Author: Chatinian Lara

Armenia mitigates law on state debt

Chatinian Lara
| 12:59 | November 23 2017
Category
BUSINESS & ECONOMY

The Government of Armenia has approved the bill on amending the law on the country’s budget system and the law on state debt.

During today’s Cabinet meeting, finance minister Vardan Aramyan said the bill has been discussed for a long time and the amendments concern the new fiscal rules.

The minister said the IMF has provided technical assistance, and the main issue is that the current regulations on fiscal rules are pretty harsh.

“Today we have the following norms: the state debt law says If you surpass the state debt by 50%, then the following year you must plan a deficit not greater than 3% of the average GDP of the previous three years and in case of 60% exceeding the debt is null, this is a very harsh approach. Today, countries change these norms one after another and put the main rules in the spending policy, which Armenia is also trying to do”, he said.

“We mentioned three thresholds – 40, 50 and 60 percents, if the debt is greater than 40%, then the norm whereby capital spending should be greater than the deficit must be engaged, if it is greater than 50, then we heighten the rules, we set a rule on the growth of current spending, and if it exceeds 60%, we heighten it even more, in order to tie the current spending with average revenues also”, he said.

The PM asked whether there are any questions for ministers of the economic sector, whether the degree of freedom isn’t being limited.

In response, the finance minister said the most important is that regardless who it is, they must be engaged in fiscal policy by the rules.

Art: The retrospective exhibition of Ara Shiraz artwork opened at National Gallery

Chatinian Lara
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 11 2017
Culture 17:46 11/11/2017 Armenia

The retrospective exhibition of one of the most famous representatives of Armenian new fine art Ara Shiraz opened today at the National Gallery of Armenia.

The Head of the Sculpture Department at the National Gallery Mariam Davtyan told reporters the exhibition is aimed at representing the whole creative way of Ara Shiraz, with transformations of all volumes and forms, from sculptural works to graphic papers including about ninety works from the collections of the National Gallery of Armenia, Yerevan Modern Art Museum and the artist’s family.

It was noted that graphic works of the artist’s earlier period are displayed for the first time.

A close friend to Shiraz Robert Elibekyan noted that the artist’s works have been under confinement for years, yet Shiraz has always wished his works to live. 

Director at the Gallery Arman Tsaturyan informed the event concludes the series of exhibitions planned for the ongoing year.

To note, Ara Shiraz was born in 1941 into the family of remarkable poets Hovhannes Shiraz and Silva Kaputikyan. In 1966, he graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Arts. From 1968 till the end of his life he was a member of the Union of Artists of Armenia. In 1987 the artist was elected as the president of the Union of Artists of Armenia. He was awarded a title of Honoured Artist of Armenia in 1977. In 1979 Shiraz was awarded a State Prize for the sculpted ornaments of hotel “Dvin” (Yerevan). He received a title of People’s Artist of Armenia in 2009. The sculptor participated in numerous exhibitions in Armenia and abroad.

Chess: European Chess Championships: Armenian men’s team loses to Germany

Chatinian Lara
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 6 2017

The Armenian men’s team lost to Germany 1.5-2.5 at the seventh round of European Team Chess Championships underway in Crete, Greece.

According to the National Olympic Committee, Armenia’s leader Levon Aronian, Gabriel Sargsyan, Sergey Movsisyan played draw, while Hovhannes Gabuzyan suffered a defeat.

After 7 rounds the Russian team unilaterally leads the tournament table with 12 points. Azerbaijan comes the second with 11 points, followed by Hungary, Ukraine, and Israel, sharing the 3-5 places with 10 points each. The Armenian national team is placed the 11th with 8 points.

Forecast: The interests of the EU dictate pushing Armenia to abandon the "unconstructive and uncompromising position" on Karabakh.

Chatinian Lara 
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Friday
 Forecast: The interests of the EU dictate pushing Armenia to abandon
the "unconstructive and uncompromising position" on Karabakh.
Yerevan October 27
Angela Stepanyan. The "four-day war" of 2016 is a clear indication of
Turkey's readiness to toughen its position with regard to Armenia
under certain conditions. The Russian analyst Sergey Markedonov voiced
his opinion.
"In this light, we have to admit that until then the Republic of
Turkey remains a member of NATO, while having the second largest army
after the US, the North Atlantic integration vector remains optional
for Armenia, and moreover, the EU's economic ties with Azerbaijan,
coupled with an active desire to reduce Russia's energy domination is
clearly not compelling Brussels to consider the interests of Yerevan
as a priority of its Caucasian policy," he said.
In this light, the analyst predicts Yerevan's push to abandon
"non-constructivism and uncompromising attitude to Karabakh" in case
of overcoming the forthcoming signing of the Armenia-EU comprehensive
and expanded partnership agreement with additional integration
factors. In this context, Markedonov notes security as an argument
capable of outweighing for Yerevan contacts with the EU in economics,
technology and finance.
It is important for analysts that up to at least the transition from
imitation to meaningful negotiations on the Karabakh settlement, the
weight of this argument will not undergo any changes, and Russia
remains on this particular vector for Armenia without alternative.
November 24, 2017 at the Brussels summit of the "Eastern Partnership"
Armenia plans to sign a partnership document on the partnership with
the EU, which was initialed on March 21 - the Agreement on
Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership. The Council of Foreign
Ministers of the EU initiated the relevant talks on October 12, 2015
in Luxembourg.

