Author: Ani Kharatian

Sports: Mourinho apologised to Mkhitaryan for ‘unfair’ substitution against Derby

Ani Kharatian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 6 2018

Jose Mourinho has revealed he apologised to Henrikh Mkhitaryan after substituting the midfielder at half-time during the FA Cup victory over Derby County, ESPN reported.

The Armenian national team captain and Manchester United midfield was handed just his second start in two months against the Championship side at Old Trafford on Friday. But he lasted just 45 minutes before he was replaced with Romelu Lukaku, who scored the second goal in a 2-0 win.

However, Mourinho said afterwards his decision had been “unfair.” He told a news conference: “I didn’t like what I did, unfair, he didn’t deserve.

“He was playing well, he was not playing bad, he had a couple of mis-possessions, but he was giving a good dynamic to the team and my feeling was that [Marcus] Rashford is not going to score a goal and because of that I am not going to lose time and I am going to play Romelu and I am going to sacrifice a player and Mkhi was the one I sacrificed.

“But it is not something I normally do and at half-time I apologised to him in front of the people because he didn’t deserve it.”

To note, in Mkhitaryan’s absence, Lukaku came off the bench to score his first goal in five games.

Armenian analyst: Polarization of Turkish society still continues

Ani Kharatian
News.am, Armenia
Dec 31 2017
Armenian analyst: Polarization of Turkish society still continues Armenian analyst: Polarization of Turkish society still continues

15:05, 31.12.2017
                  

YEREVAN. – A number of important events took place in Turkey last year, from which it’s worthy to mention the referendum on constitutional changes in April and persecutions against the Gulen supporters, political analyst Vahram Ter-Matevosyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

He believes the opposition in Turkey remains paralyzed.

“Though Erdogan succeeded in reaching his goal, and a part of society voted for the proposed constitutional amendments, still it was clear that it could hardly be called a victory. The slight difference between the for and against votes, the open dissatisfaction of a large part of society and the fraud that Erdogan and his team made in the election campaign showed that the split and polarization of the Turkish society continues”, the expert said.

He noted that during the months following the referendum, Erdogan’s step by step authoritarian manifestations became more obvious.

“As a result, the mechanisms of mutual counterweight between different branches of authority in Turkey became more formal, almost completely accommodated to Erdogan’s will. Opposition continues to be paralyzed. The two co-chairs, nine deputies and 80 mayors of the Pro-Kurdish Democratic Party, continue to be in prison, and the propositions of the largest oppositional Republican People’s Party do not go beyond speeches and marches. The new opposition force formed in the past year, the Good party, although started its path quite promising, but still, didn’t come out with any memorable steps”, Ter-Matevosyan said.

He noted that the next issue of domestic political processes in Turkey was extension of the emergency regime and its endless series of trials, imprisonments, detentions, arrests and dismissals.

“Since July 2016, a total of 148,000 government officials, teachers, professors, civil servants and scientists have been dismissed based on a series of government decisions concerning the ongoing struggle against the Gulen supporters, the Kurdish Workers’ Party, and the Islamic State. About 3,000 schools, dormitories and universities have been closed, and about 6,000 scholars and researchers have been dismissed. 187 media agencies were closed in 18 months and 308 journalists were arrested. It’s no coincidence that as in previous years, Turkey continues to be the largest prisoner of journalists.”

“This resulted in an atmosphere of fear and mutual suspicion. Journalists, analysts and researchers living in Turkey, who somehow expressed their position on important domestic political issues a few years ago, avoided voicing criticism against the government over the past 2-3 years”.

Armenia President: We will return our relatives to Armenia

Ani Kharatian
News.am, Armenia
Dec 31 2017
Armenia President: We will return our relatives to Armenia Armenia President: We will return our relatives to Armenia

00:11, 01.01.2018
                  

YEREVAN. – Armenia will do its outmost to return our relatives who left the country, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in his traditional New Year message.

“Honorable citizens of the Republic of Armenia, Dear Compatriots, I would like to thank you before we bid farewell to 2017. I am grateful to soldiers and workers, intellectuals and businessmen of Armenia for selfless work, patriotism and patience,” President said addressing the Armenians.

