Author: Arsine Chaltikian

Ruben Melikyan: I hope the Armenian community will declare Lilit Makunts unwelcome

Arsine Chaltikian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 21 2021

Former Artsakh Ombudsman, co-founder of the Path of Law NGO Ruben Melikyan has commented on the recent meeting between the Armenian Ambassador to US Lilit Makunts with representatives of the Board of Governors of the Armenian Bar Association. The photo from the meeting had been earlier posted on Makunts’ Twitter acount. 

“I just noticed that the notorious Ambassador of Armenia to the US Lilit Makunts posted on Twitter a photo from  the so-called meeting with the Board of Governors of the Armenian Bar Association. I am puzzled since I knew the leadership of ArmenBar when organised with them their annual conference in Shushi back in 2018. I didn’t notice any familiar face on this photo,” Melikyan wrote, questioning whom Ambassador Makunts has met in reality. 

“Let me put it straight. I hope the Armenian community of the US will declare Ambassador Makunts unwelcome,” concluded Melikyan.

Armenia Union of Journalists president on authorities’ bill to make amendments and supplements to mass media law

Arsine Chaltikian
News.am, Armenia
Oct 21 2021
Armenia Union of Journalists president on authorities’ bill to make amendments and supplements to mass media law
23:26, 21.10.2021

The public needs to understand that the aim of the bill on making amendments and supplements to the Law on Mass Media is to not only go against the presses, but also silence the voice of the public. This is what President of the Union of Journalists of Armenia Satik Seyranyan said during a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

A group of deputies of the ruling party have developed a bill on making legislative amendments that will restrict freedom of speech and will prohibit media outlets from releasing materials with a link to an anonymous source. The government has already put the bill into circulation.

“The Union of Journalists of Armenia considers bills and expresses opinions, and then the MPs present it in a way to show that there have been discussions with the heads of media outlets and media organizations. It’s clear that they sit in their cabinets and think of ways to impose penalties on the media in order for the latter to declare bankruptcy,” she stated, adding that, in her opinion, the authorities never ask the professional community for their opinions on any bill.

“This is what happens when the authorities set the goal to maintain power and restrict free speech. The bill is written illiterately. It even contradicts the Constitution. If the goal is to silence a media outlet, the head of a particular media outlet can create a domain in another country and carry out his or her activities. If the authorities think they can achieve their goal through these punitive measures, they are dead wrong. The public needs to understand that the aim is to not only go against the media, but also silence the voice of the public. The people need to know that journalists represent their interest. The media disturbs the authorities because the media shows that they are lying. The public needs to know that they won’t be able to raise their issues in the future,” she said.

Malta now open for fully vaccinated Armenian nationals

Arsine Chaltikian

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 16:42,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Citizens of Armenia, Iraq, South Korea, and Moldova are now allowed to enter the territory of Malta as long as they are able to present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, ShengenVisaInfo reports.

The Maltese authorities announced last Friday, October 15, that the country has decided to recognize the certificates issued by these four countries as valid proof of immunity against the virus.

Accordingly, in line with the statement that has been made by Malta’s official travel portal, VisitMalta, all nationals of one of these countries are now permitted entry to Malta provided that their vaccination certificate meets the requirements that the country’s authorities have set.

Based on the current rules that Malta has, in order for a vaccination certificate that has been issued in Armenia, Iraq, South Korea, and Moldova to be recognized, the document should indicate that the holder has been fully immunised with one of the vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

This indicates that Armenians, Iraqis, South Koreans, and Moldovans will be allowed entry to Malta as long as their certificate proves that they have been immunised with AstraZeneca EU (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax), Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty).

It has been highlighted that the vaccination certificate must indicate that at least 14 days have passed since the holder has received the last vaccine dose in order for it to be valid.

Armenia expects the CoE to properly address breach of commitments by Azerbaijan during the 44-day war

Arsine Chaltikian
Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 18 2021
, 18:52

 3 minutes read

The 44-day war in 2020 demonstrates that Azerbaijan has neglected this commitment, thus, it should be properly addressed by the Council of Europe, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan at an event marking the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s membership in the Council of Europe.

“You are well aware of the challenges Armenia encounters today. The humanitarian consequences of the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are one of the most urgent issues. The involvement of our international partners, including the Council of Europe, is of utmost importance. We consider that there should not be any “grey zones” in Europe for people to exercise their fundamental rights,” the Deputy FM said.

Below are Vahe Gevorgyan’s remarks in full:

Following the World War II, the European leaders initiated the process of promoting the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout Europe, as cornerstones of the peaceful future of Europe. Thus, the first Pan-European institution – the Council of Europe was founded on May 5, 1949, by the Treaty of London, which already has 47 full members. The city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region was symbolically chosen as the headquarters of the organization.

