Author: Chakrian Hovsep

Government ready to guide people to economic revolution – PM delivers speech at parliament

Chakrian Hovsep

Government ready to guide people to economic revolution – PM delivers speech at parliament

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19:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The people are able to carry out an economic revolution and the Government is ready to guide the people to that point, PM Pashinyan said in his final speech of the parliamentary discussion of the Government’s Action Plan.

Speaking about the newly elected parliament, Nikol Pashinyan noted that it’s a parliament of a new qualitative level, which can be proved by the debates that lasted 3 days.

Referring to the ideological foundations for carrying out an economic revolution, PM Pashinyan qoated the pre-election program of “My step” bloc, “We are convinced that the transformation of the individual is the key factor for public transformation. Each individual can start the process of public transformation by assessing his own transformation as the most important component. Each individual should assess the development and improvement of his own skills, knowledges as a key component for the development of public transformation The State should create an appropriate atmosphere for fostering the mentioned transformations”.

Recalling his first steps into political arena, Nikol Pashinyan said, “When I entered into politics back in 2006 I had a conversation with myself and later had the same conversation with the public. Why have I entered into politics? I asked myself and answered to me that the future of Armenia depends on one person and I am that one person and I went to the public and said in my first public speeches that I challenge each citizen of Armenia to say to himself that the future of Armenia depends on one person and he is that one person”, Pashinyan said, adding that he used the ideology that everything depends on each citizen during the political changes in Armenia in 2018.

“What do we say in this stage, the stage of economic revolution? We say a very simple thing, that is the Government has its share of responsibility and works, but each citizen also has his share of responsibility and works to be done”, Pashinyan said, emphasizing that it’s impossible to overcome poverty without working and it’s impossible to change or create anything without work.

Speaking about the criticism by the parliamentary opposition about the preservation of national values, national schools and church, PM Pashinyan emphasized that it’s necessary to first clarify the word “national”. He told the story of Armenian king Pap, who is nowadays assessed as the enemy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. “But today we have the Apostolic Church of Armenia thank to Pap King, who said that we have our own state and there is no necessity for the Armenian Catholics to go an be anointed in Caesarea. We are a state, we have a king, capital city, religious class and the Catholicos should be anointed in our motherland”, Pashinyan said, adding that the Church opposed the king and he was eventually killed. Pashinyan emphasized that he is a follower of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a deep believer. He drew some parallels between nowadays and the times of King Pap. “Pap King said dear people, you have to pay taxes, he said that the men and women of our country are serving in monasteries and nunneries. But who will work to develop the economy of our country? Who will be the soldier of our country? They said “You are a traitor, anti-national”. We say the same. We say dear people, pay taxes and they get offended”, he said, adding that if taxes are not paid and if the people do not demand the shops to register their sales, the combat readiness of the army will decline, the state will be unable to give pensions or restore the buildings in emergency situation.

Speaking about media freedom in Armenia, Pashinyan recorded with satisfaction that the international organizations share the opinion of the Government over the situation with the media. “Yesterday I received the following message from a high ranking international official that they fully share our assessment over the situation with the media, that is 90% of mass media of Armenia is controlled by the former corrupt regime. And the international community highly appreciates the fact that the authorities of Armenia do not make even the minimal efforts to establish some control over those media outlets”, Pashinyan said.

Referring to the criticism, Pashinyan noted that it’s very important for him to hear any kind of criticism, even non-rational ones, because they are useful anyway. “For 3 days I listened to what you said, good or bad. What does not kill us, makes us stronger”, he said.   

“Yes, our revolution succeeded only when the citizen believed in himself. And we are proud for being able to inspire that belief, so that he believes himself, and we have a special responsibility now to be able to help the citizen to believe in his powers”, Pashinyan said, underlining that there is no alternative for the people to carry out an economic revolution and they will do that for sure.

“Keep away the rhetorical predictions that the situation will aggravate, because it’s an old way of thinking. There will be no worsening. Things will improve non-stop. But for this to happen each citizen must keep this way of thinking in his mind”, Pashinyan emphasized.

“And yes, today I start my second march. The previous one was a march towards the victory of the political revolution, and this one is a march towards economic revolution. And whoever wants to make a step, let him make his step, whoever wants to pass that path, let him walk with me, because our path is irreversible and we are walking towards a free, happy and powerful Armenia, with the flag of only and only Armenia above our heads. And we are walking, looking at the flag of Armenia, our history and future and we will reach the destination with victory. And wherever there is the necessity, we will lead the people, wherever it’s necessary the people will lead us, and the people will win undoubtedly. The people can carry out the economic revolution and the Government is ready to guide the people to that point”, the PM said.

