Author: Boris Nahapetian

Armenia records 2nd and 3rd COVID-19 deaths

Boris Nahapetian

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 03:29,

YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. Two coronavirus-infected patients, a 73-year old man and 55-year old woman, who suffered also other concomitant chronic diseases died on March 29 at ‘Nork’ infectious clinical hospital, ARMENPRESS reports Health Minister of Armenia Arsen Torosyan wrote on his Facebook page.

”I have to say with deep grief that we recorded two deaths within an hour at ‘Nork’ infectious clinical hospital, a 73-year old man and 55-year old woman, who were hospitalized because of coronavirus, but suffered other concomitant chronic diseases”, Torosyan wrote, adding that the doctors made all possible efforts to save their lives, but, unfortunately, were unable.

The Health Minister offered condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

By 21:00, March 28 the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia has reached 407. 30 patients have recovered. One death case was recorded on March 26.

On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armenia`s Parliament in the first reading adopted a bill on criminal liability for violation of self-isolation

Boris Nahapetian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo.By the decision of the Chairman of the National Assembly Mirzoyan, in accordance with Article 100 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and  Article 41 of the RA Constitutional Law “Rules of Procedure of the  National Assembly” on March 20, an extraordinary sitting of the  National Assembly was convened on the agenda “Package of draft laws  on introducing amendments to the RA Criminal Code and the RA Code of  Administrative Offenses (first, second reading)”.

The parliament adopted a draft decision of the National Assembly “On  a special procedure for discussing the issue of an extraordinary  sitting of the National Assembly convened on “,  according to which the second reading of the issue will be organized  on March 23, at 11:00am.

Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia Vahe Danielyan, head of the  Bright Armenia faction Edmon Marukyan spoke on the agenda of the  meeting.

In the closing statement, the Deputy Minister of Justice of the  Republic of Armenia Danielyan addressed the issues of concern to the  MPs and emphasized that, based on the situation, the requirements are  changing every minute. 102 MPs voted in favor of the draft law.

To note, according to the government’s initiative for violating the  requirements of the isolation regime, a citizen faces a fine of 300  to 500-fold of the minimum wage.

Thus, during a state of emergency, violation by individuals and legal  entities of restrictions on the publication or dissemination of  information regarding information on coronavirus will be punished by  a fine in the amount of 50 to 300 times the minimum wage. Moreover,  in the event that a violation of the requirements of isolation or  self-isolation leads to a mass illness of the population, a citizen  will be punished by arrest for up to 3 months or imprisonment for up  to 5 years.

The parliament will continue the work of the extraordinary meeting on  March 23, at 11:00am. 

Yerevan City Hall to provide food stored in kindergartens to needy families

Boris Nahapetian

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 18:17,

YEREVAN, MARCH 17, ARMENPRESS. The Yerevan City Hall will provide the food stored in the community kindergartens to the socially needy families, the City Hall said on Facebook.

“Taking into account the current state of emergency in the country Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan discussed with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan the issue of providing the food stored in the community kindergartens to the needy families. The food will be provided to the administrations of heads of administrative districts, and their social protection departments will distribute the food to the needy families based on priority”, the statement said.

On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00. As of now, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia is 64, one patient has recovered.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




4 cases of coronavirus in Armenia at this moment – healthcare ministry

Boris Nahapetian

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 09:26, 12 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s healthcare ministry said in a statement that a total of 4 cases of the novel coronavirus are registered in the country at this moment.

“After announcing three new cases of the novel coronavirus some reports were circulated on the internet according to which “three more persons have been diagnosed with coronavirus during examination”. And this “information” was also copied by media outlets.

Dear Facebook users, we urge you not to create additional panic within the public and have a sense of responsibility.

At this moment there are a total of 4 coronavirus cases in Armenia, one was announced on March 1 and the other three on March 11.

Please follow only the official news”, the ministry said in the statement.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Tehran: Opening Armenia’s embassy in Tel Aviv contradicts with interests of Palestinian nation

Boris Nahapetian
Mehr News Agency, Iran

TEHRAN, Mar. 15 (MNA) – Iranian Parliament Speaker’s Special Aide for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sun. that opening Armenian Embassy in Tel Aviv runs counter to the interests of Palestinian people.

He condemned the decision taken by Armenian government in opening its embassy in Tel Aviv and described this move in contradiction with the interests of Palestinian people.

