10:59, 30 May 2022
YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. Three Armenian boxers advanced into the finals at the Yerevan EUBC Men’s Elite European Boxing Championships.
Featherweight Arthur Bazeyan will face Belgium’s Vasile Usturoi.
Light Welterweight Hovhannes Bachkov’s opponent in the finals will be France’s Lounes Hamraoui.
Cruiserweight Rafayel Hovhannisyan will fight Georgia’s Georgii Kushinashvili.
Georgia and Spain both have the most boxers who’ve advanced into the finals – 4 each.
The Armenian Museum of America will host an exhibition of artwork from some of the top artists of the late 20th Century called “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s – 1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family. There will be a companion exhibition featuring Armenian artists.
The Armenian Museum provided the following information:
This exhibition, our largest in 50 years, features more than 75 artists including Lita Albuquerque, John Altoon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lynda Benglis, Vija Celmins, Gregory Wiley Edwards, Frank Gehry, Helmut Newton, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol.
Curated by Rachel McCullah Wainwright.
The companion exhibition, “Discovering Takouhi: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn,” will include Armenian artists such as Dahlia Elsayed, Jean Kazanjian, Silvina Der Meguerditchian, Ara Oshagan, Zaven Sarkissian, and Aram Saroyan.
Curated by Gina Grigorian and Natalie Varbedian.
Members Preview & Reception 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Non-Members Preview 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Exhibition sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation.
Joan Agajanian Quinn and her late husband Jack represent a key moment in the history of contemporary art, as Los Angeles came to symbolize an innovative and prolific brand of creative freedom. Few individuals have left such an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Southern California than Joan and Jack Quinn. Joan found herself both muse and promoter of several Southern California artists, while Jack used his skills as a prominent and influential attorney to help an array of emerging artists and their dealers navigate the worlds of law and business.
This exhibition highlights the couple’s collection primarily amassed from the 1970s to 1990s, a period rich in significance and defined by a unique spirit of anti-conformity, a play of new materials and a celebration of light and the California cool ethos. Much of the work was collected directly from the artists and has never changed hands or been shown publicly. Works in the exhibition will explore themes such as Ferus Group “Cool School,” Light and Space, Minimalism, Chicano Art, Pop Art, and international artists and influences.
For more information click here: https://www.armenianmuseum.org/on-the-edge.
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is days away from premiering the Armenian story as told through Ani Hovannisian’s The Hidden Map. The documentary will air about 1,000 times primarily between June 5-13, 2022 across the nation in cities from Boston, Massachusetts to Juneau, Alaska.
The Hidden Map takes viewers deep into the ancestral Armenian homeland, where a chance meeting between an Armenian-American granddaughter of genocide survivors and a Scottish explorer leads to a joint odyssey beneath the surface of modern-day Turkey, uncovering buried secrets, brave resilience and the hidden map.
“It’s time,” said Hovannisian. “To know that the silenced voices and stories of our people, of truth, are going to resonate into the homes and consciousness of perhaps millions of Americans is hugely filling.” She noted that she couldn’t have chosen a better home for her life’s most important work—four journeys and seven years in the making— and she is thankful that PBS feels the same.
PBS’ historic decision to distribute this independent film to 330 stations comes on the heels of an outpouring of viewer support when it debuted locally in Southern California. With the film’s national release, viewers who pledge even a nominal amount to PBS will help ensure additional airings and receive unique gifts, including hand-crocheted dolls made by women in Goris, Armenia— among them displaced citizens of Artsakh working toward economic stability. This is a rare opportunity for individuals and communities to be directly involved with bringing this human story of heartbreak, discovery and hope to life for millions of Americans, while touching the lives of Armenians today.
To find program dates and times, which also include in-studio conversations with the filmmaker, viewers can check their local schedules online. Most PBS stations have multiple channels – for example, PBS World – so it is important to locate the right channel ahead of time.
The Hidden Map has earned more than a dozen international awards and honors and was considered for three 2021 Primetime Emmys, including Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. Among many notable presentations in the US and abroad was a special in-person screening in the UK Parliament.
Hovannisian has traveled the world producing stories for non-fiction television programs, and reported the Armenian news on Horizon Television for more than a decade. She is the daughter of Professor Richard and Dr. Vartiter Kotcholosian Hovannisian, beacons of truth and humanity to whom she dedicates the film. Ani and husband Armenio have two children, Sophene and Daron, named after the ancestral homes of their great-grandparents whose flame they keep alive.
14:35, 25 May 2022
YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan met with Senior Minister of Singapore, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Presidential office said.
The sides exchanged ideas about issues relating to the global security and raising the efficiency of the operation of the public administration system. They noted that there is a big partnership potential in high technologies, science and education sectors.
The necessity of uniting efforts aimed at the exchange of experience in different areas and the effective implementation of the reforms was emphasized.
16:41,
YEREVAN, MAY 28 ARMENPRESS. The State Minister of the Artsakh Republic Artak Beglaryan responded to the recent statement of the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. ARMENPRESS reports, Beglaryan wrote on his Telegram channel that the process and results of delimitation and demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not affect the current and future status of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).
“After all, the Karabakh conflict is not with the Republic of Armenia, but with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict has not been settled, which is acknowledged by the whole world, regardless of certain differences of interests and formulations. If Azerbaijan wants to close the page of the conflict, clarify the status of Artsakh, it can carry out a process of delimitation and demarcation with the Artsakh Republic, at the same time returning our occupied territories and recognizing our independence,” Beglaryan wrote.
According to the State Minister of Artsakh, the main principle of the conflict settlement is the full realization and recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination. Artak Beglaryan noted that non use of force or the threat to use force is another important international law, which has been grossly violated by Azerbaijan and continues to be violated. “Moreover, today Aliyev again threatened with new cases of use of force, which is a clear signal to the international community to take preventive and punitive measures. Encouraging and ignoring deviant behavior is gradually leading to international catastrophes, becoming part of international practice and customary law,” Beglaryan wrote.
Elen Asatryan
GLENDALE—Over a dozen federal, state, regional, and local women elected officials and community leaders have endorsed Elen Asatryan in her bid for Glendale City Council. Pointing to Asatryan’s proven leadership, courage, integrity, and ability to get things done, each in their own way have stepped forward to support Asatryan since her launch in December 2021.
Elen is the only candidate to receive endorsements from Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Supervisor of the 5th district of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President Dr. Armine Hacopian, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Vice President Ann Ransford, Glendale Unified School Board President Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale Unified School District Board Member Jennifer Freemon, LACCD Board of Trustees Member Andra Hoffman, LACCD Board of Trustees Member Kelsey K. lino, Burbank City Council Member Sharon Springer, Burbank City Clerk Zizette Mullins, *Executive Director of YWCA Glendale Tara Peterson, *Chief Executive Officer of Glendale Arts Nina Crowe, and *President of Glendale Arts and Former Director of Glendale Educational Foundation Susan Hunt, among others.
“I strongly support Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council because of her experience in building broad multi-ethnic coalitions focused on uplifting vulnerable communities,” said Congresswoman Chu. “Over the course of her career, Elen has organized and led efforts to support victims of domestic violence, expand green space to underserved communities, and secure recognition of the Armenian Genocide. She will undoubtedly provide the leadership and experience needed to move the City of Glendale forward.”
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis echoed similar remarks. “I am proud to endorse my friend Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. Elen has the determination, strength and compassion to lead residents and small businesses alike through this critical recovery period post COVID. With her extensive experience working with all levels of government and innovative problem solving approach, Elen will be a breath of fresh air for Glendale and its residents.”
Similarly, LA Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger commented, “I am endorsing longtime community leader Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. For the last 20 plus years, Elen has helped residents and small businesses cut through bureaucratic red tape. She is the pragmatic, visionary leader with experience Glendale residents deserve. I’ve personally witnessed her courage and integrity in action. Elen knows how to get things done.”
“I am honored and grateful to have the support of so many exceptional women leaders,” said Asatryan. “Having run campaigns for the last 20 years and now being a candidate, I know firsthand the different standards placed on women candidates, the importance of having a strong support system, and the critical role the physical presence of women leaders play that inspire future generations to become civically engaged. My priorities list for making Glendale the best city to live, work and play in is long, and among the many on the list is ensuring we pave the way for young women to run for office and to ensure our government structures properly represent the diverse communities they serve. I am excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing our important work.”
Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President, Dr. Armine Hacopian and Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Vice President, Ann Ransford both praised Elen for her experience and ability to tackle Glendales most pressing challenges.
“I am endorsing Elen for City Council because she is extremely capable of bringing the people of Glendale together. She has, and will continue, to put the people of Glendale first, which I attribute to her genuine love and concern for this city and its residents,” said Hacopian.
“I admire that Elen has taken intelligent, and thoughtful positions on issues facing our city of Glendale. She will make a great city councilperson. Proud to support her” remarked Ransford.
President of Glendale Unified School Board, Nayiri Nahabedian, further commended Elens commitment to helping residents and small businesses.
“I have known and worked with Elen for almost 20 years. We can count on her to put Glendale families first! She has a demonstrated record of helping small businesses and families get Covid-19 resources, protected parks and open space, and made sure everyone has access to city hall.”
Glendale Unified School District Board Member, Jennifer Freemon echoed this sentiment applauding Elen for her commitment to community involvement and activism.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Elen for many years, first meeting her when she was a student at Toll Middle School. Her dedication to improving the Glendale Community started as a student when she advocated to the school board against issues of discrimination,” said Freemon. “She has continued advocating for her community ever since, working on public policy, creating fellowships and opportunities for students to become civically engaged, and stepping up to Chair the Glendale Parks and Recreation Commission. Elen has a proven track record of being a positive change maker in Glendale, from her work with students, to her community activism, to her city involvement. We need her on the City Council so she can bring her unique advocacy and dedication to the community to improve the quality of life for all Glendale residents.”
Andra Hoffman, Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District commented, “I’ve worked in Glendale for the past 25 years. Elen will be a progressive voice on the City Council and we need a bold, inclusive leader who understands the needs of Glendale’s diverse communities.”
Burbank City Clerk, Zizette Mullins and Burbank School Board Member Sharon Springer spoke of their admiration for Elen’s character and strong work ethic.
“I have known Elen for close to 15 years from when I served as the Community Outreach Director for the City of Glendale and am proud to endorse her in the Glendale City Council race. Elen is outspoken, determined, a hard worker, and a go-getter. Her background in public affairs and community outreach will make her an ideal Councilmember who will ensure residents from all backgrounds are well informed, represented, and have access to services.”
“Elen is strong, brave, persistent and not afraid to speak up and I support her for Glendale City Council,” said Sharon Springer.
2022 can be a year of many firsts for Glendale. If elected, Elen will make history as the first immigrant, Armenian-American, youngest, and only the 5th woman in the history of Glendale to serve on the Glendale City Council.
Asatryan’s long list of priorities for Glendale stem from her 22+ years of involvement in Glendale as a civic leader, city commissioner, community organizer, a businesswoman, and her thorough understanding of where improvements are much needed in the city. Asatryan’s professional background in policy, budgeting, and public affairs gives Glendale the unique leadership to tackle its pressing challenges. Her priorities include:
These endorsements are the latest in a chain of prominent organizations and individuals to announce their support for Elen.
The Glendale City Council election is scheduled to take place on June 7. All registered voters have already all been mailed ballots. Voters may mail back their ballot, drop off or walk into any voting center until 8 pm on Election Day, June 7, to cast their vote. Vote Centers will be open May 28-June 7.
To learn more about, get involved in, and contribute to Elen’s campaign, visit the website. Asatryan’s campaign office is in full gear reaching out to voters. Residents and supporters are encouraged to stop by 900 W. Glenoaks Blvd Unit A, Glendale, CA 91202. Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m to help. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the campaign’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ElenAsatryan.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev talked about the Nagorno-Karabakh status after defining borders with Armenia.
“I have already expressed my opinion on the Minsk Group, I do not consider it necessary to repeat it again,” he said.
“First, the whole world, leading countries and leading international organizations have accepted the new realities. This was very important, as it could have been otherwise. This is our very big political success.
Secondly, leading international organizations are already taking our agenda as a basis. I said that we should define the borders with Armenia. Armenia refused this for a year and a half.”
“And what happened in the end? On May 24, the first meeting of the commissions took place on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. This is of great importance.
We will define the boundaries, which is very important. Since these borders were also occupied by Armenians. On the other hand, this will automatically officially put an end to the territorial claims against Azerbaijan by the revanchist, fascist forces in Armenia,” he claimed.
“Because if we define the borders, then what status of “Nagorno-Karabakh” can we talk about?! There is the Karabakh zone, the Karabakh region.
This is the territory of Azerbaijan and everyone accepts it. Therefore, the first meeting of the commissions on the delimitation of the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia is of great importance,” Aliyev noted, Azerbaijani media reported.
On 17 May 2022, the National Academy of Science of Armenia (NAS RA), in cooperation with the Scientific and Innovation Partnership Assistance Center (SIPAC), organised an EURAXESS Armenia Mobility Day in Yerevan, Armenia.
The session was chaired by Mr. Tigran Arzumanyan, Head of International Grants Support Department, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. The focus of the mobility day is to provide various mobility opportunities to researchers and innovators as well as the latest information about Horizon Europe and the association process.
Under the flagship of the “EU programs supporting researchers’ mobility and career development”, COST was invited to present the COST Programme supporting the creation of research networks.
“Internationalisation of science can start with COST”
Mr. Hrant Matevosyan, Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
Mr. Hrant Matevosyan, Vice-president of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia with participants attending the meeting.
Armenia joined EURAXESS as the 41st Member and is setting the path to become the 41st COST Full Member. Since 2016, the Republic of Armenia currently participates as a Near Neighbour Country whose researchers and innovators are actively using the COST Actions for engaging with their peers from Europe and beyond.
In her presentation, Mrs Katalin Alföldi, Policy Officer and Global Networking Task Leader at the COST Association gave a detailed overview of the COST Programme, emphasised the benefits of joining a COST Action and the ways to participate in COST activities.
Mrs Katalin Alföldi, COST Association
Cooperation between NNCs and the European Union is of strategic importance for both the COST Actions and the research communities of the neighbouring countries.
This cooperation gained even more importance following November 2021, when the European Commission and Armenia signed the agreement granting the Republic of Armenia associated status to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research, and innovation framework programme (2021-2027). This means that Armenian researchers, innovators, and research entities can participate under the same conditions as entities from the EU Members States.
In the case of the COST Programme, this brings those Armenian researchers are eligible for reimbursement if they would like to participate in or organise a Training School, Short-term Scientific Mission (STSM), conference, or another networking activity in the context of a COST Action. They can also access COST’s Inclusive Target Country (ITC) tools, such as ITC conference grants.
Last year, among the 40 new successful proposals, 73% of the networks have attracted participants from COST International Partner Countries and Near Neighbour Countries.
ARS Central Executive Board delegation in Artsakh
The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Central Executive Board’s (CEB) four-day visit to Artsakh from April 26 to 29 proved to be not only historic, but also a miraculous reality. Truly, to see Stepanakert – after the 44-day war – so enticing and so serene, no words can describe one’s innermost feelings of exultation.
After a 10-hour journey over endless winding roads, stopping for hours at some 10 checkpoints, the ARS CEB mission, forced to circumvent our Armenian Shushi, arrived at Stepanakert and, to everyone’s surprise, found Stepanakert standing, buildings renovated, teeming crowds attending to their daily lives. Yet, even as a certain melancholy permeated the air, one could feel the Artsakhtsis’ unyielding determination to develop the small area left of their homeland in order to expand it with a clear vision of recovering the lost territories of their beloved Republic.
In response to this invigorating environment of unyielding faith and hope, ignoring exhaustion, the members of the ARS CEB visited the organization’s offices in Artsakh, where they met the members of its executive body and presented the purpose of their visit. After tasting some delicious jingalov bread, the ARS CEB left to visit the main office of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Artsakh Central Committee (CC), where they had an informal meeting with the CC members and presented new ARS programs to be realized in Artsakh. ARF Artsakh CC representative Artur Mosiyan welcomed the mission, expressing great appreciation for the ARS’ endeavors and offering readiness to cooperate and assist in the implementation of our programs.
On April 27, accompanied by ARS Armenia Regional Executive chairperson Zora Kocharian, ARS Artsakh chairperson Lilit Martyrosian, ARS Artsakh members and Artsakh ARS Soseh Kindergarten coordinator Artemis Grigorian, the ARS CEB visited the Artsakh Yeghbayrakan cemetery and laid flowers at the base of the World War II Casualties Monument, paying respects to their everlasting memory. ARS members also visited the graves of martyred soldiers in the 2020 Artsakh War, placed flowers on their graves and prayed for their immortal souls.
ARS CEB delegation visit Artsakh’s Yeghbayrakan Cemetery
Members were accompanied by ARF Artsakh CC member Aleona Grigorian to a brief meeting with Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan. During the meeting, ARS CEB chairperson Dr. Nyree Derderian presented the latest ARS program, the implementation of a solar heating system in the Artsakh Republic. This program was received with great enthusiasm by President Harutyunyan, who promised to match the funds invested by the ARS.
ARS CEB meets with Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan
On the same day, the group visited the recently rebuilt ARS Soseh Kindergarten and Youth Center, where its principal Nelly Ghulyan showed ARS members the modernized facilities of the building. The pupils, among which are children of martyred soldiers and displaced Artsakh families, welcomed the guests with an enchanting program of song and dance, bringing tears of joy to the eyes of the ARS members. This essential visit was not only enjoyable but encouraging, especially in conversing with the children. Many of them stated that they want to become soldiers to defend their beloved homeland of Artsakh.
After learning all about this beautiful kindergarten, the ARS CEB mission proceeded to the Askeran region’s Khndzristan ARS Soseh Kindergarten, where the principal Susana Hakobjanyan gave details concerning the kindergarten’s educational programs. Guests toured the classrooms, which were beautifully decorated by the handiwork of the children. Then, the students delighted the enthusiastic guests with songs and recitations.
ARS Best Students awards ceremony
In the evening, the ARS Best Student awards ceremony took place at the ARS Stepanakert Soseh Kindergarten. This year, the ARS CEB dedicated the event to college students who had, without hesitation, volunteered for the Artsakh Defense Army, risking their lives during the 44-day war. The ARS CEB awarded these students at Artsakh State University, Stepanakert Mesrop Mashtots University, Grigor Narekatsi University and Shushi Technological University with a citation of valor and a modest monetary prize. Speakers representing the above-mentioned colleges expressed deep gratitude. All the speakers appreciated and praised the global family of the ARS, their supporters, benefactors and donors who help realize assistance programs in Artsakh. They all spoke of their belief that Artsakhtsis will remain firmly attached to their sacred and indisputably historic Armenian soil until the liberation of the captive territories.
“We are proud to be with you today, sharing the pain you have lived following the 44-day war, proud to have the opportunity to give you this modest prize, along with the firm belief that a bright future awaits you, not only because you are citizens of the Artsakh Republic, but because you are Artsakh’s most committed soldiers,” said Dr. Derderian. On behalf of the ARS family, Dr. Derderian said she promised to always stand by Artsakh and its valiant people in times of both war and peace.
After this memorable function, the ARS CEB met with the membership of ARS Artsakh, during which they discussed various issues concerning the entity.
ARS Soseh Kindergarten students all smiles for the camera
On April 28, the mission visited the Ashan ARS Soseh Kindergarten, where its principal Gayaneh Hovhannisyan, her staff and pupils welcomed the visiting ARS members with the traditional salt and bread and proceeded to describe the function of various facilities on the premises. The kindergarten has a large playground, well equipped with swings, slides and a variety of educational toys. Again, the guests were regaled with the lively song and recitation performances of Artsakhtsi children.
After this visit to the kindergarten, the ARS CEB visited the houses being built near the Ivanyan community by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund for deported families. According to the builders, the houses will be ready for occupancy for 100 families by the end of the year.
That evening, the ARS CEB met with the secretary of the Artsakh Republic Security Council, Vitali Balasanian. During this meeting, Dr. Derderian presented the ARS’ latest project of a solar heating system across the Artsakh Republic.
ARS CEB meeting with secretary of the Artsakh Republic Security Council, Vitali Balasanian
Later, in the evening, the ARS mission, executive members of ARS Artsakh and several other guests shared a supper that turned into a merry celebration by all participants.
April 29 was the date of departure for the ARS mission; however, it was impossible to say farewell to Artsakh without visiting the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre. The center was established with the efforts of the English Baroness Caroline Cox. Director Vartan Tatevosyan presented the scope of activities in the center, which serves the needs of citizens of all ages. Treatment is offered to wounded soldiers as well as residents. It has specialized departments that treat children with speech impediments or suffer from autism, along with a physical therapy section. Well known for its specialized training courses in photography, drawing, pottery and other artistic handicrafts, these items are put on exhibition and sold to the public, securing income for the Center. Presently, it has 21 beds. The center treats 1,200 patients, 300 of whom are citizens. The rest are wounded soldiers and freedom fighters. The ARS CEB left the Center with tearful eyes and unshakable determination to help Artsakh on its way to a bright future.
The ARS CEB lived four days of pride in Artsakh, pride for an Artsakh that, in spite of its wounds and lost territories, retains the will to recover and endure, solidly entrenched on its remaining millennial patrimony and sworn to reclaim its legitimate territories now illegally occupied by a brutal aggressor.
ARS/CEB and Executives from Armenia and Artsakh at “We are our Mountains” monument
First of all, let me just say how very pleased I am to be here today with friends, colleagues, and partners. I want to congratulate Freedom House on holding this first Armenian Forum for Democracy. I think it really demonstrates the level of engagement that we are able to have in Armenia and the place where Armenia is on its democratic path.
I want to express my appreciation also to the Prime Minister and to my colleague Ambassador Wiktorin. I thought both sets of remarks were really on point and helped set us up for these panel discussions.
The United States, as are many others in the diplomatic community, is celebrating thirty years of diplomatic relations with Armenia. And certainly since 1992, in terms of assistance, what I can say is that the United States government has provided close to $3 billion in funding to improve the lives of Armenians.
I also want to note that we are not alone in providing assistance. We have many partners and actors – our colleagues from the European Union as well as the member states who act bilaterally, other countries who have been good partners with Armenia. I will focus my remarks on U.S. assistance since I know that best, but I don’t want to forget that there is a lot of good work happening, a lot of complementary work, so that we are not duplicating but we try to be effective by complementing our efforts.
But I think that some of my assessment may hold true for some of the work of others. And I certainly want in this to give enormous credit to the Armenian people because what we are doing in the assistance space is not possible without that kind of a partnership, that will from the people who want to take advantage of the assistance that is being offered.
I will say for the United States that we have found a good partner with this government as a partner on the reform agenda and democratic activities
We are working in many sectors that promote democracy, including building democratic institutions, fighting corruption, developing the economy, and, something that I think is above all important to note, investing in people. That investment in people is absolutely essential. It’s just not possible to be successful in all these other areas if you are not investing in people.
And I really liked what the Prime Minister had to say about preparing citizens to participate in democracy. I think that’s part of what we are doing when we are investing in people, and it is essential for democracy to grow and thrive.
It’s hard to provide a complete report card, given the scope of the efforts that have been taking place over the past thirty years. I will take one quick look at the long-term effectiveness where we can make some assessments and maybe move forward and make some very brief comments on some specific areas in more recent years.
I think that the people investment is a very good place to look from the long term. For me, an example that I find very powerful is that we have a very long-standing partner in the American University of Armenia. That was an institution that, with other partners, was established nearly thirty years ago. The United States through USAID provided seed money and has continued to support the university through various projects.
When I look at one gauge of effectiveness, I look at these kinds of institutions that are educating people, young people, and that continue to be a partner over time that we can go back to, and it’s not just the U.S. government, that those layered benefits of investment in partnerships are really important in noting effectiveness. That it’s not just a drop in the bucket or something very short term but long term.
I also would like to just note we have had many exchange programs, another example of investing in people. And here again, I feel very pleased. These exchange programs range across from young people to technical experts to professionals to civil society. And I think when Armenia was ready and there have certainly been different moments in Armenia’s past since independence, these investments in people have paid off when the right people have been ready to take advantage of Armenia’s development.
If I was to say something then about where we need to continue to look for improvement on human capacity and investment, I think it is in the public sector, in government. We see a continued need for a strong, merit-based system that brings competent people into the service of government for the service of the people.
Over the past four years, I would say I can point to a number of areas that have already been touched on by the Prime Minister and Ambassador Wiktorin. But let me note electoral reform and two free and fair elections. Two free and fair elections, one of which took place in extremely challenging circumstances. And this was the place where I think the work of, certainly, USAID and others in preparing the electoral code, working with civil society, working with those that managed and administered the election system, all of those components came together to produce a very important and powerful result at a very difficult time for Armenia that I think reaffirmed Armenia’s progress on a democratic path and gave them an opportunity to make a decision about leaders – whether they would retain leaders or look for new ones. And that’s what democracy is about.
Media development – here, you know, I think the picture is mixed. I see good things happening. We have certainly been investing in training, in journalists, in trying to help journalists develop a sense for neutrality and integrity in their work. We have supported young journalists, as they work on their skills in investigative journalism, taking advantage of new technologies, such as podcasting, to reach more people. And this is very important.
But on the other side of the ledger, and where I think there is still room for improvement – is in legislation and ensuring that legislation in addressing areas of concern but without suppressing or trampling on critical freedoms – freedom of speech and the ability of journalists to conduct their work.
Anti-corruption is another place where the United States and others have partnered very closely with Armenia. We have had a number of institutions set up – the Corruption Prevention Commission, the Anti-Corruption Court, the Anti-Corruption Investigative Committee – these are institutions that are largely just getting started. I think we have seen good things from the Corruption Prevention Commission that I think they are preparing the way, but obviously there will need to be more work. You cannot set an institution up and then walk away from it. You have to continue to invest in it.
The Prime Minister said it best – the judiciary needs a lot of attention. The challenges there are enormous. And to be fair, I think it is important to note that the idea of simply throwing out all judges would have created its own set of challenges. But it can’t go left unaddressed because this is such an important area of democracy that to not address the need for independence and for integrity in the judiciary is really essential for Armenia continuing to be able move forward.
A last area of reform that I want to touch on is police reform. And this has certainly gotten a lot of attention in recent days. The United States, the EU, and others have partnered on police reform and the Patrol Police which was launched last year. But in watching what’s been happening with the demonstrations, it’s clear that there are concerns through what we have seen in reporting and in videos about excessive use of force. That needs to be investigated. It’s an area where there needs to be accountability. I think we have seen indications that the government is taking heed of the need to investigate.
And particularly in addition to respecting the right of protesters to demonstrate peacefully, there is a need to respect the right of journalists to cover these events without harassment or interference.
And that’s all to say that protesters also have responsibilities to act in a peaceful manner that does not contribute to chaos or disorder or the violations of the rights of others. So, I think that this reform is particularly important, and I want to say how much we appreciate the cooperation of the Ministry of Justice in working together.
And to note, and this is turning back to something that Ambassador Wiktorin said, that democracy is a process that is about making progress. I have had people writing to me about the police reform because they know the United States has been involved and they say to me: ‘So this is your democracy?’ And I say: no, democracy is not a state of perfection. Democracy is a constant state of process, of seeking accountability, ensuring that the rights of people are protected. But it is not one state and I think in the case of the police, as I said, we’ll look for accountability and investigation.
And I would remind those who are making that kind of a criticism – coming from the United States which is a democracy, we have our own challenges, and the police and the conduct of the police is one that we are also constantly having to struggle with, to review, and to seek to improve. So, this is not a situation unique to Armenia. What is important at the end of the day is seeking accountability.
I think the last note that I will make, and here I would say where I think we need to do more, in terms of effectiveness of assistance and finding partnerships with government, and this is on the protection of those who are the most vulnerable and at the margins of society. Women, the elderly, those who are disabled, our LGBTQIA+ community; these are all groups who deserve attention, and I think this is where assistance partnership with the Government of Armenia could do better.
But in closing, let me say that I am very optimistic, despite the challenges that Armenia is facing, because what I see is a society and a government that is committed to a reform agenda, that is focused on improving the lives of the future of Armenia, and as long as we have that kind of willing partnership, I remain optimistic. Thank you.