“Let the faith for our people and the future of the country give us strength in the New Year. We are gathered at the table to celebrate. All of us are summing up the passing year, expressing gratitude to God. Let’s greet 2018 with positive emotions of friendship and love. 2017 was a year of consistent work and implementation of serious projects, the rate of large-scale changes has not reduced, and, it made the changes more determined. The achievements are first of all the positive results we have this year.”

“And yet we have to work much to consolidate the foundations of the Armenian statehood and society. Our ambitions are great and we will be consistent in their implementation. We will continue to safeguard the rights and interests of Artsakh. Every citizen of Armenia should feel the work of the Armenian authorities and should give us a sense of confidence. We have a wonderful country and we should be proud of being a citizen of such a country.”

“Dear Compatriots, in 2017 we elected a new National Assembly.

The political competition was hot, but the atmosphere was constructive. We avoided hostility and separation of the opposing camps. It is much more important than the percent of votes.

This is another sound trend that we have to move from the past year to a new one. From now on, mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity are the constant guidelines of Armenia’s political life. At the end of next year, we will finish our work on a new government system. It is a wonderful coincidence that we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Armenia in 2018.

We can confidently say that this date is approaching with stronger and more developed state and non-governmental organizations. Together we will return our relatives who have left Armenia. They will come because they will see a bigger area for working and expressing themselves in Armenia. The purpose of our work is to open new opportunities, to create a wider field of activity for every citizen of Armenia.”

“Dear compatriots,

In 2017, we gave impetus to the strengthening of our Armed Forces. As a result of the changes, the parents sending their child to the army should be confident that he is serving in the Armed Forces with excellent organization and exceptional discipline. Let’s wish our servicemen good service. Let’s express our gratitude to those safeguarding our peace.

Another year in the millenniums of Armenia and the history of our young independent statehood. Let the Armenian-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity continue to strengthen in 2018, let our borders be secure and our homes hospitable.

Let us lift a glass and wish peace to Armenia, warmth and strength to our families. And, let’s never forget that family is the foundation of our country. May always the atmosphere of love, happiness, care and understanding be at each home. Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!”

Armenia will be logical, prosperous country, optimistic and confident for future – PM Karapetyan’s New Year address

Ani Kharatian 
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
 Saturday
Armenia will be logical, prosperous country, optimistic and confident
for future – PM Karapetyan's New Year address
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Karen
Karapetyan released a statement ahead of New Year and Christmas
holidays, the government’s press service said.
“Dear Compatriots,
I have the honor and the opportunity to address you with New Year and
Christmas congratulations. May your families be blessed with much
happiness, homely warmth, love and solidarity in the New Year!
As usual, we summarize the outgoing year in the run-up to the New
Year. The annual economic performance will be better than we expected
in 2016, and positively different from the indicators of other
countries in the region. To cope with all the problems facing the
country, we must work hard and ensure sustainable growth every year.
No one will develop and build the country for us.
Armenia is to be a logical and prosperous country, optimistic and
confident about the future. We need an atmosphere of tolerance in the
country; mutual respect and consolidation around the goal of
developing the country.
Every one of us can take a share in that nationwide drive for
consolidation. Anyone, who protects the country and works hard,
studies, wakes up early and is thoughtful of his surroundings and the
country, as a whole, should feel wanted by his fellow countrymen.
We can develop our country together and, as a result, have a powerful,
equitable, well-developed and prosperous Armenia strong with
ever-growing and happy population.
Dear Compatriots,
On this festive days, I suggest that you fill up your homes with
affection and care, embrace your parents, grandparents, children and
grandchildren, exchange kind remarks, rejoice, forgive ... Join your
family members, relatives and friends in a bid to get rid of your
everyday concerns and stock up on a positive supply of energy for the
coming year.
Be assured that we are going to have an awesome and wonderful country.
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas”, the PM said in the statement.

A bomb was found in a box under the Christmas tree in the yard of the Polytechnic

Ani Kharatian
  • 25.12.2017

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On December 25, at 10:32, an alarm was received from the police that there is a suspicious box under the Christmas tree in the courtyard of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, located at Teryan 105/6, Yerevan. the help of rescuers is needed. This is reported by the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations.


One combat unit and an emergency response team were dispatched to the scene. Everyone was evacuated from the building of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia.


A few minutes ago, journalists gathered in the courtyard of the university were told that an explosive device wrapped in wires was found in a suspicious box under the Christmas tree inside the university and is now being investigated to determine its authenticity (it is suspected that it may be a New Year’s surprise).


Both students and journalists are prevented from entering by the local police. They urged the students to leave the area of ​​the university yard as well. Due to safety concerns, classes will resume tomorrow.


Shamshyan.com reports that the name of the rector was written on the box. 


More information will be provided.

What was found under the university’s Christmas tree does not pose any danger. police

Ani Kharatian
  • 25.12.2017

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As VERELQ reported earlier, on December 25, at 10:32, an alarm was received from the police that the apartment located at 105/6 Teryan Street in Yerevan There is a suspicious box under the Christmas tree in the courtyard of the National University of Architecture and Construction. the help of rescuers is needed. 


A little while ago, Edgar Janoyan, the head of the communication, analysis and information department of the RA police, presented details about the incident on his Facebook page.


“This morning, at 10:15, the police was alerted that there is a suspicious box in the yard, under the fir tree. A group of officers from different police departments went to the scene of the incident, and after moving it to a safe place, opened the box.

According to preliminary information, 2 brandy bottles with liquid of unknown origin, plasticine, a small accumulator, wires and detonators similar to an explosive device were found in the box. In fact, what was found did not pose any threat and was confiscated.

The circumstances of the incident are being clarified. Examinations have been scheduled. An investigation is underway.”

Armenia assumed the presidency of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

Ani Kharatian
  • 15.12.2017

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RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandyan participated in the 37th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization in Kyiv, which was attended by high-ranking delegations of 12 CSTO member states, 13 observer countries and partner organizations.


Armenia took over the chairmanship of the organization’s Kyiv ministerial council.


Speaking at the session of the ministerial council, Edward Nalbandian touched upon the issues on the agenda of the SPC, the cooperation within the framework of the organization and its prospects, the reforms of the SPC and the necessary steps to strengthen the effectiveness of the organization.


Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia, being committed to the strategic goals of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, reaffirms its support for the economic agenda of the organization, which is aimed at expanding regional cooperation, which stems from the statutory goals of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.


Referring to Armenia’s presidency in the structure, Foreign Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia, as the presiding country, will keep the expansion of economic cooperation in the CSTO region in the center of attention for the next six months and will advance the planned agenda through existing mechanisms.


Referring to the process of reforming the SPC, Edward Nalbandian expressed his belief that the SPC needs practical and realistic steps to fulfill its main mission at this stage, noting that the Organization can increase its efficiency through the implementation of decisions and resolutions approved by the Council of Ministers.


The Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that the persistent attempts of some member countries of the CSTO to politicize the activities of the Organization affect not only the multilateral economic cooperation of the region, but also the very foundations of the Organization, its main goals, and call into question the authority of the CSTO as an effective regional economic organization.


The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia also added that some unwise attempts within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to engage in some activities separate from the Organization under the guise of reforms contradict the Charter of the Organization, the goals and procedures of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, negatively affecting the reputation of the Organization.


Responding to the speech of the head of the delegation of Azerbaijan, the Armenian Foreign Minister noted that Azerbaijan’s attempts to use the CSTO platform to advance its narrow political interests are hindering the CSTO economic cooperation and it is unlikely to expect achievements within the framework of the Organization if this platform continues to be exploited for propaganda purposes.


Summarizing his speech, Foreign Minister Nalbandyan emphasized. “During its presidency, Armenia will engage in joint efforts aimed at promoting comprehensive regional cooperation and economic interdependence.”

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 12/05/2017

Ani Kharatian 
                                        Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Parliament Majority Blocks Debate On Eurasian Union
 . Astghik Bedevian
Armenia - A session of the National Assembly in Yerevan, 30May2017.
The Armenian parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly refused to debate on
a pro-Western opposition alliance's calls for Armenia's withdrawal
from the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
A parliamentary declaration drafted by the Yelk alliance says that
membership in the EEU, effective from January 2015, has hurt the
country's economy and security. Deputies representing the
pro-government majority in the National Assembly spoke out against the
document when it was first circulated in September.
Nevertheless, Yelk continued to press for a full-fledged parliamentary
debate on the issue. The parliament committee on foreign relations
discussed and gave a negative assessment of the Yelk motion on
November 29.
Only six deputies, all of them from Yelk, voted for the issue's
inclusion on the parliament agenda. Seventy-six others voted
against. The latter represent not only the ruling Republican Party
(HHK) but also its junior coalition partner, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation, and businessman Gagik Tsarukian's alliance.
Just before the vote, the HHK's Samvel Farmanian addressed fellow
lawmakers and defended the Armenian leadership's foreign policy which
aims to complement Armenia's alliance with Russia with closer ties
with the West. He implicitly referred to the Comprehensive and
Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed by Armenia and the
European Union on November 24.
"An artificial juxtaposition of the EEU and the EU is not in the
interests of Armenia, and I am sure that the faction sitting on our
left [Yelk] is utterly conscious of that," said Farmanian.
Yelk's Edmon Marukian rebutted that claim. He insisted that the EEU is
to blame for rising consumer prices and other economic problems facing
Armenia.
According to official Armenian statistics, Russia and other EEU member
states accounted for about 28 percent of Armenia's foreign trade in
January-October 2017. The EU's share in the total stood at just over
24 percent.
Immediately after refusing to discuss the Yelk initiative, the
parliament began debating a new uniform Customs Code which is due to
be adopted by the EEU member states. The draft code calls, among other
things, for solely electronic filings of customs declarations and
other documents starting from 2020.A deputy head of Armenia's State
Revenue Committee, Vakhtang Mirumian, said this would make it easier
for Armenian companies to engage in import and export operations.
Armenian Government Reports Further Drop In Poverty
 . Marine Khachatrian
Armenia - People read vacancy notices at an open-air job fair in
Yerevan, 9Oct2017.
Poverty in Armenia continued to fall slowly last year despite sluggish
economic growth, the National Statistical Service (NSS) said on
Tuesday.
In an annual report, the government agency said 29.4 percent of
Armenians lived below the official poverty line as of the end of 2016,
down from 29.8 percent in 2015.
The poverty line is set at almost 40,900 drams ($85) per month. The
NSS regards as "very poor" over a third of some 880,000 Armenians
whose average monthly income did not exceed that figure. Another
54,000 people are considered "extremely poor," NSS officials said as
they presented the report to journalists in Yerevan.
Adrine Babloyan of the Yerevan office of the United Nations Children's
Fund (UNICEF) also spoke at the news conference. Babloyan expressed
concern over the fact that at 34.2 percent the poverty rate among
Armenian children was still above the nationwide average. And it did
not shrink considerably in 2016, she said.
Poverty fell more rapidly during an almost a decade of double-digit
economic growth in Armenia that came to an end with the onset of a
global financial crisis in late 2008. It stood at 27.6 percent at that
time but soared to almost 36 percent in 2010, one year after the
country's Gross Domestic Product shrunk by over 14 percent.
Economic growth has been modest since then. It all but ground to a
halt in 2016 but seems to have significantly accelerated this
year. NSS data released in recent months suggests that the Armenian
economy is now on course to expand by at least 4 percent.
Senior government officials have said that rapid poverty reduction is
contingent on an economic growth rate of at least 5 percent. Prime
Minister Karen Karapetian's cabinet set this annual growth target in
its five-year policy program approved by parliament in June.
The 120-page program says that sustained faster growth will cut
poverty to about 18 percent by 2022.
Using a different methodology, the World Bank has recorded lower
poverty rates in Armenia. According to it, just under 25 percent of
Armenians lived in poverty in 2016. In a report released in May, the
bank forecast that the poverty rate will fall to 22.2 percent in 2019.
The NSS currently estimates the average monthly wage in the country at
just over 190,000 drams ($394).The official rate of unemployment
exceeds 20 percent.
Government Adamant On Ending Amnesty For Cash
 . Karlen Aslanian
Armenia - Armenian army soldiers are lined up at a military base in
Tavush province, 2Dec2016.
Despite strong objections voiced by senior lawmakers from the ruling
Republican Party (HHK), the Armenian government remains determined to
scrap in 2019 a law allowing men, who have illegally evaded military
service, to buy an amnesty.
Under a law first enacted in 2004, they have been able to avoid
criminal prosecution in exchange for a hefty fee. The amnesty-for-cash
scheme was originally applicable to fugitive men born before
1978. This age threshold has been repeatedly raised since then.
The Armenian parliament approved another extension last month. A
relevant HHK-drafted bill passed in the first reading will apply to
male citizens who have turned 27 before December 1, 2017. They would
have to pay roughly 3.6 million drams ($7,440) each.
Earlier in November, the Defense Ministry put forward an amendment
stipulating that there will be no further extensions of the
scheme. The parliament committee on defense and security rejected the
amendment strongly criticized by its chairman and several members
affiliated with the HHK. They included Karine Achemian, one of the
authors of the bill.
The National Assembly debated the bill in the second reading on
Tuesday. Deputy Defense Minister Artak Zakarian made clear that the
government is adamant in ensuring that the amnesty-for-cash
arrangement is not extended beyond December 2019. He insisted that it
only encourages draft evasion.
"At some point the law will cease to be a mechanism for avoiding
military service," Zakarian said during the final debate. "As a result
of discussions with its authors, we arrived at common conclusions, so
to speak."
"It appears that the government does not intend to extend the law
further because we don't want to encourage people to flee [Armenia] #
After all, we are a country at war," Achemian told fellow
parliamentarians.
Speaking to RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) later in the day,
Achemian confirmed that she no longer objects to the government's
stance.
Officials say that around 10,000 draft dodgers have bought an amnesty
since 2004. Almost 9,500 other Armenian men remain on the run on draft
evasion charges.
Top Armenian General Forced To Quit Army
 . Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia - Lieutenant-General Haykaz Baghmanian, deputy chief of the
Armenian army's General Staff, 28Jan2015.
One of Armenia's most influential army generals was sacked on Tuesday
after being publicly rebuked by Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian.
President Serzh Sarkisian relieved Lieutenant-General Haykaz
Baghmanian of his duties as deputy chief of the Armenian army's
General Staff just hours after the extraordinary criticism.
Speaking to reporters, Sargsian said Baghmanian has asked to be
discharged from the military "at my urging." He accused the latter of
failure to comply with unspecified "working agreements" which is
"incompatible with further joint service." The minister did not
elaborate.
Baghmanian has held the position since 2009. The former Soviet army
officer had previously commanded two of Armenia's army corps.
Baghmanian has long been under media spotlight because of his reported
business interests and lavish lifestyle that raised questions about
his integrity. He has also been occasionally dogged by controversy.
Last year, for example, an entrepreneur from the eastern Armenian town
of Martuni alleged that Baghmanian has gained ownership of one of his
businesses by fraudulent means. The general denied the allegation. The
business in question, a liquefied gas station, is now run by his
28-year-old son.
In 2010, the Hetq.am investigative publication reported that
Baghmanian was spotted at a requiem service held for a deceased crime
figure.
Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian (R) and Defense Minister Vigen
Sargsian visit the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan, 2Apr2017.
Hakob Badalian, a Yerevan-based political analyst, suggested that by
openly attacking and forcing Baghmanian to quit Sargsian sought to
demonstrate that he has sufficient authority over the military.
"This is a signal to foreign powers, the Armenian public and the
ruling clique regarding Vigen Sargsian's political clout in the armed
forces," Badalian told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am).
Sargsian, 42, is widely regarded a prot g and potential successor of
President Sarkisian. He was the chief of the presidential staff before
being appointed as defense minister just over a year ago.
Meeting senior military officials in late October, Sarkisian pledged
to "modernize" Armenia's army through a seven-year plan of actions
which he said will be launched less than three months before he
completes his final presidential term in April.
Press Review
According to "Haykakan Zhamanak," analysts are pessimistic about a
fresh meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers
scheduled for December 6 because "there is nothing new about the
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict." "Everyone is sticking to
their guns and nothing suggests that the parties could reach a common
denominator in the foreseeable future," writes the paper.
"Hayots Ashkhar" says, for its part, that the weekend military
exercises in Nagorno-Karabakh testify to "positive changes in not only
the international community's attitudes towards the negotiation
process but also Armenian perceptions of their essence." The paper
says that the official scenario of the drills, which involved
defensive and counteroffensive operations, "mirrored our latest
successes on the diplomatic front." All international mediators and
major foreign powers, it claims, came up with initiatives in November
aimed at keeping the Karabakh conflict "frozen." It says that Turkey's
efforts to reverse this trend by getting Russia to put pressure on
Armenia have ended in failure.
"Zhoghovurd" shrugs off recent government pledges to seriously clamp
down on corruption in Armenia. The paper says that in making such
statements government officials try to look so serious that "they
almost start believing what they say." "They started those shows long
ago but those have intensified of late," it speculates, seeing a
connection between the government's anti-corruption rhetoric and the
signing of Armenia's landmark agreement with the EU. "It is laughable
to see the authorities fight against a vice which is the reason why
they came into existence in the first place," it says.
"Past" says that the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) is first and foremost a "political document." "For
Serzh Sarkisian, this is the only diplomatic victory of his ten-year
tenure," writes the paper. "In the existing situation, it is also a
huge carte blanche for his legitimacy. And it's a carte blanche from
both Russia and Europe."
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2017 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org

Robot Obolot continues its adventures (video)

Ani Kharatian
  • 19:13 | November 29,2017 | Social
  • Armenian:

Crazy, friendly and funny robot Obolot was created by Digitec Animation Studio.

Rafik Mkhitaryan, head of the studio, presents the project. It is mean for children of the pre-school age. “Our purpose is to to develop imagination and creative thinking of children as a result of combination of colors, objects, or forms.”

The Robot Obolot cartoon is broadcast once a week on the YouTube channel. In each series, the robot exposes new objects and prepares for children, showing the way they are to be used. The cartoon contains Armenian elements, music, architectural values, and paintings.

The project does not have any language, it is of an international format. 

Armenian animation studios mainly get orders from abroad, mostly form Russia. There are still no serious investments that would be able to develop Armenian animation.

Arpine is also involved in creating animated cartoons. She and her friends prepare plasticine heroes in the studio, giving them life and ability to move.

Details are available in the video

World Vision Taiwan calls for action to address poverty in Armenia, Bosnia, and Romania

Ani Kharatian
Taiwan News
Nov 27 2017


By Duncan DeAeth,Taiwan News, Staff Writer
2017/11/27 13:21

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Many kids love winter, enjoy outdoor winter activities, and hope for Christmas gifts, but not to the children living in some areas of Armenia, Bosnia, and Romania, as their parents manage to build fire to help them survive freezing winters, said people with a relief organization recently at a forum in Taipei.  

The World Vision Taiwan organization hosted a forum with guests from three different countries on Sunday, Nov. 26 to rally support for assistance programs to serve struggling families and children living in poverty.

Representatives of the relief organization from Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Armenia came to Taiwan to discuss the difficult conditions of poverty stricken people, especially the risks and challenges such communities face during the harsh winters in the region.

The representatives outlined the current situation and strategies to address the chronic poverty and malnourishment in the poorest regions of their country.

Bosnia

In the case of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Livelihood and Resilience Tech., the non-profit organization worker Almir Zulic discussed the problem of limited fuel sources to heat non-insulated homes in Bosnian winters that can reach -20, even -30 degrees Celsius.

The team there aims to create a wood pellet production line, which will produce the relatively less expensive fuel source for communities. Increased availability of fuel for heating homes will allow families to save funds that would otherwise be spent entirely on wood, a crucial resource that is quickly becoming too expensive for many in the country.

The wood pellet production line will provide work for some youth employees, and a model for other villages and community organizations. The country’s WV Communication Officer Nejra Baltes explained that youth unemployment in Bosnia-Herzegovina is at a staggering 65 percent for people ages 18 to 30. The country’s infrastructure has been extremely troubled since the early 1990s when the region suffered heavily in its conflict with neighbor Serbia.

The goal is to help communities help themselves by establishing sustainable ventures and small business models to create employment opportunities, and cultivate a more hopeful outlook for the future of the country.

Forum guests learn about the issues in the region (Image courtesy of World Vision Taiwan)

Armenia

Armenia is a country where poverty has been on the rise over the past decade, and over 50,000 people live in extreme poverty on less than US$ 50 every month.

The Armenia team is especially concerned about the number of struggling single parent families, and the number of children in orphanages or behavioral institutes in the country, where infrastructure for childcare falls below the average for European countries. Armenia ranks the 3rd highest in the world for prenatal selection, where preference for male children puts female babies at particular risk, especially in poor communities.

There are 15 communities in Armenia that are especially isolated during winter with little possibility for outside assistance. The Manager from Armenia’s Aparan region Tamara Babakadze explained that most homes in these areas are built of stone and poorly insulated which contributes to high malnutrition in poor households that lack an adequate supply of hot water or proper winter wear.

The organization also hopes to introduce solar panels to there, and train a local workforce in their maintenance and installation. Armenia has around 300 sunny days a year, and solar panels will contribute to job production, and create energy stores that will help families stay warm in the winter.

In addition to their support for families during the winter each year, the WV Armenia Program Director Zhiayr outlined the organization’s strategy to develop youth education programs as well as programs that provide support and educational courses for young parents.

The aim is not simply to assist individuals on single occasions of hardship, but rather to uplift and enrich families and communities through education and training to improve shared economic prospects for entire regions.

Romania

Romania is country that recently joined the EU, however it still suffers from very serious wealth disparity between urban and rural areas. The common European market has resulted in higher priced goods, while wages have remained stagnant throughout the country.

WV Romania is especially concerned about the poverty stricken communities in the Ural mountain region, which are reliant on small clay stones to heat often poorly constructed and poorly insulated homes. Project Coordinator and Social Work Specialist for the Vaslui region, Roberta Tuduri described the difficult and discouraging situation for many children in the region, where one in eight is likely to only eat one meal a day, and one in five will never finish secondary school.

The Operations Director for Romania Cristina Balanescu examined the obstacles and needs of families and communities in the Ural region. They hope to improve a network of cooperation and communication throughout the region to teach better home insulation techniques, as well as provide wood to heat homes and clothing to keep children warm in the winters that are regularly -15 to -20 degrees Celsius.

As has been observed in many communities, poverty creates a cycle of economic struggle, which in turns contributes to neglected education and increased health issues. Poorly educated communities with little economic prospects are then even more likely to continue sliding deeper into poverty.

The representatives have been in Taipei for a week to consult with their counterparts in Taiwan, to devise cooperative strategies for the best way that World Vision and the people of Taiwan can help at-risk populations in the three countries. The sharing session and forum was organized by a Taiwanese philanthropist Mr. Chen, who began sponsoring an Armenian child, four years ago, and has become more involved in the effort to help as many people in the region as possible.

World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organizations that assists struggling families and children to overcome poverty and suffering throughout the world.

If you would like to assist children and families in Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovnia, or Romania, by making a donation, offering your assistance, or sponsoring a child in need, more information is available on the main World Vision website (Eng), or the site of World Vision Taiwan (CHI).

World Vision representatives and forum attendees (Image courtesy of World Vision Taiwan)