During 72 years of its existence, the Council of Europe has consolidated the conventional system of the European Continent – the European standards and norms that have laid grounds for accomplishing the goals of the Council of Europe.

Since the declaration of independence, Armenia has chosen the path of democracy. That choice was obvious. Armenia with its history and culture, the Armenian society with its values are an inseparable part of the European family. From 1991 until its full membership to the Council of Europe, Armenia substantiated its choice and became a full member of the Council of Europe on 25 January 2001. Ten years after the declaration of independence, the flag of the Republic of Armenia was hoisted in front of the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg.

On many occasions, particularly in the last two parliamentary elections the people of Armenia once again reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, human rights and rule of law.

The activities of the Council of Europe are aimed at ensuring the individual and collective fundamental human rights. Armenia follows the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s statutory bodies, independent monitoring bodies and advisory committees. A number of governmental bodies of Armenia are engaged in the activities of this multifaceted organization. 

The Action Plan – one of the toolkits of the Council of Europe, through which the organization helps Armenia and other countries to fulfill their commitments and introduce European standards, is essential for Armenia. Currently, the fourth 2019-2022 Action Plan for Armenia is ongoing. Distinguished Ambassadors, this project is implemented through the voluntary contribution of your countries and the EU and I would like to express our gratitude in this regard. 

While glancing back at the 20-years long journey of Armenia since its membership to the Council of Europe, I should underline that enormous work has been carried out with the support of the organization. Armenia has joined 83 conventions of the Council of Europe, 66 of which have been ratified. Besides, Armenia has also joined 12 partial Agreements of the Council of Europe. 

The activities of the European Court of Human Rights are of utmost importance in terms of ensuring the rights of the citizens of Armenia. The court also has a significant role in protecting the rights of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives being held in Azerbaijan as a result of the 44-day war unleashed against Artsakh. 

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished Ambassadors,

It is important to highlight that both Armenia and Azerbaijan committed themselves, upon their accession to the Council of Europe, to use only peaceful means for settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Therefore, the 44-day war in 2020 demonstrates that Azerbaijan has neglected this commitment, thus, it should be properly addressed by the Council of Europe.

You are well aware of the challenges Armenia encounters today. The humanitarian consequences of the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are one of the most urgent issues. The involvement of our international partners, including the Council of Europe, is of utmost importance. We consider that there should not be any “grey zones” in Europe for people to exercise their fundamental rights. 

The Secretary-General, the Commissioner for Human Rights, the PACE, the European Court of Human Rights, and relevant monitoring bodies have already tried to react in accordance with their mandates. Yet, the Committee of Ministers still has its role to play and I believe your presence here will help to move forward.

Sports: Armenian ice dancers win Budapest Trophy 2021

Arsine Chaltikian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 16 2021

SPORT 11:59 16/10/2021 ARMENIA

Armenian ice dancing pair Tina Garabedian and Simon Proulx Senecal have won gold at the Budapest Trophy 2021 international competition being held in the Hungarian capital on October 14-17, the Figure Skating Federation of Armenia reports.

The Armenian ice dancers scored 181.05 points according to the results of two stages.

Lithuanian pair Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius (181.01) came second.

Elizaveta Shanaeva and Devid Naryzhnyy of Russia (174.90) took the bronze medal in the international tournament.

Watch video at 

Iranian FM: We expect Russia to react to probable changes in countries’ borders in the South Caucasus

Arsine Chaltikian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 6 2021

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated on Tuesday that in his meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he has ensured him that Iran will harmonize its stands on Caucasus region developments with Russia, Iran news agency reported. 

Upon his arrival in Moscow Amirabdollahian said in a meeting with the media representatives that “we expect Russia to react to probable changes in countries’ borders in the region and be sensitive about such matters”.

“It is also expected that Russia will be sensitive about the presence of the terrorists and the intriguing moves of the Zionists in the region, which are both threats against regional peace and stability,” he added.

The foreign minister said that besides this visit Tehran and Moscow are continually and through diplomatic and telephone calls exchanging viewpoints on various issues of mutual interest.

“The Iranian and Russian presidents had two phone talks and President Putin had sent his high ranking representative to attend President Raisi’s inauguration ceremony in Tehran,” he added.

Amirabdollahian said that keeping in mind the Iranian Embassy’s efforts in recent months in Russia the ground is quite paved and this visit will therefore have achievements aimed at taking a long and comprehensive stride forth in bilateral ties.

“Keeping in mind the status in the South Caucasus region and Afghanistan, we are going to have serious negotiations,” he said.

Amirabdollahian said that Tehran and Moscow policies have been very close to each other during the recent years and in the field of mutual interests good, harmonized and constructive moves have been made.

“We hope this potential will be further improved in all sections to ensure regional security,” he said, as quoted by the source. 

Iran Closes Routes to Turkish Trucks

Arsine Chaltikian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 October 7, 2021

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Cargo trucks on Turkey-Iran border

Iran reportedly has closed its roads to Turkish trucks, a Turkish official told the Russian RIA Novosti news agency. The news comes days after Azerbaijani media claimed that Iran had closed its airspace to Azerbaijani military planes flying to Nakhichevan.

Ozcan Alash, the head of the Turkish Association for the Development of Trade with Iran, told RIA Novosti that initially Tehran introduced a ban on the passage of Turkish trucks then Ankara reportedly made a decision to halt entry of Iranian trucks into Turkey as retaliation.

Baku and Tehran are in a diplomatic row over Azerbaijani forces stopping and taxing Iranian trucks en-route to Armenia on the Goris-Kapan Highway. Azerbaijani forces also arrested two Iranian truck drivers last month. The rift has escalated due to disparaging comments from official Baku, especially Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who late last month accused Iran of holding military drills near Azerbaijan’s border as a response to the highway blockade issue.

Ankara has voiced support for Baku’s policies, especially its moves on the transport link between Iran and Armenia.

“The trade turnover between Iran and Turkey has been completely suspended due to the tense situation on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan,” Alash told RIA Novosti.

He clarified that the current situation could negatively impact trade between Turkey and Iran, which has already plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 06-10-21

Arsine Chaltikian

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 17:41, 6 October, 2021

YEREVAN, 6 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 6 October, USD exchange rate down by 1.66 drams to 483.01 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 4.83 drams to 557.44 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 6.64 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 5.59 drams to 654.53 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 114.61 drams to 27225.67 drams. Silver price up by 1.52 drams to 349.17 drams. Platinum price up by 42.47 drams to 14845.85 drams.

PRESS RELEASE – AUA Receives $813,135 USAID/ASHA Grant for its Media Lab Project

Arsine Chaltikian
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


PRESS RELEASE

AUA Receives $813,135 USAID/ASHA Grant for its Media Lab Project

YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is happy to receive the approval notification of a competitive grant award of $813,135 from the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The grant is for the establishment of the AUA Media Lab, which aims to strengthen democratic culture, promote the development of a civic press, foster citizen engagement in social media, and advocate for the proper discernment of information.

Through cutting-edge equipment and tools, the AUA Media Lab will serve as a medium for pinpointing target areas of media intervention most crucial for the industry. The initiative will promote the co-creation of well-grounded and reliable approaches to curtail pervasive misinformation and disinformation that corrupt the media landscape and falsely amplify narratives that undermine the legitimacy of democracy. With a focus on strengthening American values and practices and catalyzing collaboration with civil society, the Media Lab will serve as a platform for fostering public trust, tolerance, and empathy between and among various communities. This is expected to improve the media landscape and the level of civic engagement, as well as nurture civic skills that advance an effective and results-driven reform agenda.

As a 21st century American educational institution, part of AUA’s role is to inform, educate and enlighten large numbers of learners within the AUA community, as well as in the extended urban and rural populations. By serving as a community media hub, the AUA Media Lab is expected to generate a competitive advantage for AUA in identifying the most optimal strategic directions for civil society capacity building. This will expand learning opportunities and advance leadership competencies among students, particularly those majoring in humanities and social sciences or business by fostering dialogue and seminal discourse and communication initiatives.

The AUA Media Lab will not only promote civic engagement among all members of the AUA community, other users, guests, invited speakers, and participants of public events, but also expand institutional linkages and collaborations with other local and international universities and research centers. The larger community will have the opportunity to take part in targeted professional and specialized training in high-impact media concepts and related topics. Moreover, AUA will be able to build expert capacity and attract new collaborative initiatives and research through the Media Lab.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. 


Kind regards,
Margarit

—

Margarit Hovhannisyan | Communications Manager

Margarit Hovhannisyan|: Communication manager

+374 60 612 514,  

mhovhannisyan@  

__________________________________________

American University of Armenia

Republic of Armenia, 0019, Yerevan, Marshal Baghramyan Ave. 40:00

40 Baghramyan Avenue, Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia


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Government seeks to tax electronic services rendered by non-resident organizations

Arsine Chaltikian

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 14:06, 5 October, 2021

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Pashinyan administration presented a new legislative initiative to lawmakers for approval seeking to tax electronic services rendered by non-resident organizations.

State Revenue Committee Chairman Rustam Badasyan said the new regulation will tax VAT from non-resident organizations which don’t have permanent offices in Armenia and are rendering electronic services to individuals.

He explained that the new taxes won’t be charged for buying products online which are supplied physically. “This is only about the kind of electronic services which can only be rendered through the internet,” Badasyan said.

Such services are advertising services, online education services and entertainment.

The bill will be put up for voting on October 6.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan