Author: Badalian Vardan

Young Armenian clarinetist participates in “Young Concert Artists” held in Tokyo

17:00, 7 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, ARMENPRESS. The international music festival launched
on the initiative “Young Concert Artists” was held in
Tokyo’s “Chanel nexus hall” from May 31 to June 6. 9 young performers
from various countries participated in this years contest
along with invited Japanese musicians. Armenian young clarinetist
Narek Harutyunyan also was among the participants of the
aforesaid festival. The Japanese audience admired his virtuous
performance with enthusiasm. 20-year old clarinetist Narek
Harutyunyan has been declared the winner of “Young Concert Artists” in
2010. This triumph was followed by his first solo concert
in the United States. Currently he studies in New York’s “The
Juilliard School”. He received his clarinet as a gift from prominent
violinist Vladimir Spivakov.

OSCE Minsk Group fails to persuade Armenian, Azerbaijani presidents resume talks

17:49 – 07.06.13

The OSCE Minsk Group has failed to persuade the Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents, Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev, to resume
talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Referring to a diplomatic source, ITAR-TASS reports that the next
meeting in Salzburg scheduled for June 12 will not be held.

According to the source, such a meeting can only take place late in
summer or early in autumn.

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, France and the United
States is mediating the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

The Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs may have discussed detailed in Vienna
as well.

Armenian News – Tert.am

Will Russia Subsidy Gas Price?

After PSRC meeting, in answer to reporters’ questions, PSRC head
Robert Nazaryan and ARG general director Vardan Harutiunyan made
interesting statements.

Robert Nazaryan unveiled the source of measures to be used for
subsidization. He said that he is not a party to negotiations, but he
knows that it won’t be on account of Armenian budget means.

ARG general director said that he knows the details of the
negotiations, but he can’t say anything in this relation until the end
of the talks, though he confirmed that the subsidization won’t be on
account of the Armenian state budget.

The PSRC head said that Russia will also subsidy the gas price by 30%
which means we can consider the gas price is 189 USD at the border,
instead of previous 180.

So Russia is found out to raise the price and subsidy it.

Though strange it may seem, but this is not the first case in
Armenia-Russia relations. In 2006 when the gas price was increased
from 55 to 110 USD, Armenia sold the Hrazdan Power station to Russia
at 250 million USD and directed the 188 million USD from this sum to
the subsidization of the gas price. So Armenia sold one of the most
important energy structures of the country to Russia at only 62
million USD.

Most likely we will learn about the `price’ of the subsidization after
usual Armenian-Russian secret negotiations.

Nelli Danielyan, Pastinfo
16:38 07/06/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

June 7, 2013
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PARTICIPATE IN CATHOLICOSATE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ANTELIAS

On Wednesday, June 5, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, departed for Lebanon where he will head the Western Prelacy
delegation at the Catholicosate General Assembly presided over by H.H.
Catholicos Aram I. The Assembly, which will be held from June 12 to
Saturday, June 15, at the Catholicosate in Antelias, will examine the
four-year reports of the Central Religious and Executive Councils. Also on
the agenda are discussions on the Armenian Genocide centennial, Christian
Education, youth activities, Armenian instruction, and ecumenical relations.
Fifteen delegates from the Western Prelacy will be participating in
the General Assembly.
In preparation for the General Assembly, on Tuesday, June 4 the
Prelate welcomed delegates to the Prelacy to review the agenda and related
issues.

PRELATE ATTENDS “ARARAT HOME” MONTHLY LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY THE ARS

On Tuesday, June 4, the Prelate attended the monthly luncheon of
“Ararat Home” in Mission Hills. This month’s luncheon was sponsored by the
Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive and individual families in memory
of their loved ones.
The Prelate was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian.
The luncheon began with the blessing of the tables by the Prelate,
who also delivered his message on his occasion. His Eminence commended both
Ararat Home and the ARS for the love and care they provide to our Armenian
brothers and sisters of all ages through their social services, and thanked
the ARS and the guests in attendance for their continued encouragement of
Ararat Home’s mission to care for our elderly.

CASPS HONORS ARMENIAN STUDENTS FROM LAUSD

On Tuesday, June 4, the 7th annual reception honoring outstanding
Armenian students from LAUSD was held at Grant High School.
This event is organized annually by the Committee for Armenian
Students in Public Schools, which serves under the auspices of the Prelacy.
The annual reception honoring Armenian graduated from Glendale Unified
School District schools was held a few weeks earlier.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian represented the Prelate at the
reception, during which he conveyed the blessings and congratulatory remarks
of His Eminence to the students.

38TH NAVASARTIAN GAMES VICTORY BANQUET KICK-OFF

On Thursday, June 6, the 38th Navasartian Games and Festival Victory
Banquet Kick-Off was held at Leon Bakery and Cafe in Glendale. Rev. Fr.
Ardak Demirjian represented the Prelate at the event.
The Victory Banquet will take place on Saturday, June 29 at the
Pasadena Convention Center. The 38th Navasartian Games and Festival will
begin on Wednesday, July 3rd at Birmingham High School and conclude on
Saturday, July 6 with the closing ceremony, parade of athletes and scouts,
and distribution of championship trophies.

ARS JAVAKHK FUND DINNER RECEPTION

On Friday, May 31st, a dinner reception organized by the Armenian
Relief Society Javakhk Fund Committee was held at the Armenian Society of
Los Angeles. The event, held under the auspices of the ARS-Western US
Regional Executive, benefitted the Akhalkalak and Akhaltskha Youth Centers
and other programs for the Armenians of Javakhk.
During the reception, Ms. Haigoush Kohler was honored with the ARS
Humanitarian Award, and Ms. Dikranoohy Roohinian was honored as a long-time
sponsor of the ARS Javakhk Fund
The Prelate attended the reception and conveyed his message,
praising the vital work of the ARS and commending the dedicated members and
the evening’s honorees for their service.

MOSCOU ET EREVAN ENTRENT EN POURPARLERS POUR L’UNION DOUANIERE

L’Armenie est en train de negocier avec la Russie sur la possibilite
de son adhesion a une nouvelle union des ex-republiques sovietiques
a declare l’ambassadeur russe a Erevan, Ivan Volynkin.

Ivan Volynkin a clairement declare que Moscou souhaiterait l’entree
de l’Armenie dans l’Union douanière de la Russie, la Bielorussie,
le Kazakhstan que preside Vladimir Poutine et qu’il espère faire
evoluer en une Union Eurasienne.

Le diplomate a parle trois jours après que le Premier ministre russe
Dmitri Medvedev et son homologue armenien Tigran Sarkissian aient
discute de la question en marge d’une reunion de la CEI a Minsk.

” L’Armenie veut participer a cette [union douanière] et nous
considerons cela comme important. Nous avons juste besoin de trouver
le format approprie a cette cooperation ” a declare M. Medvedev au
debut des pourparlers.

Un porte-parole du premier ministre armenien, Harutyun Berberian,
a affirme que l’Armenie maintient sa position sur la question. ”
L’Armenie est dans des conditions particulières – en particulier,
elle n’a pas de frontière commune avec les Etats membres de l’Union
douanière – et la partie russe accepte egalement cette circonstance
” a declare Harutyun Berberian au servie armenien de RFE / RL
(Azatutyun.am). ” Dans cette situation, nous parlons que de trouver
un format acceptable pour la cooperation entre l’Armenie et l’Union
douanière “.

L’Ambassadeur Volynkin a cependant declare que l’adhesion pleine
est l’une des possibilites envisagees par Moscou et Erevan. ”
Rien n’a encore ete decide sur le format de l’integration ” a-t-il
declare. ” Cela pourrait etre une association ou un partenariat ou une
appartenance. Tous les formats sont possibles. Ces questions exigent
un examen detaille. C’est pourquoi je pense qu’il est premature de
parler du contenu des negociations “.

” Je pense que les dirigeants russes se feliciteraient de l’entree de
l’Armenie dans cette structure ” a ajoute Ivan Volynkin se referant
aux unions douanières et eurasienne.

vendredi 7 juin 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

LA COMPAGNIE DES CHEMINS DE FER DE RUSSIE ” TRÈS INTERESSEE ” PAR UNE LIAISON AVEC L’ABKHAZIE

La compagnie des Chemins de fer russes qui gère les chemins de fer
en Armenie a exprime son soutien a l’idee de retablir une liaison
ferroviaire avec la Georgie et l’Armenie en passant par l’Abkhazie,
qui a ete lancee par le nouveau gouvernement georgien.

” Nous sommes très interesses par la position des autorites georgiennes
en termes de possibilites de restauration de la circulation de la
Russie a la Georgie et a l’Armenie via l’Abkhazie.

Cela ouvrirait de nouvelles opportunites” a declare Vladimir Yakunin,
le directeur general du reseau RZhD aux journalistes a Gyumri.

Yakunin a souligne en meme temps que la reactivation de la ligne,
ce qui permet de servir une route vitale pour l’Armenie enclavee,
necessite des ” decisions politiques ” par toutes les parties
interessees.

La liaison ferroviaire a ete fermee depuis le declenchement d’une
guerre secessionniste de l’Abkhazie en 1992. Visitant Erevan en
Janvier, le Premier ministre georgien Bidzina Ivanishvili a declare
que son gouvernement appuie sa rehabilitation en principe.

Le gouvernement armenien s’est felicite de cette annonce.

La relance du passage des trains de marchandises a travers l’Abkhazie
permettrait de reduire les coûts de transport de l’Armenie.

D’autres responsables georgiens ont mis en garde par la suite,
cependant, que les nouvelles autorites de Tbilissi seront enormement
prudentes sur la question, malgre leur desir d’ameliorer les relations
russo-georgiennes. “Il est trop tôt pour parler de la rehabilitation
[du chemin de fer],” a declare le ministre des Affaires etrangères
Maia Panjikidze au service armenien de RFE / RL (Azatutyun.am)
a Erevan en Avril.

vendredi 7 juin 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

DILIJAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS EXCEPTIONAL IN ALL THE SENSES

Mediamax, Armenia
June 6 2013

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Dilijan International School (DIS) project
initiated by Russian businessman of Armenian businessman Ruben
Vardanyan and his wife Veronika Zonabend is exceptional not only
because children from a dozen of countries will study there.

“The project is also exceptional with its architectural solutions as
well and it’s in sync with the beautiful landscape”, Ruben Vardanyan
told the journalists today.

The project worked out by British architect Tim Flynn summed up the
practice of over 40 schools built for the past 20 years. RD Project
Management Armenia is the managing company of the construction and
RD Construction Management Armenia is the chief developer.

“Already USD20mln was invested in the construction and the overall
volume of investments will make USD150mln. It’s a very important
project not only for Armenia but also for the whole region as all
those children who will study there will be able to enter the best
universities of the world. I dream of children being able to get the
best education in Armenia”, said Ruben Vardanyan.

Answering journalists’ questions, he said that his children will also
study in the school “if they pass the entrance exams”.

He informed that the annual tuition fee will make USD30thousand but
about 70% of children will get scholarships. “Numerous benefactors
are among the donors of the scholarship fund -Victor Vekselberg,
Alisher Usmanov and Suleiman Kerimov”, said Ruben Vardanyan.

The lessons in the school will be conducted in English by highly
qualified teachers.

DIS will use such international educational programs as Cambridge
IGSSE (international secondary education program, for 13-16 years old)
and IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate, training course for 16-
19 years old).

Dilijan International School (DIS) is expected to become a member of
United World Colleges (UWC) community in October 2013 which will allow
admitting stduents from more than 100 countries. The UWC Dilijan is
expected to host young people from 30 countries already within the
first academic year.

First admission will take place in September 2014. The school will
initially host 650 children.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited Dilijan International School
today. After the visit, Serzh Sargsyan together with Ruben Vardanyan
and one of the program investors Gagik Adibekyan watered the tree he
had planted to mark the start of the “Dilijan International School in
Armenia” program back on April 9, 2010. Then, the Armenian President
held a working discussion with the founders of the DIS, members of
Board of Trustees and relevant officials on current and prospective
issues related to the school and development of town of Dilijan on
the whole.

ARMENIAN MILITARY OBSERVERS TO HEAD FOR MALI

Mediamax, Armenia
June 4 2013

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian Military Observers Will Head For Mali.

The Armenian Defense Ministry Reported Today That “Armenia Has Got An
Offer From UN To Be Involved In The UN Peacekeeping Mission In Mali
But The Decision Was Made To Hold Talks On Providing Only Armenian
Military Observers”.

It Was Announced Today That Italy Which Is A Commander Country Of
A Peacekeeping Mission Held Under The UN Patronage In Lebanon Filed
An Official Request To Armenia To Involve Armenian Peacekeepers In
The mission.

2 Armenian peacekeeping detachments are scheduled to be sent to
Lebanon within this year.

BAKO SAHAKYAN DISCUSSED COMMUNITY ISSUES WITH KOLATAK POPULATION

15:59, 7 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, ARMENPRESS: The Artsakh Republic President Bako
Sahakyan paid a visit to the village of Kolatak in the Martakert region
on June 6, where he had a meeting with the community’s representatives
and discussed problems the local population faces. As Armenpress
was reported by the Central Information Department of the Artsakh
President’s Staff, the Head of the State noted that large-scale
projects would be implemented in the village aimed at the development
of tourism and industry.

The President underlined that peasants should be more active and
enterprising, which is important for successful and effective
implementation of the planned activities

102-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT POSES HIS DEMAND TO GYUMRI AUTHORITIES – VIDEO

12:51 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

Varazdat Manukyan, the oldest resident in Armenia’s Gyumri city, lives
in a big house in one of the central districts of the city. Manukyan
lives alone as his two sons settled abroad many years ago.

In the video made by Gyumri’s Shirak Center NGO Grandfather Varazdat
speaks about the necessity to repair the leaning wall of the yard
as well as about the recent events in the city. Varazdat Manukyan
regularly visits the municipality to remind them of the wall.