Armenian FM to meet with Minsk Group Co-Chairs in Paris
15:08 01.03.2013
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will leave for Paris on
March 3, Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs reports.
Ministre Nalbandian is scheduled to meet with Co-Chairs of the OSCE
Minsk Group Igor Popov, Jacques Faure and Ian Kelly.
Hovannisian’s voluntary military service offer was rejected
March 1, 2013 – 16:34 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Former presidential candidate, Heritage party leader
Raffi Hovannisian said he is glad his youngest son received Armenian
citizenship.
Asked why his other sons aren’t Armenian citizens and didn’t serve in
the army, Hovannisian said his family `spent all life in service.’
He confessed to having applied for joining the army after he received
Armenian passport, with the application rejected over his age.
The ex-candidate further headed to Myasnikyan square to honor the
memory of March 1 victims.
– See more at:
French parliamentarians condemn Azerbaijan’s provocation in French
Senate during event dedicated to Sumgait tragedy
ARMINFO
Friday, March 1, 14:23
French parliamentarians Christophe Mass, Bouches-du-Rhone and Henry
Gabriel condemned Azerbaijan’s provocation in the French Senate during
the event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Sumgait tragedy.
The statement reads that Azerbaijanis’ provocation in the highest
legislative body of France is an encroachment on the freedom of
speech. This show that the activists fed by the anti-Armenian
propaganda of Aliyev feel themselves with impunity, the
parliamentarians say. France cannot allow foreign forces that have
penetrated into its territory to implement racism and intolerance, the
statement reads. The parliamentarians voiced the necessity of passing
the law criminalizing of Armenian genocide denial on the threshold of
the 100th anniversary of that tragedy in the Ottoman Empire.
To recall, the incident that happened on February 26 in the National
Assembly of France when the Azeri delegation disrupted a commemoration
event marking the 25th anniversary of the Sumgait Massacres taking
place inside the French Parliament. The event was organized by Hay Dat
office in France. The Azeris refused to stand in observance of a
moment of silence for the victims. One of the Azeris shouted that he
would only stand to commemorate “the victims of Khojaly.” The state
aroused discontent of the Armenian delegates and and a brawl ensued
before audience members broke it up and police cordoned off the room.
Immediately after the incident, the Azerbaijani ambassador to France
arrived in the parliament and condemned the incident. Afterwards, Hay
Dat Office in France filed a lawsuit against the Azerbaijanis that
provoked the incident.
VTB BANK (ARMENIA) STARTS SERVING SOCIAL ACCOUNTS WITHIN SOCIAL PACKAGE PROGRAM
YEREVAN, February 28./ARKA/. Customers of VTB Bank (Armenia) can now
open social accounts at the bank within the framework of the social
package program, the bank reported ARKA on Thursday.
In January 2012, the Armenian lawmakers introduced the new social
package that is targeted at civil and public servants in culture,
education and social security spheres. Each employee will receive
132,000 drams annually.
“From now on, all interested customers can open social accounts at
VTB Bank (Armenia) which will further coordinate these accounts. The
physical presence of the customers will not be required any longer,”
according to the source.
Social account transactions will be made in four directions: payments
for health insurance, tuition, mortgage loans and vacations on the
territory of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
The employees of large organizations can apply to “distance opening
of social accounts.”
In that case, the bank specialists will visit such organizations,
register and proceed the full applications on the spot.
Moreover, the customers can get loans of up to six-time size of
their social package amount to make payments to the four directions
mentioned above.
In addition, the clients can make simultaneous payments within the
social package without waiting for refills on their accounts.
VTB Bank (Armenia) customers can open social accounts at all 67
branches of the bank throughout Armenia.