Amir-Abdollahian called the decision adopted by Armenian government in opening its embassy in Tel Aviv ‘surprising’ and added, “undoubtedly, this move is in conflict with the interests of Palestinian people and will leave negative impacts on stability and security of the region.”

He referred to the positions of Islamic countries on the necessity of realization of the rights of Palestinian people and strongly condemned any normalization of ties between Arab and non-Arab countries with the racist Israeli regime.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Amir-Abdollahian pointed to the steps taken by the Israeli regime in annexing the West Bank and called it ‘an aggressive and unjustified act’ that could further exacerbate tension in the region.

He termed friendly relations between Tehran and Yerevan as an important factor in preserving stability and security in the region and added, “it is hoped that Armenian government will revise its decision and adopt necessary steps to help the oppressed people of Palestinian.”

MNA/4879435

Five suspected cases of coronavirus pending test results in Vanadzor

Boris Nahapetian

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 17:38,

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. Five people in the town of Vanadzor have been taken to the local infectious diseases hospital over coronavirus fears after showing “some symptoms”, Healthcare ministry spokesperson Alina Nikoghosyan told ARMENPRESS.

“Samples have been taken for testing”, she said.

“People from different parts of Armenia might get quarantined because we already have confirmed cases. We are aware of each and every one, but there is no sense in disclosing it,” she said.

As of March 13, there are 8 cases of the novel coronavirus in Armenia.

 

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

Chess: PRO Chess League Quarterfinals: Armenia, Canada Advance To Finals

Boris Nahapetian
Chess.com
 
 
PRO Chess League Quarterfinals: Armenia, Canada Advance To Finals
 
by Colin Stapczynski
Updated: Mar 14, 2020, 1:32 AM|
 
The Armenia Eagles and Canada Chessbrahs have advanced to the PRO Chess League Finals in Norway at ChessParty2020.
 
The Eagles and Chessbrahs are headed to the Live PRO Chess League Finals.
 
The Eagles and the Chessbrahs are the final teams to secure their spots in the finals and the final four is set!
 
The PRO Chess League will make an announcement on Twitter later this week regarding the dates of the finals and how the league will be taking the safety of all of the players and fans into full consideration.
 
Armenia Eagles Knock Out New York Marshalls 9.5-6.5
 
Heading into the match, some viewed the Eastern Division Champion Armenia Eagles as an underdog against the mighty New York Marshalls. The first round supported this idea, with the Marshalls surging to a 3-1 start.
 
In round two, the Eagles soared back into the match with a 3.5-0.5 score! The turning point seemed to occur when the Eagles’ GM Zaven Andriasian trapped GM Hikaru Nakamura’s queen after 32.f3??
  
During the live broadcast, GM Georg Meier commented: “Any Armenian having a good day is a force in blitz/rapid!” What happens if more than one Armenian is having a good day? Both GM Tigran Petrosyan and Andrisian won three in a row. After the first round, Armenia finished the match with a score of 8.5/12.
 
Armenia’s fourth board, Petrosyan, scored 3.5/4 while Andriasian had 3/4 and GM Parham Maghsoodloo had 2.5/4. Petrosyan’s fantastic performance ended not on the board but with a smile after his final round victory.
 
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat both on simultaneous display. @Armenian_Eagles’ GM Tigran Petrosyan can’t help but smile!#prochess
 
The Eagles are returning to the Live PRO Chess League Finals for the third time in three years as they look to regain the PCL Championship title.
 
Canada Chessbrahs Defeat Chicago Wind 9.5-6.5
 
The Canada Chessbrahs were logically considered the heavy favorite heading into the match. The Chessbrahs’ insanely strong lineup consists of world number-four GM Alexander Grishuk, world number-11 GM Anish Giri (both are 2020 Candidates tournament participants), the young superstar GM Alireza Firouzja, and the original Chessbrah GM Eric Hansen playing on board four.
 
The score was level after the first round, but the Chessbrahs took control in round two with Grishuk defeating GM Jorge Cori and Hansen making a statement win against GM Illia Nyzhnyk.
 
 
At the halfway point, the Chessbrahs were ahead with a 5-3 score, but the Wind were ready for a fight in round three. All four of the games were decisive, but the round ended up 2-2 with Firouzja defeating GM Alexandr Shimanov, GM Ray Robson defeating Giri, Nyzhnyk defeating Grischuk and then Hansen coming in with another clutch victory (this time against Cori).
 
Heading into the final round, the Chessbrahs were up 7-5. They won the final round with a 2.5/4 score though things looked hairy for a moment as Alireza Firouzja got into trouble and ultimately lost a spectacular game against Cori. Saving the day, both Grischuk and Hansen won their final round games to turn the tide and secure match victory for the Chessbrahs.
 
The hero of the day was the Chessbrahs’ famous manager, Hansen. He put up a 3.5/4 score to help the Chessbrahs advance to the finals for the first time.
 
The Eagles and the Chessbrahs will face off in the Semifinals in Norway at ChessParty 2020. For more on ChessParty 2020, check out the promotional video below, but take note that the PRO Chess League will make an announcement on Twitter later this week regarding the dates of the finals and how the league will be taking the safety of all of the players and fans into full consideration.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A letter in support of increased aid to Armenia and Artsakh in fiscal year 2021 was signed by 75 congressmen from 23 US states

Boris Nahapetian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo.A letter in support of increased aid to Armenia and Artsakh in fiscal year 2021 was signed by 75 congressmen from 23 US states. ArmInfo was informed  about this in the press service of the Armenian National Committee of  America (ANCA).

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hambaryan thanked Congressmen Pallone,  Speyer and Schiff, and all other legislators who signed this letter,  aimed at promoting a targeted, future-oriented assistance package for  Artsakh and Armenia, which is an investment in peace and democracy.

The ANCA also informed that the letter circulated for signing in  Congress includes the following budget requests: allocate $ 1.5  million for mine clearance in Artsakh and reliable financing of  regional rehabilitation services for landmine victims and people with  physical and cognitive impairments. In addition, provide $ 100  million for assistance in the field of economy, management, rule of  law and security of Armenia through the Department of State and  USAID. “As well as the removal by the State Department and USAID of  any official or unofficial restrictions on travel to the United  States, communication or contacts with representatives of the Artsakh  government. And most importantly, the suspension of US military  assistance to Azerbaijan until it is confirmed that Baku has stopped  everything aggressive actions towards Armenia and Artsakh, “ANCA  informed.

Azerbaijani press: U.S. think tank hosts discussions on Azerbaijan (VIDEO)

Boris Nahapetian

Thu 12 Mar 2020 06:42 GMT | 10:42 Local Time

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Sutherland Institute, one of the leading U.S. think tanks in the State of Utah, hosted a panel discussion dedicated to Azerbaijan’s traditions of interfaith harmony and multiculturalism featuring an interfaith delegation from Azerbaijan.

It should be noted that the visit of the delegation to Utah, which includes representatives of various religious communities and government entities, has been jointly organized by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), the State Committee on Religious Associations of of Azerbaijan (SCRA), and the Utah-based Stirling Foundation.

Opening the event, President and CEO of the Sutherland Institute Rick Larsen expressed his appreciation for hosting such an important event and welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation.

Speaking afterwards, CEO of the Stirling Foundation Ed Rowe welcomed everyone at this historic event and said that this is the first visit of religious leaders and government officials responsible for religious affairs from Azerbaijan to the State of Utah. He also stated that he lived in Azerbaijan 20 years ago and quickly fell in love with Azerbaijani people and culture.

In his speech, Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Los Angeles Nasimi Aghayev said: “We are proud of this diversity, interfaith harmony and understanding in Azerbaijan… In Azerbaijan’s case it is beyond tolerance; it is about accepting each other, respecting each other’s faith and traditions.”

Then panel discussions followed. Executive Director of the BIMC Ravan Hasanov, Deputy Chairman of the SCRA Gunduz Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Spiritual Values Promotion Foundation Mehman Ismayilov, Deputy Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims’ Board Fuad Nurullayev, Chairman of the Baku religious community of European Jews Alexandr Sharovski and the Secretary of the Baku Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Mefodi Afandiyev spoke about Azerbaijan’s ancient traditions of multiculturalism, interfaith acceptance and harmony. They noted that Muslims, Jews, Christians and representatives of other faiths have been living together in peace, dignity and mutual respect for centuries in the majority-Muslim Azerbaijan. Afterwards they responded to numerous questions from the audience.

Turkey announces first coronavirus case

Boris Nahapetian

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 10:00,

YEREVAN, MARCH 11, ARMENPRESS. Turkey announced its first novel coronavirus infection case early Wednesday in a male national who returned from Europe, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported citing Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

“The infected individual contracted the virus after returning from Europe. He has been completely isolated,” Koca said. 

“The patient’s general condition is good. All of his family members and those who came into contact with him are under surveillance,” he added.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan