Author: Antonian Lara

The executive will have an online consultation with the experts of “ELARD” company. prime minister

Antonian Lara
  • 23.08.2019

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The representatives of the RA government will have an online consultation with the experts of “ELARD” company on Saturday to discuss the risks of Amulsar operation. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this today during a meeting with one of the residents of Jermuk.


“We will hold a Skype conference with the company’s experts. We will ask them what they wrote in the conclusion, let them explain,” said Pashinyan, adding that the video recording of the consultation will be published, and the public will have the opportunity to learn about the details of the discussion.


“There are many people who say that even if it turns out that the operation of Amulsar is safe, they are still against the operation. If it turns out that the activity is safe for the environment, why should we not stop it? For a potential investor, there are no current and previous authorities, there is RA law. There is security, political and moral interest. Therefore, our decisions should be such that they are not at the expense of serving one’s interests,” the Prime Minister told the citizen, adding that if it turns out that there are no guarantees of international standards for keeping Jermuk’s air and water clean, the mine cannot be operated.


“I have no interest in corruption here, the only interest is the balanced interest of Armenia,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Culture: The Matenadaran: This medieval manuscript collection has some of the most obscure and ancient texts in the world.

Antonian Lara
Atlas Obscura
Aug 23 2019

Armenia has had a rich tradition of scriptoriums for over a millennium. Throughout the Middle Ages, very active scriptoriums were found in towns near the shores of the Mediterranean, on Lake Van, in Jugha, Tatev, and many other spots. The illustrated manuscripts were especially valued, as they were painted in actual gold or silver. 

Unfortunately, Armenia also has a long history of being invaded, and has seen its libraries plundered and burned too many times. Tired of this, in 1959 the Soviet Armenian government decided to step in and build a massive fortress on a hill in the center of the capital, with storage deep in the earth, and gather as many manuscripts as it could there for safekeeping.

Thus, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts was born. The name being cumbersome, it’s been popularly called the Matenadaran ever since, which is a combination of the Armenian words for “parchment” and “repository.” Outside the building stands a statue of the institute’s namesake, Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet.

With over 23,000 manuscripts and 500,000 additional documents, some of the most obscure and ancient texts from the early medieval age can be found at the Matenadaran. There is a 9th-century gospel, and the ivory-carved cover of a 6th-century gospel as well. The Vehamor Gospel, probably dating to the 7th century, is the oldest-known complete Armenian manuscript in the world. There are manuscripts in other languages, from Greek to Ethiopian, and some works by renowned foreign authors that were almost lost to history, and only saved by their Armenian translations at the Matenadaran.

Know Before You Go

Most of the works in the vast collection are only accessible by researchers, but the display rooms feature a stunning array of hand-chosen manuscripts that give an excellent glimpse into the rest of the collection.


Lawyer: The search in the office of Judge David Grigoryan was carried out without his consent, and without the consent of the SJC, which is a gross violation of law

Antonian Lara
Arminfo, Armenia
July 26 2019
Ani Mshetsyan

ArmInfo. As part of the case under  investigation by the SIS, the case on the falsification of documents  by judge David Grigoryan, a search was conducted in his office  without his knowledge, meanwhile, according to the requirements of  the law, at least one day before the search, he should be notified by  the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). On  July 26 at a press  conference, Georgi Melikyan, lawyer of judge David Grigoryan said.

He noted that on July 17, without knowing Grigoryan, investigator of  the SIS Khoren Mezhlumyan, came to his office and carried out  investigative actions in the judge’s office, while forbidding the  judge to participate in them. The investigator confiscated the  computer of the judge and his assistants, after which he sealed the  door of Grogoryan’s office. The lawyer said that sealing the office  without a relevant court decision is against the law and this action  has serious legal consequences.

“Not only was the door of Grigorian’s office sealed without a  corresponding court decision, it was outrageous to have the policeman  put at the door, who did not allow the judge to enter his own office,  this is outrageous,” Melikyan said. The lawyer noted that he and his  client demanded that the investigator present the relevant court  decision to them, however, the investigator could not present it. And  after all this, he searched the judge’s office. “The police officer  demanded that the judge leave, however, we began to protest,  stressing that the judge’s key to the office was, and if the  investigator intends to conduct a search in violation of the law, we  will not give them the key. After long telephone conversations, the  investigator finally resolved the judge participated in the search of  the office “, said Melikyan, stressing that by a court decision the  investigator had the right to search the office of the judge and his  assistant, however, he also searched the offices of the assistant and  the clerk, and illegally confiscated their flash drives. The lawyer  noted that in this case he and his defendant appealed to the  Prosecutor General’s Office, demanding to clarify the actions taken.  Melikyan not only appealed against the decision to conduct a search,  but also challenged the legality of the search and confiscation of  computers. Moreover, the lawyer filed a complaint with the police  against the investigator, since the latter violated the judge’s right  to the inviolability of housing. It should be noted that on July 17  officers of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia searched the  office of Judge David Grigoryan. “The search in Grigorian’s office  was carried out within the framework of the criminal case  investigated by the Special Investigation Service,” press secretary  of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia Marina Ohanjanyan  told ArmInfo. To recall, it was Judge David Grigoryan who earlier  made the decision to release former President Robert Kocharyan from  custody, on behalf of the former and current Presidents of Artsakh.  Later, Grigorian suspended the proceedings and referred him to the  Constitutional Court. 


