Author: Antonian Lara

Armenian American Museum Takes Disney Hall

Antonian Lara
Nov 16 2023


The Armenian American Museum hosted a reception at Walt Disney Concert Hall in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the orchestra’s presentation of “Dudamel Leads Khachaturian,” featuring composer Aram Khachaturian’s internationally acclaimed and timeless musical compositions.
“It has been a wonderful evening of arts, culture and community on a grand stage,” said board of governors member Margaret Mgrublian in her welcoming remarks. “The event serves as a reminder of how iconic venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and soon-to-be Armenian American Museum play an important role in the work of cultural preservation and celebration.”
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is an internationally renowned orchestra that harnesses the transformative power of live music to build community, foster intellectual and artistic growth, and nurture the creative spirit. During the moving performance, Director Gustavo Dudamel led an exploration of Aram Khachaturian’s distinct voice first with a suite from his ballet Spartacus featuring the stirring Adagio followed by the intense and heroic Piano Concerto with the help of Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
The museum hosted a special reception at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Founders Room following the musical performance. Attendees included Naming Opportunities, Benefactors, and Legacy Council donors of the museum. The event was sponsored by longtime supporters of the museum.
“We are excited to share that the Armenian American Museum will be rising to the horizon early next year with the installation of the museum’s structural steel,” said Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian, which prompted a roaring applause. “We are grateful to our generous donors for supporting the community’s vision for a landmark center that will be our gift to future generations.”
The Armenian American Museum is a world-class educational and cultural center that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The first phase of construction featuring the museum parking garage and building foundation has been completed. The second phase of construction features the two-level 50,820-square-foot museum superstructure. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center and more.
To learn more about the museum project, visit ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

https://glendalenewspress.outlooknewspapers.com/2023/11/16/armenian-american-museum-takes-disney-hall/

Who Is Winning The Nagorno-Karabakh War?

Antonian Lara
Nov 11 2023

Who is winning the Nagorno-Karabakh war?

Modern Military | Future Arms & Current News

The onset of the first conflict in Artsakh (also known as Nagorno-Karabakh) occured during the 1990s. As a result, brought the region’s unresolved status into sharp focus. Furthermore, this pivotal issue dominated the peace talks, with various resolutions proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group. Including comprehensive and phased solutions, the Common State, Key West, the Kazan document, and the Lavrov plan. Thus, all aimed at reaching a consensual resolution for Artsakh’s status.

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Army Artsakh

Ultimately, Azerbaijan opted to address this matter through military action. This decision likely took shape in the early 2000s. With Azerbaijan believing that military engagement would yield more favorable outcomes than diplomatic negotiations. The nation strategically awaited a geopolitically opportune moment, which emerged in 2020. Influenced by the global COVID-19 pandemic, in addition, political changes in the United States. And of course evolving perceptions of Armenia-Russia relations post the 2018 Velvet Revolution.

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Logo of the Hamza Division, a Free Syrian Army group in northern Aleppo.

Hamza Division – https://twitter.com/alhamza_brigade

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National Security Service (Armenia)

Government of Armenia – http://www.yerkirmedia.am/wap.php?act=news&lan=hy&id=14820

In response to these developments, the international community’s reaction to Azerbaijan’s forceful eviction of Armenians from Artsakh was limited to standard expressions of concern, pledges of humanitarian aid for Armenian refugees. Additionally, calls came for Azerbaijan to respect the rights of Armenians wishing to return to Artsakh. As recently stated in a joint U.S.-EU declaration.

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Police of the Republic of Armenia

Government of Armenia – http://www.armenianow.com/news/44993/armenia_proshyan_village_mayor_murder_arrest

Some speculate that the disbandment of the Republic of Artsakh and the displacement of its Armenian inhabitants might pave the path to lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The reasoning is that with the primary obstacle, the status of Artsakh, now removed. There should be no hindrance to peace between the two nations.

The second issue is the proposed “Zangezur corridor,” envisaged to connect Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhichevan and Turkey through Armenian territory. Though the November 10, 2020, trilateral statement addressed restoring communications, including routes to Nakhichevan, it did not explicitly mention a “corridor.” Nonetheless, Azerbaijan has linked this to the operation of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor and insists on special guarantees for the safety of Azerbaijanis traveling through Armenia, without addressing similar concerns for Armenians.

Badge of the Azerbaijani Land Forces

The likelihood of Azerbaijan using military force to enforce these demands remains a subject of speculation. The enclave issue seems the most probable trigger for immediate military action, with Azerbaijan potentially justifying it as liberating its own lands, recognized by Armenia as part of Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, the justifications for military action to establish the “Zangezur corridor” or enforce the “Western Azerbaijan” concept are less clear!

However, Azerbaijan may continue to leverage these demands to exert pressure on Armenia and delay any formal agreements. Azerbaijan may also wait for another opportune geopolitical moment to assert these goals through force.

Aram I serves as Guest Chaplain of U.S. House of Representatives, calls for U.S. support to Nagorno-Karabakh refugees

Antonian Lara

 12:33,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia has called for American leadership in aiding Nagorno-Karabakh’s 100,000 forcibly displaced persons, during discussions with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and a dozen U.S. Representatives, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Aram I was on Capitol Hill at the invitation of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and served as Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.

After a meeting in the Capitol with Speaker Johnson, Rep. Schiff, and U.S. House Chaplain Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, His Holiness Aram I offered the opening prayer at the November 10 U.S. House of Representatives session. In his prayer, he noted, “Help us, God of Mercy, remember in our prayers more than one hundred thousand Armenian refugees who were recently forced to leave Nagorno Karabakh, their centuries old homeland…” The prayer was televised on CSPAN and streamed live on the ANCA’s social media channels.

In remarks on the U.S. House floor, Rep. Schiff welcomed His Holiness Aram I to Congress, noting that “his unwavering commitment to the values of faith, community, and compassion embodies the spirit of our vibrant Armenian community.” Rep. Schiff went on to stress that His Holiness Aram I’s “support for humanitarian issues, advocacy for human rights, engagement in several educational and cultural initiatives, and promotion of interfaith understanding have left an indelible mark making the world a better place for all.”

Following the prayer, His Holiness Aram I met with Speaker Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Representative Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), at a reception hosted by the ANCA. His Holiness also met separately with Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL). The Armenian pontiff praised members of the Congressional Armenian Staff Association in attendance, for their efforts to educate elected officials on Armenian American concerns.

Prior to leaving the Capitol, His Holiness Aram I led fellow clergy in a moving rendition of The Lord’s Prayer, sung in Armenian in the Congressional Prayer Room near the rotunda in the United States Capitol.

During his visit to the U.S. Capitol, Catholicos Aram I was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern U.S. Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of the Canadian Prelacy; His Grace Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western U.S. Prelacy; Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar General of the Eastern U.S. Prelacy; Very Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, head of the Catholicosate Media Department; Very Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, head of the Middle East and Christian-Islam dialogue section of the Ecumenical Department of the Catholicosate; Mr. Stepan Der Bedrosian, co-chair of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate; Leaders of the Executive Councils of the Eastern U.S. Prelacy, Western U.S. Prelacy, and Canadian Prelacy; as well ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian and members of the ANCA Washington DC Staff.

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets European Commission President’s Head of Cabinet

Antonian Lara

 20:18,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. During the working visit to Brussels, the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, Armen Grigoryan on Friday, held a meeting with Bjoern Seibert, the Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Commission, the Office of the Security Council of Armenia said.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the process of implementation of the agreements reached during the meeting between the Armenian Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The parties also referred to issues covering the scope of Armenia-EU bilateral multi-sectoral cooperation.

Disturbing video shows Azeri soldier ransacking children’s room in abandoned home of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh

Antonian Lara

 16:53, 3 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. A video posted online shows an Azeri soldier plundering an abandoned house of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Azeri soldier, visibly ecstatic, was filmed presumably by one of his comrades, who is heard reveling behind the camera.

The Azerbaijani soldier is seen ransacking the children’s room and grabbing stuffed toys.

In a post on X, Armenian Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan called out the international community for not responding to the ‘savagery.’

“After keeping the people of Nagorno-Karabakh under a blockade for 10 months, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, carrying out an ethnic cleansing of Armenians from the entire territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Now, this is what Azeris are doing with the abandoned homes of Armenians. Meanwhile, the international community kept insisting that Azerbaijan is obliged to guarantee the rights and security of Armenians, and Azerbaijan kept responding that they will surely ensure all of that. It turns out, however, that Azerbaijan does not even ensure the safety of empty houses of Armenians, their property in those houses, including children’s toys. Nevertheless, this savagery does not receive any sanctions or condemnation from the same international community," Marukyan said.

Russia’s GDP increases by 2.8% in 9 months — PM Mishustin

Antonian Lara

 20:49,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, ARMENPRESS. Russia's GDP has grown by 2.8% over the nine months of this year, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting on economic issues, Tass informs.

"The period of adaptation to external challenges has largely passed, and by the end of this year we expect the Russian economy to grow. Based on the results of nine months, the increase in gross domestic product was 2.8% – this is a preliminary estimate of the Economic Development Ministry," the Russian PM said.