Pashinyan concluded his speech with the slogan famous from the days of the revolution, “Long live freedom, long live the Republic of Armenia, we and our children that already live and will live in free and happy Armenia. I am thankful”.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Asbarez: Armenia Will Buy More Russian Fighter Jets

Chakrian Hovsep
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A Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM multirole fighter jet

YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—Armenia will buy more Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets from Russia after receiving the first batch of such aircraft, according to Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan.

The Defense Ministry in Yerevan confirmed last week the signing of a Russian-Armenian contract on the delivery of four Su-30SMs to the Armenian Armed Forces. A ministry spokesman hinted at more such acquisitions in the near future.

“Yes, we will not content ourselves with the four planes,” Tonoyan told reporters on Wednesday. He described Su-30SM as the “best modern multirole fighter jet” of its kind.

The Armenian Air Force has had no fighter jets until now. It currently consists of 15 or so low-flying Su-25 jets designed for air-to-ground missions.

The Russian newspaper “Kommersant” reported on February 1 that Yerevan will use a Russian loan to buy four Su-30SMs at internal Russian prices set well below international market-based levels. It did not specify their total price.

The Armenian Defense Ministry has refused to disclose the cost of the acquisition, saying that that is “classified information.”

Tonoyan made the comments five days after his latest visit to Moscow during which he met with Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and the head of a Russian government agency overseeing arms deals with foreign states.

Tonoyan’s office said that he and Shoygu discussed, among other things, supplies of Russian-made “state-of-the-art and precision-guided weapons” which would give the Armenian military “preventive superiority” over its adversaries. It did not elaborate.

The Russian Defense Ministry noted the “friendly and constructive character” of the talks between the two ministers.

Turkish politician calls for expulsion of Armenians

Chakrian Hovsep
PanArmenian, Armenia
Feb 11 2019
– 10:46 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – A far-right Turkish politician wants his government to expel tens of thousands of Armenian nationals residing in Turkey in retaliation against France for declaring a remembrance day for victims of the Armenian Genocide, Eurasianet.org says in an article.

President Emmanuel Macron said last week France would mark April 24 as a “national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide.” Turkey’s government, which denies the genocide, has vigorously condemned the decision.

Researchers estimate between 10,000 and 30,000 Armenian nationals are in Turkey, many of whom have overstayed tourist visas after finding work there. They often face greater scrutiny when foreign governments pressure Turkey to formally recognize the Genocide.

“There are 100,000 Armenians here who came from Armenia and are illegally filling their stomachs. I’m saying we should expel them. Why are we letting them stay? While they lobby against Turkey, we continue to feed them,” Mustafa Destici, who leads the small Great Unity Party (BBP), said at a campaign rally on February 7.

It was not clear where Destici came up with a figure of 100,000 nor what “lobbying” efforts Armenian labor migrants living in Turkey could have conducted to persuade Macron. It is not the first time Destici has used the number, or threatened to expel Armenian citizens from Turkey; he made a similar demand in 2015. In 2017, he called on Russia to abandon its military alliance with Armenia.

Destici’s hardline party only receives a few hundred thousand votes in Turkish elections but retains an outsized influence at a time of heightened nationalism in Turkey. In June, the BBP joined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s electoral alliance, along with a larger right-wing group, in parliamentary and presidential polls, earning one seat in parliament.

Turkish Press: Cem Karaca: ‘Bard of Anatolian rock’

Chakrian Hovsep
Anadolu Agency (AA)
February 8, 2019 Friday


Cem Karaca: ‘Bard of Anatolian rock’

One of Turkey’s most beloved recording artists, Karaca pioneered Turkish folk music in a Western style

By Etem Geylan

ISTANBUL

Turkey commemorated singer-songwriter Cem Karaca on Friday, 15 years since the passing of the Turkish rock icon.

Born to an Armenian-Azerbaijani family on April 5, 1945, Karaca is considered one of the most prominent musicians of Anatolian rock, along with Baris Manco, Erkin Koray, and Fikret Kizilok.

Karaca started his music education at age 6 under the guidance of his mother. He first performed in a cover band called the Dynamites, followed by an Elvis Presley tribute group called the Jaguars.

His father at first wanted him to be a diplomat or doctor, but later urged him to sing the “music of the region,” meaning Anatolia and Turkey.

Shortly after getting married to Semra Ozgur, Karaca joined the army, where he became familiar with Turkish folk songs.

“I used to see it as old and primitive, but [later] I realized that the style of music revives and expresses my feelings,” Karaca told one interviewer.

After finishing his military service, the future legend started to make music with Western instruments and joined Apaslar, a band founded by Mehmet Soyarslan.

He also covered the works of Mahsuni Serif, a Turkish folk singer.

In 1967, Karaca and Apaslar entered the Golden Microphone music competition with their cover version of the song Emrah.

The group later went to Germany and recorded songs with the Freddy Klein orchestra. Recordings from that period include one of their best-known songs, Resimdeki Gozyaslari, released in 1968.

Two years later, Karaca and bassist Serhan Karabay left Apaslar to form a new group, Kardaslar. They were recording songs in Germany in March 1971 when the military forced the Turkish government to resign, one of several coups during his lifetime.

Back to Turkey

In 1972, he returned to Turkey and joined the music group Mogollar and recorded his acknowledged masterpiece, Namus Belasi.

After clashes with the band’s co-leader Cahit Berkay, Karaca formed a separate band, Dervisan. Karaca and Dervisan recorded the songs Tamirci Ciragi, Kavga and Yoksulluk Kader Olamaz.

Karaca also supported Palestine resistance with a stand at the international fair in the Aegean city of Izmir. Karaca covered the songs Mutlaka Yavrum and Adilos Bebe to raise awareness of the Palestinian issue.

The singer went to Germany again in 1979, when Turkey’s political unrest reached a peak. He faced legal pressure over his records and statements, and in April 1980 was unable even to attend his father’s funeral.

A few months later, on Sept. 12, 1980, military forces under the leadership of Gen. Kenan Evren overthrew the government and took power. Karaca was ordered to return home to face charges of treason.

He refused, and on Jan. 6, 1983, his citizenship was revoked.

While in Germany, Karaca voiced his longing for home in an interview, saying: “There’s no cure for homesickness.”

Finally, he was given amnesty by then-Prime Minister Turgut Ozal and returned home in 1987.

Accused by some of “selling out,” he argued that his allegiance to country was greater than his dedication to any political party.

During this period, he produced solo records like 1989’s Merhaba Gencler ve Her Zaman Genc Kalanlar (Hello to the Young and the Young at Heart) and Yarim Porsiyon Aydinlik.

Karaca also worked with musicians Berkay and Ugur Dikmen, producing such standouts as Islak Islak, Rap diye rap rap, Kerkuk Zindani, and Bindik Bir Alamete.

He gave his last concert in Ankara on Jan. 17, 2004, and died just a few weeks later, on Feb. 8, age 58.

Stressing his identity as Turkish and Muslim, Karacaahmet Cemetery in Istanbul was the site of the funeral of Cem Karaca, the self-described “Bard of Anatolian rock.”

Reporting by Ethem Geylan:Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur

Armenia’s governing agencies racing for €6-million grant – media

Chakrian Hovsep
ARKA, Armenia
Feb 6 2019

YEREVAN, February 7. /ARKA/. Armenia’s governing agencies have started struggling for a €6-million grant, 168 Hours reports. According to the media source, the Armenian government will receive the grant soon, and the governing agencies will compete for obtaining the money – they will have to explain why these financial resources will be given to them. 

Under this grant, digitalization of files connected with government agencies’ activities will be carried out.  
The necessity of optimization will be pointed out as one of arguments in favor of the grant reception. 

Advanced electronic systems have already been introduced in the State Revenue Committee, the Passport Agency, the State Real Estate Cadastre, the labor and social affairs ministry, the national archive and the national library. -0—

The UN commission recognized the 2011 as groundless. Azerbaijan’s complaint about RA

Chakrian Hovsep
  • 07.02.2019

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The European Economic Commission of the United Nations recognized the 2011 as groundless. Azerbaijan’s complaint against Armenia. Vahram Kazhoyan, head of the Department of International Organizations of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote about this on his Facebook page.


“As a result of eight years of diplomatic “war” and extremely tense “trial” hearings and negotiations, today we brought to a victorious end an important issue for Armenia within the framework of the Convention of the UN European Economic Commission “On Environmental Impact Assessment in the Transboundary Context” (Espu, 1991).


Without giving details, let me say that in 2011, Azerbaijan filed a complaint against Armenia, which was denied on all points by the delegation of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environmental Protection and Energy, during dozens of hearings held over eight years.


Today, the decision was officially adopted, by which, based on the facts presented by us, it was confirmed that Armenia fully complies with the provisions of the convention and that Azerbaijan’s complaint was groundless. Thank you to all my colleagues for providing invaluable help during these eight long years of fair struggle and intense work,” wrote Kazhoyan.

Vardenyants Pass difficult to pass for passenger cars

Chakrian Hovsep
  • 10:59 | February 6,2019 | Official
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

The RA Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology informs that Vardenyants Pass is difficult to pass for passenger cars due to heavy snowfall and is closed for heavy and semi-trailer vehicles, as of February 6, at 09:30.

Other interstate and republican roads are open.

Ararat Mirzoyan receives Piotr Switalski

Chakrian Hovsep
  • 18:53 | January 23,2019 | Official
  • Armenian:

On January 23, Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting with Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Świtalski.

Speaker Mirzoyan thanked the Ambassador for his role in deepening the Armenia-EU cooperation and expressed readiness to contribute to the development and intensification of these relations.

Ararat Mirzoyan assured that the new Parliament is committed to implementing the initiatives and outlined programs and recording results.

Touching upon the ratification process of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Speaker Mirzoyan said it’s an important condition to boost the reforms in Armenia and the partnership with the EU based on the common value system. And the Speaker expected the Ambassador’s support on this matter.

Ararat Mirzoyan said the Armenian side attaches importance to the launch of dialogue with the EU on visa facilitation for the Armenian citizens. “I think this will be a great achievement and will reach the relations to a new level”, the Parliament Speaker said.

He expressed hope that the cooperation with the EU will be more intense in the fields of deepening democracy, human rights protection, cooperation with the civil society, raising the role of the Parliament and etc.

In his turn the EU Ambassador congratulated the Speaker on assuming office and highlighted the fact that he became the leader of the Parliament which has been formed based on the results of free, fair and transparent elections. Piotr Świtalski said the new Parliament has all opportunities for real parliamentarism in Armenia. He also valued the boosting of the inter-parliamentary ties and the role of the parliamentary diplomacy in developing the Armenia-EU relations. Ambassador Świtalski expressed readiness on behalf of the EU delegation to actively cooperate for the Parliament’s institutional capacity developments based on the needs assessed by the Parliament.

Armenian Church commemorates St. Vahan of Goghten

Chakrian Hovsep
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 22 2019

The Armenian Apostolic Church honors today the memory of St. Vahan of Goghten.

Vahan of Goghten was the son of Prince Khosrov, the governor of the province of Goghten. In childhood, together with many other Armenian princes, he was captivated by the Arabs and was taken to Damask, where is circumcised and renamed Vahab, Qahana.am says.

Vahan was a very clever and skilled young man. Receiving proper education he undertook various responsibilities in the royal court. Even though he was brought up and educated in Arabic environment, Vahan knew about his ancestors. He hadn’t forgotten that he had been Christian and came from a noble family.

In 719 AD The Armenian Pontiff Hovhannes of Odzoun paid a visit to the governor of Damask, and upon his request the governor allowed the captives to return to their homeland. Taking the opportunity Vahan also expressed wish to visit his homeland and was allowed on condition of returning. Reaching Armenia, Vahan became aware of the governor’s death and took a decision to remain in his homeland. He married the daughter of the Prince Babken, the governor of Syuunik province, and lived there. However, the new governor of Damask began the searches for Vahan. The latter concealing himself, wandered in his homeland, in Georgia, visited many churches and monasteries and finally stopped in the town Resafa, in Syria. Rejecting the governor’s suggestion to change his faith, he was martyred in 737 AD. On the day of the saint’s commemoration a special church hymn is sung, the author of which is his sister Khosrovidukht.

Asbarez: ANCA-WR Accepting Applications for Spring Internship Program

Chakrian Hovsep
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A group of interns and past participants at the ABC7 Studios.

APPLY NOW

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is accepting applications for the spring session of its internship program. The ANCA-WR Internship Program is an intensive 10-week program that prepares college students and recent college graduates for a professional work environment while learning the intricacies of public policy and advocacy.

The deadline to submit applications is Saturday, January 26, 2019. Interested individuals may apply online at ancawr.org/internship.

“The ANCA-WR Internship Program is a great opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of politics and policy making by meeting with politicians and important figures in the Armenian community and through a multitude of workshops aimed to further improve your skills in networking, public speaking, and critical-thinking,” noted Taleen Nazarian, 2018 summer intern.

Throughout the ten weeks, interns will learn the intricacies of community organizing through weekly workshops and lectures with community leaders. Interns will be given assignments ranging from assisting organizational committees that implement policy to registering community members to vote through the ANCA-WR’s HyeVotes initiative. Interns with varying educational backgrounds and diverse professional aspirations ranging from political, educational, scientific, medical, and other fields will develop and hone leadership and advocacy skills which they will be able to utilize throughout their lives.

In addition to individual and joint projects, interns will participate in workshops featuring a variety of guest speakers including public officials, ANCA leadership, and community leaders. During these meetings, the interns engaged in candid discussions with elected officials, and developed a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation for our political system.

Established in summer 2006, the ANCA Western Region Internship Program is a selective part-time leadership program, which introduces college students, and recent college graduates to all aspects of the public affairs arena. The program provides an opportunity for student leaders and activists to gain an in-depth understanding of the American political system, Armenian-American issues and advocacy efforts on the local, state, and federal levels.

The spring session of the internship program will run from February 25, 2019 to May 3, 2019. Applicants must be high school graduates, aged 18 years or older. Candidates must be able to devote at least 15-20 hours a week to the program.  For more information about the 2019 spring session of the ANCA-WR Internship Program, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818.500.1918.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.