Asbarez: Prelacy Mourns Passing of Educator Garo Bedrossian

Antonian Lara
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Activist and educator Garo Bedrosian

Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the Religious and Executive Councils mourn the passing of esteemed educator and community activist Garo Bedrosian, which occurred on Monday, July 22. A national funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 12 p.m., at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, followed by interment at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn.

Garo Bedrosian graduated from the Armenian Theological Seminary of the Great House of Cilicia. In 1950 he began his nearly six-decade-long career in education. He served as teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal at the Armenian School in Kamishli, Syria, and the Armenian Evangelical High School in Beirut, Lebanon. In 1964 he was appointed the first Principal of the newly established Levon and Sophia Hagopian College in Bourj Hammoud, a position he held for almost fifteen years. In 1978, he continues his career at Ferrahian High School in Encino, where he would teach Armenian language, history, and grammar for the next thirty years.

Alongside educating generations of Armenian youth, Garo Bedrosian was a faithful community servant. He has authored religious and historical books as well as numerous articles which have been featured in Armenian newspapers across the world. He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his worthy service to our nation, including; the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” medal from the Catholicosate of Cilicia, “One people, one land” achievement letter from the Armenian Diaspora Relations Committee, letter of honor from the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, letter of blessing and commendation from the Prelate, and several letter of recognition from various educational and cultural institutions.

We convey our condolences to his son, Asbed and Laura Bedrosian and children, daughter Narine, brothers, sister, extended family and friends.

May his memory remain ever blessed.

WESTERN PRELACY TIVAN

Sports: Barry Coffey looking to prolong his Armenian adventure

Antonian Lara
The Irish Mirror
 
 
Barry Coffey looking to prolong his Armenian adventure
 
The midfielder made two first-team appearances for Neil Lennon’s side during pre-season trip in Austria
 
Mark McCadden
 
Barry Coffey was sent out to Armenia with Celtic’s blessing – and now he wants to prolong his stay away from the Bhoys.
 
The midfielder, who hails from Nenagh, made two first-team appearances for Neil Lennon’s side during their pre-season trip to Austria.
 
So Lennon might have been tempted to hold Coffey back from international duty.
 
However, the Parkhead chief was happy to hand the Tipperary native over to Ireland Under-19 boss Tom Mohan.
 
And a win on Sunday night against the Czech Republic would keep him in Yerevan until the semi-finals next Wednesday at the very least.
 
“I didn’t know if I was coming or not, because pre-season was coming to an end,” said the talented teenager.
 
“But I think they (Celtic) wanted me here as well, it’s a big experience for me, it brings me on. It’s good for them as well, so it’s kind of a win-win.
 
“It’s playing for your country, you can’t really turn down that opportunity.”
 
 
 
Midfielder Coffey came on in the second-half of Ireland’s defeat to France.
 
Despite their late heartache on Thursday night, a win against the Czechs should be enough to see the Boys in Green through to the last-four.
 
A draw could also be enough – if France make it three wins out of three when they take on Norway at the same time.
 
Confidence, according to Coffey, is high within the Irish camp.
 
“We’ll take positives from the (France) game as well and bring that into Sunday and hopefully go from there,” he said.
 
And head coach Tom Mohan added: “We are back fully focused on the Czech Republic game.
 
“We have watched them play in their qualifying games and both of their group games.
 
“We will have a gameplan in place and the players will be ready for this next challenge.
 
“We all know what is at stake on Sunday and this group of players are determined to get a victory on the board.
 
“We will not be underestimating Czech Republic, who also have everything to play for. It should be a good game and it is one that we are looking forward to.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Baghdassarian Family Announced as ANCA-WR Gala Sponsor

Antonian Lara
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6 hours ago

Peter (left) and Gevik Baghdassarian flank their late father Hacop during a past Armenia Fund Telethon

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region announced Gevik and Peter Baghdassarian as the sponsors of the 2019 ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet, in memory of their father, lifelong community leader and benefactor Hacop M. Baghdassarian. This year, the gala banquet will take place on Sunday, October 20 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“Hacop Baghdassarian was a major pillar not only in our Southern California community, but his visionary leadership transcended Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk and beyond. Our Board of Directors decided to pay special tribute to his memory in recognition of decades-long service to the advancement of the Armenian Cause,” remarked ANCA-WR Board Member Lina Davidian, Esq. “We’re grateful to the Baghdassarian Family for their generosity and, more importantly, for carrying forward Hacop Baghdassarian’s legacy of patriotism, philanthropy, and leadership.”

Baghdassarian’s decades-long and storied efforts in advancing Armenian education, culture and the just aspirations of the Armenian Nation both here in the United States and in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk made him an exemplary Armenian and a passionate humanitarian who, with humility and dedication, changed many lives due to his generosity.

In March 2017, Baghdassarian and his wife, Hilda, were honored and recognized for their service in the community by the Armenian Cultural Foundation and Baghdassarian was named ACF Man of the Year. In 2011, Baghdassarian was bestowed with the ANCA-WR Legacy Award at the organization’s annual gala.

Baghdassarian’s contributions to varied organizations earned him numerous accolades from the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, the Armenian Relief Society, the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Educational Foundation, through whose programs he rebuilt schools and cultural facilities in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk.

His contributions have enabled the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian school to be endowed with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, Armenia’s and Artsakh’s rural village to have top-notch schools and cultural centers and the ARS to advance its activities in Javakhk and the ANCA to advance its pursuit of the Armenian Cause.

In 2016, during a pontifical visit to Los Angeles, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia bestowed the “Prince of Cilicia” medal to Hacop and Hilda Baghdassarian.

Baghdassarian was born in Tehran, Iran on March 30, 1948 to Petros and Marous Malek Baghdassarian. He grew up in Tehran with his four sisters – Nora, Emma, Rima and Asieh. He attended Kooshesh Armenian School in Tehran until the age of fifteen when his father Petros unexpectedly died from a heart attack. Baghdassarian cut short his educational aspirations to attend to his father’s paint supply business. He maintained his father’s reputation as a fair and honest entrepreneur and was sought out by young Armenians arriving in Tehran looking for work.

In 1973, Hacop married Hilda Voskanian and later had two sons, Peter and Gevik. In 1979, leaving behind the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution, Baghdassarian and his family immigrated to the United States. In Los Angeles, Baghdassarian followed his entrepreneurial inclination and opened the first of several restaurants patriotically named “Massis Kabob” in Glendale. For over four decades, Baghdassarian worked tirelessly to make his businesses successful–his motivations always being providing for his family as well as contributing to the Armenian community to the best of his ability.

Baghdassarian often traveled to the rural villages in Armenia to review plans for the renovation of dilapidated elementary schools. Baghdassarian has been responsible for the construction or renovation of several schools in rural Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk. In 2005, Baghdassarian’s philanthropy and dedication were officially recognized when he received the Yerakhtagitutiun Award for his humanitarian services from then President of Artsakh Arkady Ghoukassian.

‘Constitutional provisions also contain philosophy, value system’ – President Sarkissian’s message

Antonian Lara

‘Constitutional provisions also contain philosophy, value system’ – President Sarkissian’s message

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11:00, 5 July, 2019

YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian addressed a congratulatory message on the Constitution Day on July 5, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The message runs as follows:

““The Armenian people — taking as a basis the fundamental principles of the Armenian Statehood and the nation-wide objectives enshrined in the Declaration on the Independence of Armenia, having fulfilled the sacred behest of its freedom-loving ancestors for the restoration of the sovereign state, committed to the strengthening and prosperity of the fatherland, with a view of ensuring the freedom of generations, general well-being and civic solidarity, assuring the allegiance to universal values — hereby adopt the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia”.

The Armenian people enshrined this belief in the preface of the Constitutional adopted through the July 5, 1995 referendum. By then, the Constitution of Armenia underwent radical changes for two times, staying committed to this belief.

Dear compatriots,

I congratulate all of us on this important state holiday – the Constitution Day. Today we also celebrate the Day of State Symbols. The Constitution, together with the state flag, emblem and anthem, is making the essence of statehood as a whole. Constitution is the Mother Law of the Republic, the main legal guarantor of protection of rights and freedoms of each of us. The strengthening of a constitutional culture is a key precondition for the formation and development of democracy, rule of law and social state system.

Our vision on state is determined by Article 1 of the Constitution – “declaring the Republic of Armenia as a democratic, legal and social state”. This unchangeable provision, in reality, is not purely declarative. It is enshrined as a key principle, value, goal, ideal legal and public standard to which both the state bodies and each citizen of Armenia should always seek through constant improvement, daily work and behavior.

In general, in line with the legal content, there is a philosophy, value system in the constitutional provisions. The respect to the Mother Law is a respect not only to our state and statehood, but our past, present and future, us and our generations, and our vision on state.

We all are equal before the Constitution. We all are bearers of statehood, are its part and thus the keepers of the Constitution with our actions, behavior and thinking.

Moreover, not only and not so much the formal formation of constitutional provisions is important, but also the formation of a constitutional culture, constitutional thinking, the honest and logical interpretation and use of the Constitution are a priority. Even the Constitution which contains the most perfect formulations will turn into a document with no value if it is unfairly interpreted or used.

Constitution is also a legal document living and developing under the conditions of the challenges and imperatives of the time. Any change, improvement or evolutionary interpretation of the Constitution should be based on the principle of the rule of law and derive from the general principles of law, by contributing to our state’s quick, calm, normal, stable and constant development.

At all times, the Constitution should remain as a uniting point for our society, people and citizens.

Only the country that completely lives with the Constitution, the state which has a power and society respecting the Constitution, can develop and have a steady place in the world that lives in complex conditions and changes.

Once again congratulations to all of us on today’s holiday! I wish you peace, welfare and optimism!”

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Armenian President of National Assembly to pay official visit to Cyprus

Antonian Lara
Cyprus News Agency
July 2, 2019 Tuesday
Armenian President of National Assembly to pay official visit to Cyprus
 
 
President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, arrives in Cyprus on Wednesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart Demetris Syllouris.
 
Heading a delegation, Mirzoyan will be received by Archbishop Chrysostomos II. He will also hold talks with Syllouris who will host an official lunch in Mirzoyan’s honour.
 
The Armenian Speaker will address the plenary of the House of Representatives on Friday and will also hold a number of meetings at the House, including with the Armenia-Cyprus friendship group.
 
The delegation will also confer with Defence Minister Savvas Angelides and Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Georkatzis.
 
Mirzoyan and the delegation will also meet the Archbishop of Armenians in Cyprus and Armenian societies that operate in Cyprus.

Armenia Claims 5 Gold Medals at European Games

Antonian Lara
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10 hours ago

A scene from the 2nd European Games in Minsk, Belarus

MINSK, Belarus—The Armenian team captured 5 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals as the 2nd European Games ended in Minsk, Belarus, taking the 11th spot, the National Olympic Committee’s press service reported.

Samboist Tigran Kirakosyan (52 kg), Greco-Roman wrestler Artur Aleksanyan (97 kg), boxers Artur Hovhannisyan (49 kg), Hovhannes Bachkov (64 kg), and gymnast Artur Davtyan (vault) became champions of the European Games.

Samboist David Grigoryan (82 kg), Greco-Roman wrestler Karapet Chalyan (77 kg), and gymnast Vahagn Davtyan (rings) won silver medals.

Armenia’s Artur Aleksanyan celebrates after winning a gold medal during his Greco-Roman Wrestling 96kg gold medal match against Bulgaria’s Vladislav Metodiev at the Senior Wrestling European Championship in Tbilisi

Samboist Arsen Ghazaryan (74 kg), and boxers Karen Tonakanyan (60 kg) and Gor Nersesyan (81 kg) captured bronze medals.

Armenia participated in the European Games with 37 athletes in 9 sports.

More than 4,000 athletes from 50 countries performed at the European Games.

The athletes competed in 15 sports for 200 medal sets.

Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, met with the medalists of the 2nd European Games. He congratulated the sportsmen on their performance throughout the games.

Winners of the 2019 European Games sambo competition receive their medals

“Your achievements will become a source of inspiration for future generations”, Pashinyan said, addressing the sportsmen.

The sportsmen thanked the Prime Minister for the reception. The trainers and sportsmen also talked about the development opportunities and problems of some types of sports.

At the end of the meeting, Pashinyan wished success in the upcoming tournaments and preparations for the Olympic Games.

Asbarez: Homenetmen’s 44th Navasartian Games Weekend Fast Approaching

Antonian Lara
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VAN NUYS, Calif.,—With Garo and Sosse Eshgian as its Honorary Presidents, Homenetmen’s 44th Navasartian Games’ final games and festival weekend is fast approaching. This includes its Victory Banquet, opening and closing ceremonies, and four-day festival.

The much-anticipated Victory Banquet will be held on Sunday, June 30 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. During this event, Garo and Sosse Eshgian will formally accept their role as Honorary Presidents of the 44th Navasartian Games. The Eshgian’s will continue this role beyond the Navasartian Games, and throughout the upcoming year, with their insights and guidance, supporting the organization in various ways. During the event, the 2019 Exemplary Homenetmen Member, Vartkes Shekherdemian, will also be recognized.

The Victory Banquet also serves as the prime occasion to gather Homenetmen members spanning generations, who will collectively celebrate the victories of the Navasartian Games.

The four-day festival of the Navasartian Games will officially open on Wednesday, July 3 at Birmingham High School. The high school is located at 17000 Haynes St., Van Nuys, CA 91406. A flag ceremony, performed by Homenetmen scouts, will be led by the Homenetmen Regional Marching Band. Well-known singer Varand will sing the anthems.

During the course of the festival’s four days, entertainment will be provided by well-known singers in the community. The first night’s program will include patriotic Armenian songs by Karnig Sarkissian, followed by fireworks.

The grounds of the festival will include numerous booths with items for sale by various vendors. Food will be available for purchase through various Homenetmen chapters’ booths, with members preparing and serving a variety of foods.

A children’s arts & crafts booth will be open for youth of all ages and, on each evening between the hours of 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., there will be a performance by the children’s singer Maggie.

Athletic games will continue in the gyms and field of Birmingham High School, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Individual sports will also be held, as follows:

  • Chess, ping-pong, and tennis tournaments will be held on Thursday, July 4 starting at 9 a.m.
  • Track and field competitions will be held on Friday, July 5 starting at 8 a.m.
  • Swimming competitions will be held on Saturday, July 6 starting at 8 a.m.

For the second year in a row, the Homenetmen Hrashq program athletes, comprised of youth with disabilities, will also be participating in the Navasartian Games. Alongside their participation in track and field competitions, Hrashq athletes will also participate in soccer games as well this year.

The Navasartian closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 6 p.m. on the field of Birmingham High School. As spectators gather for the closing ceremony, a half hour program will include entertainment by the Homenetmen marching band, a performance by the children’s singer Maggie, and a number of songs dedicated to Homenetmen will be sung by Varand.

The closing ceremony will begin with a flag ceremony by Homenetmen scouts, led by the Homenetmen marching band. After remarks are delivered, the parade of scouts and athletes will take place, after which trophies will be distributed in the various sports.

Following the closing ceremony, the festival will continue until midnight. Concurrently, the women’s and men’s basketball championship games will be held in the main gym. Tickets for these games are $20 per person, which can be purchased online.

The festival’s daily admission for adults is $10 per person and $7 for children. A daily parking pass is $5 per vehicle. The price for preferred parking is $10 per vehicle.

The Homenetmen Regional Executive looks forward to the attendance of community members on July 3 – 6 at Birmingham High School, as the 44th Navasartian Games conclude.

Additional information regarding the Homenetmen 44th Navasartian Games can be obtained by following articles published in Asbarez Newspaper, visiting the Homenetmen website, watching the HTV program, as well as contacting the Homenetmen Regional Office at (323) 344-4300.

The following is the entertainment schedule for the July 3 – 6 festival:

Wednesday, July 3
A special opening ceremony will be held during which Homenetmen scouts will perform a flag ceremony led by the Homenetmen Regional Marching Band. Well-known singer and Homenetmen member Varand will perform the anthems. Entertainment will follow, as such:

Anto Teghararian: 7:45 – 8:35 p.m.
Anoush Petrosyan: 8:35 – 9:05 p.m.
Karnig Sarkissian & Fireworks: 9:15 p.m. – Midnight

Thursday, July 4
Hagop Hovsepian: 7 – 8 p.m.
Artin Bedrossian: 8 – 8:30 p.m.
Arsham Babelian: 8:30 – 9:15 p.m.
Lia (Bamboo): 9:15 – 10 p.m.
Suro: 10 – 10:30 p.m.
Narek Magaryan: 10:30 – 11 p.m.
Tigran Asatryan: 11 p.m. – Midnight

Friday, July 5
Garen Dakessian: 7 – 8 p.m.
Sako Tashjian (Canada): 8 – 9 p.m.
David Lousakian (France): 9 – 10 p.m.
Suro: 10 – 10:30 p.m.
Vartan Tahmazian: 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Sako Tashjian: 11:30 p.m. – Midnight

Saturday, July 6
Arno: 8 – 9 p.m.
Mer Hovo: 9 – 9:30 p.m.
Varand & Fireworks: 9:30 – 10 p.m.
David Lousakian: 10 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Ararad Amadyan: 11 p.m. – Midnight