According to him, in September, GDP was twice as high – more than 5% in annual terms. 

"By the middle of the year, the economy had almost completely recovered to pre-crisis level," Mishustin stressed.

But he noted that there is still some decline in the oil and gas sector.

He also drew attention to the fact that domestic production and the creation of a supply economy contribute to the overall dynamics of GDP growth.

Armenian government allocated 54 billion drams for forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh – PM

Antonian Lara

 11:46,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia has allocated approximately 54 billion drams for the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh, and at this moment 16 billion of this sum has been spent, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Monday during a parliamentary committee discussion on the 2024 state budget.

He said that a part of the assistance programs for the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh will be included in the 2024 state budget as well.

“With decisions that we’ve already taken so far, we’ve allocated approximately 54 billion drams for our forcibly displaced brothers and sisters of Nagorno-Karabakh. But at this moment 16 billion of this amount has been spent. Understandably a part of it will be spent in the 2024 state budget. For example, the accommodation assistance program is a 6-month program, and it must continue for 6 months,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian PM said that they are working with international partners because the country needs support from international partners to manage the humanitarian crisis.

Approximately 100,000 forcibly displaced persons have already received the 100,000-dram lump sum assistance.

Armenian Evangelical Education Celebrated at AMAA’s 104th Annual Meeting and Banquet

Antonian Lara
by Contributor

 

 

 

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A scene from the AMAA’s 104th banquet

Legacy of Edward Avedisian Honored as Benefactor of Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School of Yerevan, Armenia

BY JOY SHIRAGIAN

The Armenian Missionary Association of America, the missionary arm of the Armenian Evangelical Church, held its 104th annual meeting from October 20 to 22 at the Cavalry Armenian Congregational Church in San Francisco, CA. A key highlight of the meeting was the banquet held on Saturday, October 21 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott in nearby Burlingame. 

After meetings on Friday and Saturday for the AMAA-affiliated Armenian Evangelical World Council, the AMAA Board of Directors, and the AMAA membership, Saturday evening’s banquet provided an opportunity to commune together and celebrate Armenian Evangelical Education. The motto chosen for the Banquet theme was “And I go to the source of the light…” from Daniel Varoujan’s poem “The Light”.

Banquet Co-Chairs Roushig Kalebjian and Vana Vana Khanjian Vartanian

The evening began with a cocktail hour where guests had a chance to mingle. Once seated in the main ballroom, attendees were warmly welcomed by event co-chairs Vana Khanjian Vartanian and Roushig Kalebjian and greeted by Master of Ceremonies and local television news anchor, Gasia Mikaelian. This was followed by the invocation, given by CACC pastor Rev. Calvin Sagherian, and an address by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Diocese.

Banquet MC Gasia Mikaelian

After the guests enjoyed their dinner with Armenian wines from the Alexandrea Winery, they were serenaded by the beautiful, powerful voices of tenor Berj Karazian and soprano Armine Vardanyan, accompanied by the talented Ripsime Rshtuni.  Musical selections from

Armenian composers Khachaturyan and Spendiaryan were featured, followed by Babajanyan’s spirited “Azg Parapandz” that had the entire room clapping with gusto. 

The performance was followed by a touching video tribute to the late Edward Avedisian, benefactor of the Khoren and Shoushanig Avedisian School in Yerevan. Guests learned of Avedisian’s musical talents as a clarinetist and his lifelong commitment to education with a history of philanthropy that included support for the American University of Armenia, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, the National Association of Armenian Studies, and his most significant, Boston University’s medical school.

Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, AMAA President Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO

Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, President of the AMAA, and Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO, then invited Avedisian’s wife, Pamela Wood Avedisian, to come forward.  They acknowledged her recent $1 million donation, praised her and her husband’s philanthropy, and presented her with a gift of appreciation. Her remarks to the assembled guests were particularly touching as she mentioned how thankful she was to have had the opportunity to share her life with her talented and generous husband.  Karazian and Vardanyan returned with another vocal performance after which Khanjian acknowledged additional donors including Mary Bedoian for her $1 million gift from the estate of her late brother Harry in support of Artsakh.

The program then turned to the long history of Armenian Evangelical leadership in empowering future generations through education. AMAA Field Representative Harout Nercessian shared an engaging video that brought to life the many schools and funding programs established over the years that were born of a belief that “faith and education are inseparable”.  Guests learned of the many institutions with academic and after-school programs that are currently operated by the AMAA.

Pamela Wood Avedisian

Khanjian then came forward and summoned Avedisian School Principal Melanya Geghamyan and husband Andranik Mardoyan to the stage. He celebrated Geghamyan’s exceptional career as an educator and presented her with an ornately framed written definition of a school principal. Her husband, often serving as photographer at events, was presented with a camera belt and a camera-shaped trophy.  The couple each shared remarks of heartfelt appreciation.

While much of the evening was dedicated to celebrating philanthropy directed to the AMAA and its mission, the audience was surprised by the announcement of a $60 thousand gift from the AMAA to San Francisco’s Mt. Davidson cross. The immense cross, perched atop San Francisco’s highest peak, was purchased by the Council of Armenian-American Organizations of Northern California in 1997 as a memorial to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide.  Armenians visit the cross annually on Easter Sunday and to commemorate Armenian Martyrs Day.

Honoree Melanya Geghamyan, Avedisian School Principal

Khanjian then stood before the room to deliver his own poignant remarks that resonated deeply with the crowd.  He thanked banquet committee co-chairs Vartanain and Kalebjian and Master of Ceremonies Mikaelian. He thanked Rev. Calvin Sagherian and CACC members, led by Dr. Nora Balabanian, for their warm welcome as hosts of the weekend’s events. He also thanked AMAA staff in Paramus, Glendale, Yerevan, and Artsakh for their diligence. And he thanked the guests who travelled far and wide, bringing a “boundless spirit of love, care, and attention” in support of the AMAA’s mission. 

His remarks went on to discuss the sobering conditions that the Armenian community faces today, from the heartbreaking loss of Artsakh, “the most piercing national tragedy faced by the nation since the genocide”, to the menacing existential threat of invasion in the motherland. He went further to assert that recent events had laid bare the reality that Armenia’s destiny is in the hands of Armenians alone.   

Pianist Rshtuni, soprano Armine Vardanyan, and tenor Berj Karazian

But his was not a message of despair. In fact, Khanjian described his outlook as positive, drawing strength from a faith in God to fuel the work that lies ahead, the work of sustaining educational, spiritual, humanitarian, and youth programs world-wide, and the new challenge of caring for the displaced from Artsakh. His final thoughts were softly defiant and rousing with words that left no doubt about the AMAA’s direction:

“Despite all evil, AMAA steadfastly continues to spread the Word and reflect His love, goodness, and hope around. Our weapon is our faith, love, service, and the pen. We are good at building, educating, enlightening, and spreading the Word.

“God has called on the AMAA to bear the yolk of our people and assume a humble role of service. This is our commitment, this is our promise, this is our culture, this is our mission, this is our faith, and this is our prayer.”

To close the evening, Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, AEWC Executive Director gave a closing prayer and benediction which was followed by the singing of “Park Yev Badiv” by all.  

Founded in 1918, the Armenian Missionary Association of America serves the spiritual, educational, and social needs of Armenian communities in 24 countries around the world including Armenia and Artsakh. For additional information, you may visit the website.

Armenian FM, Iranian President meet

Antonian Lara

 17:51,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. On October 23, in Tehran President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi received  Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, the Foreign Ministry of Armenia said in a statement. 

The interlocutors noted with satisfaction the high-level political dialogue established between the two neighboring and friendly countries, which is based on mutual respect and the thousand-year-old brotherhood of the two peoples.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and the President of Iran emphasized the deepening of Armenia-Iran cooperation in various fields and underlined efficient steps towards the implementation of agreements in that direction.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Ebrahim Raisi also discussed regional and international security issues.

Armenian, French defense ministers sign documents on bilateral cooperation

Antonian Lara

 18:14,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. As part of his working visit to France, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan visited the French Ministry for the Armed Forces, where a meeting with his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu was held, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia said in a statement.
The signing of documents on bilateral cooperation took place at the French Ministry of Armed Forces.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of France Hasmik Tolmajyan and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Armenia Olivier Decottignies also attended the meeting.
 During the meeting, issues related to the Armenian-French cooperation in the defense sector and regional security were discussed.
The progress of the work on the implementation of the agreements reached as a result of the discussions held in Paris in September 2022 and June of this year was summarized, new opportunities for the development of cooperation were outlined, which include the acquisition of defense systems, military education, training, exchange of experience, and some other matters of mutual interest.
The parties highly praised the current level of cooperation and expressed readiness to make new efforts to further develop it," the statement reads.
After the official meeting, a joint statement was held for the press, during which the Minister of Defense of Armenia thanked the French side for the comprehensive support for the development of cooperation in the defense sector.
The ministers also answered the journalists' questions.
Afterwards documents on bilateral cooperation were signed at the Ministry of the French Armed Forces.