The beneficiaries of the social package and their family members,
including spouses and single children up to 27 years old, regardless
their job positions and salary will equally enjoy a number of social
services. The package covers medical insurance, monthly redemption
of mortgage credits, tuition fees at accredited universities, and
vacations in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
VTB Bank Armenia joined VTB Group in April 2004. VTB, the second
largest bank of Russia, holds 100% of shares of VTB Bank (Armenia). It
has the largest branch network in the country – 67. -0- – See more at:
WE DEMAND THE RESIGNATION OF RECTOR’S ASSISTANT
12:59 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL
Today the students of Yrevan State University (YSU) have organized a
signature collection for the resignation of the Rector’s Assistant
Gevorg Melkonyan .Students say that his yesterday’s behavior is a
real disgrace and vulgarity which deserves punishment.
Note that yesterday, in front of YSU, the rector’s assistant called
on the “army” of the boys from Akhalkalak( who are famous for their
pugnacity) to take out from the university yard the students who had
declared student strike. The latter group was reviling to everyone,
including the girls.
Gevorg Melkonyan told “A1+” that he had done his best to provide the
normal course of YSU students.
In YSU yard a group of civil activists also were collecting signatures
for the resignation and helping the striking students.
The YSU students of the informatics and applied mathematics indicated
that their current strike did not have any political purpose; the
only objective is to punish George Melkonayn.
The Deputy Police Chief Valerie Osipyan who did not want to comment on
the 4 day lasting strikes, was also at the scene. He only noted that
the parents of the students of these students earn their living with
great difficulties and it’s wrong not to participate in the lessons.Due
to Mr. Osipyan’s words we need educated and well-bred citizens.
HERITAGE PARTY LEADER URGES PEOPLE NOT TO DOUBT THEIR VICTORY
February 28, 2013 | 13:15
YEREVAN.- Leader of the opposition Heritage party, who was the
runner-up in the presidential elections, addressed on Thursday the
residents of Byureghavan town of Kotayk Region within the framework
of his regional tour.
Hovannisian welcomed the residents, congratulating them on the
victory. ~SAnyone who defends his rights and freedoms is already a
winner,~T he emphasized.
He called on people not to doubt that they are the winners. He
promised that all who will dare violate the rights of citizens will
be accountable before the law.
~SYes, we won. Even though I speak with an accent, but I think you
get the point,~T he told Byureghavan residents.
– See more at:
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN: A CLASSY PLAYER, AN OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY, A WELL-EDUCATED POLYGLOT…
16:51 27.02.2013
The official website of Shakhtar FC has published an intterview with
Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“Well, he’s good at everything! A classy player, an outstanding
personality, a well-educated polyglot and the man any girl would
marry… Although, girls, do not hurry to rejoice at his last merit –
Henrikh just has no time for you! Neither now nor in the near future.
Mkhitaryan is focused on his career. And he has no intention of
falling in love with anyone until he reaches the absolute maximum. At
least today, he has that kind of attitude,” the website writes. The
interview in full is presented below:
– Henrikh, last year, you hit nearly all football top lists one can
imagine – in Ukraine, Armenia and in Europe. Aren’t you afraid that
such popularity can just blow your mind?
– I am not afraid of it, because I’ve always dreamed of it! I had to
cover a very long way. And it was hard to accomplish. The same happens
in life: it’s hard to achieve something, but you can lose it in one
minute, just in no time. So I know the value of what I have achieved,
and I hope that I won’t ever lose it.
– So do you purposefully control yourself not to be influenced by fame?
– No, I don’t. But at times, I intentionаlly listen to what they
say about me. That’s pleasing and motivational for me to perform
even better.
– Whose opinion is most important to you?
– First of all, I’m self-critical. I know myself when I played well,
and when not, when I managed to do something and when I didn’t. And
then come Lucescu with theory sessions, plus friends and relatives.
– How do you respond to criticism?
– If criticism corresponds to reality, then I respond to it very
positively, because it proves the fact that I have the potential to
play even better.
– And if, say, you are severely criticized by an individual who has
never played football?
– Maybe we’ll have a discussion with him or her about this. After all,
not everyone can see what happens on the pitch. Watching football
is much easier than playing. When you take the field – that’s a
totally different world. Therefore, I usually begin to explain why it
happened that way in that particular situation. But dissatisfaction
is expressed by a representative of football community, it is better
to listen to them than to argue. Although you can listen first and
then give your opinion.
– Is it possible to infuriate you?
– There is a point when I realize that we can’t continue like that
any more, it just won’t help. I will still prove my point – by my
performance instead of words.
– What game or maybe the missed effort do you kick yourself the most?
– There were many chances I failed to convert. But I try to work on
that, because I know that in the game you can have just one chance,
but a very important one. Perhaps, at 0-0 in the 90th minute, you
may have that chance, and if you don’t covert it, the team will lose
points. Therefore, I try to improve, especially as I had some problems
in this regard.
– And yet what mistake was the most disappointing?
– I think it happened in the home game against Chelsea. I had five
goal-scoring chances, but Cech just tipped the balls away.
– How do you feel about the fact that the Armenian fans, no matter
how you play, still praise you?
– I never take the praise, if I know that I played badly. They’re fans,
this is normal. They are the people who just like you and support
you throughout. I am thankful to them. By the way, the situation
has changed now: when my performance is poor, my countrymen start
criticising me.
– Henrikh, you just said you were mastering your finishing. But this
is a common statement for players. Can you explain how you polish it
in more detail?
– I can simulate the goalscoring situation in training. Yes,
the goalmouth is clear, the goalie is not there. But you probably
understand that I must hit the corner of the net instead of just
making it on target. It is better to hit the corner three times
out of ten than just fire the centre of the goal. That’s, actually,
the performance.
– Do you practise free kicks?
– Yes, we stay with the mates for that after trainings.
– But in the game you never take them! Can’t dare?
– Simply enough, Mister just tells us who will do that. That’s why
I never step up for it.
– Are you an emotional man. What about the spot kicks, the nerves?
– I already took a penalty kick last year, in a match with Hoverla,
and missed. But if I have another chance – I’ll try. Why not?
– Aren’t you afraid of getting injured on the pitch? After all,
it’s always in your subconscious.
– No, I’m not. If a player takes to the pitch with such thoughts,
he will surely get injured.
– Do your mother and sister often attend the games?
– The last one attended by my sister was the game with Juventus in
Turin. And mom… (takes him long to recall) When Armenia played
Lithuania! Speaking of Shakhtar, then at the game with Barcelona two
years ago.
– But do they watch it on TV?
– Yes, always! Both on television and on the Internet they find
broadcasts. They call immediately after a game, congratulating me
and scolding sometimes.
– What has changed about you since your move to Shakhtar?
– I matured: I came when I was 21, and now I’m 24.
– You feel that you grew older?
– Yes, because I’ve got used to this team. When you join a new team,
you try to adapt, and eventually you start feeling more at ease,
just as an experienced man.
– Do you feel that you are gaining credibility in the team, your
significance grows, you have the right to vote?
– I don’t have any voting right, because there are players who
have been longer than me at Shakhtar. We have the captain and the
vice-captain, who are entitled to vote. I can just do my job on the
pitch – that’s my right!
– How do you feel about your growing popularity among girls: many
lady fans see a potential husband in you and want to meet you?
– Haven’t met anyone yet, no one came up to me. (laughs) Actually,
it’s nice to be the center of attention of girls.
– Nevertheless, you live at the base and don’t quite leave it…
– Why? Sometimes I go out. I just know why I train and play. I
do’nt deny that it is possible to combine the two. But now, when
I’ve become an idol and begun to score more, I do not want to forget
about football and change my way. I have just one way, and I’m going
to combine it all.
– Don’t the teammates gibe at you over the place of residence?
– At first – they did, even gave me a nickname of the President of
the Base. It’s been one year now since they didn’t say anything, they
just calmed down and got used to it. But… sometimes they tease me
by asking whether I plan to go home or stay at the base.
– What about your private life? Honestly, if constantly staying at
Kirsha, you’ ll have no chance to get acquainted with your future wife.
– Maybe, but it’s fate, and there’s no escaping it.
– Are you a fatalist, you believe in fate?
– Yes, of course. The date of birth determined my fate. Just as anyone
else’s, indeed. Life is a book, and we are actors who play according
to what is written.
– But you yourself made that choice – to live at Kirsha instead of
central Donetsk.
– Thus, the book has it so!
– Look, maybe you just save on accomodation?
– No! (laughs) No! I never had problems with money, and for me it’s in
the last place. If you work, you have to earn. I chose Kirsha because
I had to concentrate more on training and matches than on living in
Donetsk. Knowing how gorgeous the local girls are, I chose to live
at the base, while in my spare time I can go out socializing with my
friends. I’m not a recluse! When there is a desire, I travel to the
city to relax, get distracted from football and start the next day
with a clear head.
– That is, you don’t experience any lack of communication?
– I don’t lack anything. Except for increadibly missing my friends
and relatives in Armenia.
– Okay, let’s dream a little. How do you see your future wife?
– Beautiful, intelligent.
– They all say so. There is no man who would say: I want an ugly and
stupid one.
– Oh! There are some! For me it does not matter whether she will be
blonde, brunette or redhead. It is important that she will be well
educated, because if we have children, we must also must take care
of them. She will sit at home, and I will earn a living.
– And what if she doesn’t wish just to sit in a golden cage, willing
to make her own career or develop own business instead?
– Why? I will make a living.
– Well, she also might want to fulfill as a personality, she might
need communication.
– Let her bring her girlfriends to our home.
– Why, then, do your mother and sister work?
– (Pause.) I asked my mom to quit her job, but she says she can’t do
without it. She will just feel uncomfortable, because she was always
busy doing something. Whilst modern young girls do not work.
(laughing)
– Is your sister old or something?
– Not in this case. My sister doesn’t live in Armenia. She works
at UEFA and wants to earn a living herself. I sometimes help her,
but she doesn’t like it. Saying: “What you earn is yours.” But I tell
her that there isn’t such thing as “yours and mine.” We are a family,
and that’s ours.
– Have any curious or funny things happen to you since your move to
Shakhtar? Maybe some unusual calls and stuff?
– I receive a lot of calls… from strangers.
– And what do they want?
– Money!
– What do you tell them?
– Of course, I refuse them. How can I give money to strangers or just
borrow? I will never get it back.
– I can hardly imagine you at a nightclub. Perhaps, some stories
happen at cafes?
РSometimes. We call in at a restaurant or a caf̩, people recognize
us, ask for an autograph or a photo. For me, this is normal and nice,
I never hide from the people, from fans. I do not feel like a star
or kind of cool. I am a normal man.
РWhat do you order in a caf̩? You have lots of delicious ethnic food,
and our people often choose your meals. What do you prefer?
– Borshch and salo! (laughs) We have, by the way, almost the same
– basturma.
– And you know how to cook?
– I can make spaghetti and semi-finished burgers. Well, scrambled eggs,
of course.
– They propose different clubs to you, but you say that you think
only of Shakhtar. In the future, would you like to develop here,
together with the club, or to go to Europe?
– To be honest, I feel good at Shakhtar. But there comes a time when
you want to change the setting. Not because it’s bad here, just to
test your strength in a different league.
– And if you fail?
– it means then that the book read it like that!
– But there are players like Darijo and Tomas, who spent almost their
entire careers in Donetsk. How do you like this option?
– If possible, why not? I am also ready to spend my entire career
at Shakhtar.
– Did you think of what would you do after quitting football?
– I had some thoughts. I won’t be coaching, that’s just not my cup
of tea. I can try myself in this role, but don’t want to. That’s
all about nerves, but I wouldn’t want my hair to get grey early. If
everything goes well, I can see myself doing business. Still do not
know the line, but in this particular area.
– Business in Donetsk?
– No, probably in Armenia. I plan so far to get back there when
I retire.
– Don’t you want to live in Europe? You know so many languages!
– I don’t want to move there so far. And languages… We talk French
only with our physiotherapist Clement Hazard. Oh, and with Mister! But
with him, you can also speak English, Russian and Portuguese. Except
Armenian. To be honest, I would like to have a good command of English,
I always liked it.
– Have you got a higher education?
– Yes, I graduated from the Institute of Physical Culture in Armenia.
Currently, I study economics at the Yerevan branch of the St.
Petersburg Institute. I entered it because their degree is valid in
almost sixty countries. When I graduate, I want to study there as a
lawyer. And at the same time, I will master my English.
– By the way, usually Armenians speak with an accent. You don’t have
it at all. How come?
– My grandmother is from Moscow. I spoke a lot of Russian with her at
home. She still lives in Armenia – for almost 50 years now. Probably
it’s by virtue of my grandmother’s assistance that I don’t have that
accent any longer. And that’s good!
UNICEF, GERMAN EMBASSY JOIN EFFORTS TO IMPROVE MONITORING OF CHILD RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE INSTITUTIONS OF ARMENIA
17:51 27.02.2013
UNICEF and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany signed today a
cooperation agreement whereby German Embassy will allocate 65,000 EURO
to strengthen capacities of Independent Public Group for Monitoring
of Residential Care Institutions in Armenia.
“Children living in orphanages and night-care centres as well as those
attending special schools may be at higher risk of being abused and
neglected. Recent cases of abuse and violations revealed in some of
those residential institutions necessitate taking immediate action on
proper independent monitoring of child rights violations in orphanages,
night-care centres and special schools, as well as on the status
of children placed in those institutions,” UNICEF Representative in
Armenia Henriette Ahrens emphasized.
Independent Public Group for Monitoring of Residential Care
Institutions was established in 2010 by the Minister of Education
and Science, following notorious cases of abuse and violence
in the Nubarashen boarding school for children with intellectual
disabilities. Supported by the Open Society Institute over the last
two years the Independent Public Monitoring Group has a mandate to
monitor special educational institutions of the Ministry of Education
and Science of Armenia. During the past two years the Independent
Public Monitoring group conducted visits to 32 special institutions
and produced two reports, which, however do not provide detailed
information on child rights violations in those institutions.
The objective of the current project funded by the German Embassy in
Armenia and the Open Society Instituteis to improve the situation with
the child rights protection in special institutions. It is expected
that the Independent Public Monitoring group will also improve its
internal regulations, supervisory structures, monitoring methodology,
mechanisms and tools to exercise better control over monitoring
and reporting of the results. The transparency of the Independent
Public Monitoring Group’s work will be ensured through regular public
presentations of the results of the monitoring with participation of
all stakeholders, including media.
Apart from special educational institutions placed under the authority
of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Public Monitoring Group
will also exercise monitoring over residential care institutions
(orphanages, night care centres) that are administered by the Ministry
of Labour and Social Affairs, by establishing cooperation with the
latter as well as with the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
“The protection of human rights all over the world is a policy priority
of the German government. The German Embassy in Yerevan is working
closely with the Armenian government, the Ombudsman’s office, NGOs
and international organisations in order to meet the challenges for
the safeguard of human rights in Armenia. Children are an especially
vulnerable group who need our careful attention in order to avoid any
abuse or violence and insure an appropriate care and education. We
trust that our joined efforts in this project will have a tangible
impact on the protection of children’s rights in Armenia”, Reiner
Morell, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Armenia,
explained.
In Armenia there are approximately 4500 children living in residential
care institutions. The adverse impacts of institutionalization on
children have long been proven by researchers around the world. There
is no independent and periodic monitoring of those institutions and the
status of children placed there. Ad hoc investigations and monitoring
are carried out exclusively when cases of abuse, violence or child
death become public. The placement of children in institutions often
ignores the principle of the best interest of the child, assessment
shows. Yet after the placement in an institution the majority of
children spend their childhood there due to the lack of follow up,
regular assessments of changing needs of the child and the family
and limited support provided to families and children by social
protection services.
“The Independent Public Monitoring Group should not be seen as
a response to critical situations in which children living in
residential care institutions find themselves, but rather should
serve as a preventive mechanism to stop cases of violence and abuse
against children and ensure the rights to education and to a family”
UNICEF Representative in Armenia stressed.
MILITARY EDUCATION DISCUSSED IN ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY
February 27, 2013 – 21:59 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian defense ministry’s administrative complex
hosted a meeting, with the ministry’s policy and the course of
implementation of military education program discussed.
The meeting, chaired by Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, featured
speeches by the chief of Department of Staff and Military Education
Mher Shirinyan and head of D. Kananyan Institute of National Strategic
Studies Hayk Kotanjyan, representatives of military education field
and army commanders.
In his speech Minister Ohanyan stressed the importance of staff
changes and the programs implemented in the military educational field,
defense ministry’s press service reported.
– See more at:
UNCERTAINTY OF NKR STATUS HINDERS ARTSAKH INVOLVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL PROCESSES. NKR FOREIGN MINISTER
20:15, 27 February, 2013
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS: Conference titled “Lithuania and
Armenia: a look to the recent past” dedicated to the 25 anniversary
of the democratic movements in Armenia and Lithuania and the National
liberation struggle of the Armenians of Artsakh took place in Seimas,
Parliament of Lithuania on February 26. The participants also honored
the memory of the victims of the Sumgait massacre.
As Armenpress was informed from press, informational and public
relation department of Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members
of the Lithuanian legislative body, representatives of political,
social and academic circles, including the founding members of the
Lithuanian movement of “Sajudis” as well as members of the Armenian
community of Lithuania participated at the conference.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Karen Mirzoyan was invited as a special
guest of the conference and delivered a speech where he noted that
the movements of the national revival that united the Armenian and
Lithuanian peoples around common ideals and principles of freedom
and democracy have resulted in independence. “In Lithuanian case the
independence gave its people possibility to restore its statehood and
fully integrate into the international community, European Union” ,
– stated Karen Mirzoyan, stressing that the people of Artsakh not
only had to assert its right to freedom and independence but also
to struggle for its survival and right to live on the land of its
ancestors.
The minister reminded that from the very beginning Azerbaijan
rejected dialogue and search for political settlement of the issue,
resorting to the threats and terror, in response to the peaceful and
lawful demands of the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh. “But our people
withstood and passed the test of the imposed war. In May 1994 the
ceasefire agreement was signed which gave us opportunity of peaceful
life and building of an independent statehood”, – said Karen Mirzoyan.
He stressed that NKR is committed to the democratic way of the
state building, which guarantees all the fundamental human rights
and freedoms. Even though Nagorno-Karabakh is an unrecognized state
and may not undertake commitments to observe the universal democratic
standards before international organizations, but it is steadfast in
following them. “Moreover the human rights record in our republic
is significantly higher than in many recognized states, which was
reflected in the last Freedom House report”, – the minister noted. He
expressed regret that the unrecognized status of the NKR is a barrier
for its full involvement in the international developments that in turn
limits the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Dwelling upon the issue of Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement,
the minister reiterated NKR’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of
all disputable issues with Azerbaijan. At the same time he noted with
regret that the official Baku does not only reject all the proposals
of the mediators but also suppresses any even weak initiatives towards
reconciliation, as well as implants cult of hatred towards Armenians
and anything Armenian and propagates xenophobia, intolerance and
militaristic moods.
Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
Vahan Hovhannesyan and Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania Ara
Ayvazyan addressed the conference and noted the irreversibility
of the democratic processes started 25 years ago, emphasizing
the importance of ideas and spirit in the peaceful settlement of
conflicts. Members of Seimas DangutÄ- MikutienÄ-, Algis KaÅ¡Ä-ta,
Vilija AleknaitÄ–AbramikienÄ- also delivered speeches and mentioned
the importance of the imperative of staying committed to the ideas
of the democratic movements. Lithuanian MP Dalia Kuodyte read a
declaration on to establishing in the Seimas of the Republic of
Lithuania Friendship Group with the Republic of Artsakh (the Nagorno-
Karabakh Republic).The original of the signed document was officially
handed in to NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan. 9 members of
different fractions of the Lithuanian Seimas joined the initiative.
– See more at: