughened which cannot help create the atmosphere required for negotiations, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

YEREVAN, March 9. /TASS/. Statements by Azerbaijan’s different officials concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis have noticeably toughened which cannot help create the atmosphere required for negotiations, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

“Recently, statements made by officials at different levels of Azerbaijan’s executive power over a solution to the Karabakh crisis have noticeably toughened. Particularly, they stress the possibility of using the force or threaten to use it – a military solution, which is reprehensible. This rhetoric cannot help create the atmosphere needed for the talks,” the Armenian foreign ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, Baku allegedly pledges to use force but no details are given.

“Moreover, against the background of a meeting between the two countries’ leaders [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev], Azerbaijan initiates an offensive military exercise and fails to notify of it in advance, regardless of international commitments,” the statement says.

“Armenia has reiterated that it cannot accept this attitude as well as coercion to negotiation at gunpoint,” the statement says.

Baku’s stance

On March 5, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said that Yerevan’s “latest statements” were derailing the negotiating process on Nagorno-Karabakh. As an example, Mamedyarov cited the words of Armenia’s National Security Service head Artur Vanetsyan concerning a settlement program for Nagorno-Karabakh. During his visit to the area, Vanetsyan said the settlement program “will become the key security guarantee” for Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported that a major military exercise, involving up to 10,000 military personnel, would take place in the country on March 11 through 15.

History of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

The highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh (Mountainous Karabakh) is a mostly Armenian-populated enclave inside the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan. It was the first zone of inter-ethnic tensions and violence to appear on the map of the former USSR in February 1988. Then, the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region declared independence from Azerbaijan, a republic within the Soviet Union at the time. In 1992-1994, hostilities broke out in the region between pro-Baku forces and Armenian residents, which resulted in the Nagorno-Karabakh’s de facto independence. In 1994, a ceasefire was reached but the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been strained since then.

Since 1992, the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) co-chaired by Russia, France and the US have been holding talks to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Azerbaijani press: Azerbaijan urges OSCE MG to condemn provocative statements by Armenian leadership

Ani Kharatian
1 March 2019 23:26 (UTC+04:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 1

Trend:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reacted to the statements made by Artur Vanetsyan, director of the National Security Service of Armenia, Trend reports referring to the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

The Ministry noted that the fact that a high-ranking Armenian official spoke in this vein is a blatant attack against a years-long negotiating process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, contrary to its essence and logic, especially in light of the results of the last meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in Paris.

“In essence, what we have here is an audacious attempt to undermine the negotiation process and challenge the activities of the co-chairs. On the other hand, this statement is another clear evidence of Armenia’s direct involvement in the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and a desire to somehow “justify” its plans of annexing these lands, including via an illegal immigration policy, which fundamentally contradicts the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols to them.”

“In connection with this, we would like to remind the aggressor country that it is precisely Armenia who is responsible for all possible negative consequences of such provocative statements. Azerbaijan, for its part, will raise this issue at the leading international organizations, including the UN, the OSCE, etc. At the same time, we urge the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to make a decisive statement principally condemning such steps by the representatives of the senior political leadership of Armenia,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.


Exhibition of Armenia’s historical maps held in Šiauliai, Lithuania

Ani Kharatian

Exhibition of Armenia’s historical maps held in Šiauliai, Lithuania

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14:19,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The opening ceremony of an exhibition titled ‘Armenia in Ancient Maps’ was held in the Public Library of Lithuanian city of Šiauliai on February 19, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

The event has been organized by the Armenian Embassy in Lithuania and the Public Library of Šiauliai by the support of the city’s Armenian community.

It was attended by MPs, members of the Lithuania-Armenia parliamentary friendship group Arunas Gumuliauskas and Stasys Tumenas, the representatives of the city authorities, cultural figures, as well as Armenian community representatives.

The exhibition enabled to get acquainted with the history of the Armenian people based on facts.

Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania Tigran Mkrtchyan in his welcoming remarks stated that the organization of the exhibition doesn’t pursue any political goal, it presents Armenia at different historical periods with facts that are formed on scientific and cultural basis.

The Ambassador thanked the Library directorate and head of the Armenian community of Šiauliai Rafik Kazarian for the assistance provided for holding the event.

The exhibition is open until March 4, 2019.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




President Sarkissian extends condolences on death of philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone

Ani Kharatian

President Sarkissian extends condolences on death of philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone

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15:03,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a condolence letter over the death of national figure and philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

“With deep sorrow I have learnt the news of the death of dignified daughter of our people, national figure and philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone.

This is a major loss for Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenians worldwide because Mrs. Manoogian Simone had the closest connection with what is called Armenian and Armenia, by always standing with and among them.

As a deserving child of her patriotic parents – National Hero of Armenia Alex Manoogian and Mrs. Marie Manoogian, as the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and philanthropist, her services provided to the Homeland, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian people worldwide are really unique with their volumes and content.

Since Armenia’s independence, Armenia and Artsakh became the target of her patriotic activity to which Mrs. Manoogian Simone remained devoted up to the end of her life. As a longtime President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, member of the Board of Trustees and honorary member of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, she initiated and implemented numerous programs both in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.

That Great Woman with her comprehensive activities and reputation goes beyond the national boundaries and presents our people at best at the international level.

At this difficult moment of a pan-national loss, I extend my sincere and deepest condolences to her family and relatives, brother Richard Manoogian, her three children, grandchildren, the AGBU, the Board of Trustees, sharing everyone’s grief”, reads the President’s condolence letter.

Louise Manoogian Simone has passed away on February 18 at the age of 86. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 19, 1933. Her father, Alex Manoogian, National Hero of Armenia, philanthropist, had a great contribution to combining all Armenians worldwide.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




A1+: Edmon Marukyan: The government should pass from the super prime minister system to parliamentary government (video)

Ani Kharatian
  • 14:59 | February 18,2019 | Politics
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

The head of the “Bright Armenia” faction Edmon Marukyan, speaking to reporters yesterday, commented on the statement issued by the Armenian National Congress that Armenia should return to the semi-presidential system, and said that he respects the ANC, but does not support that idea.