Catholicos Karekin II Arrives in Los Angeles for Pontifical Visit

Chatinian Lara
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His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians

LOS ANGELES—His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians arrived in Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon bringing Pontifical blessings to more than one million Armenians living in the Western United States, reported the Diocese on its website.

He was greeted by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Diocesan Council Chair and the reverend clergy. Accompanying His Holiness were high-ranking clergy from the Holy See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director and the Diocesan Legate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and ecumenical guests.

Greeting His Holiness, Arch. Derederian said “We once again welcome the Pontiff of the Armenian people to the largest Armenian community outside of the Republic of Armenia. The pontifical blessings will surely inspire and strengthen us as we renew our commitment to serving Christ, our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic Church.”

The official welcoming ceremony to the Western Diocese will take place Thursday, 26 Oct, at 7 p.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral,  3325 N. Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank, which will also feature vespers.

A Pontifical Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral,

Music: Serj Tankian: ‘Our treasures are not under the ground, they are here, on this stage’

Chatinian Lara
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 20 2017
Culture 15:48 20/10/2017Armenia

“It is amazing that my symphony has been presented in Armenia by this amazing young people,” American-Armenian rock musician, composer Serj Tankian said following the Armenian premiere of his Orca Symphony No. 1 on Thursday, as part of the 5th Khachaturian International Festival.

“Frankly speaking, I am amazed, impressed and excited. I want to thank the State Youth Orchestra and Sergey Smbatyan. You did fantastic job. This is awesome. Thank you. Today I was thinking that our treasures are not under the ground. They are here, on this stage. We have such brilliant musicians. We must always encourage them,” the world famous rock singer said, according to the SYOA press service.  

The Artistic Director and the Principal Conductor of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan noted that it is an achievement that a world famous rock musician considers symphony genre important and composes symphony.

“Serj Tankian is a composer whose music should be presented often, and many people should communicate with his philosophy. And we are glad to present Tankian’s art and ideology to people,” Sergey Smbatyan added.

The 5th Khachaturian International Festival is held under the high patronage of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. It is implemented thanks to the joint efforts of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (General Partner of the Orchestra – VivaCell-MTS), with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the “Khachaturian” Foundation and the European Foundation for Support of Culture.

Sports: Lewandowski sets goal record for Poland during rout of Armenia

Chatinian Lara
RFi – France
Oct 6 2017
By Paul Myers Issued on 06-10-2017 Modified 06-10-2017 to 14:48 
                                                 
Robert Lewandowski eclipsed Wlodzimierz Lubanski’s goal record for Poland with a hat trick against Armenia.Reuters/David Mdzinarishvili

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat trick on Thursday night as Poland routed Armenia 6-1 to move to the the brink of qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 29-year-old Bayern Munich star started the game with 47 international goals, one behind the record of 48 held since 1980 by Wlodzimierz Lubanski.

Kamil Grosicki scored Poland’s opener after just two minutes at the Hanrapetakan Stadium in Yerevan with a near-post finish from Lukasz Piszczek’s cross.

Fifteen minutes later Lewandowski curled in a free-kick to make it 2-0 and draw level with Lubanski.

Lewandowski claimed the record when he blasted home an indirect free-kick on 25 minutes and he completed his treble in the second half to make it 50 goals in 90 appearances. Jakub Blaszczykowski and Rafal Wolski were also on the scoresheet for Poland.

Lubanski, who played for the majority of his career at Górnik Zabrze in Poland and Lokeren in Belgium, set his tally in 75 internationals between 1963 and 1980.

Poland require just a point from their final qualifier at home to Montenegro on Sunday to clinch their place in the finals.

Music: Dan Yessian’s ‘An Armenian Trilogy’ commemorates Genocide centennial

Chatinian Lara
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Sept 30 2017
Dan Yessian’s ‘An Armenian Trilogy’ commemorates Genocide centennial

A new collaboration featuring award-winning composer, producer and musician Dan Yessian and opera singer Kenny Watson kicks off later this month.

Yessian created “An Armenian Trilogy” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Now fully orchestrated, the composition will be performed in Armenia by the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Watson, a singer from Detroit, will perform “I See Wings,” a song written using music from the third part of “An Armenian Trilogy.”

According to the author, the symphony tells the story of the Armenian people and ends with the song “I See Wings” to conclude the project with hopefulness.

Overpayments decrease, VAT return increase – State Revenue Committee

Chatinian Lara
| 11:24 | September 27 2017
Category
BUSINESS & ECONOMY

During one year, 01.09.2016-31.08.2017, overpayments related to taxes which are collected to the state budget have decreased by 6,401,2 million drams against the previous year’s same period – amounting 265,484,7 million drams on September 1, 2017, the State Revenue Committee said.

The cut has been recorded as result of raising the efficiency of tax administration. Unfulfilled tax liabilities amounted to 122,750,0 million drams as of September 1 – a decrease of 7,459,1 million drams.

The VAT return in 01.09.2016-31.08.2017 amounted to 57,328,5 drams, which is a 16% increase.

Finalists Announced for Terry George’s Filmmaking Challenge

Chatinian Lara
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6 hours ago

The twelve finalists

Human Rights Watch to host unveiling of the $5,000 winner on Sept 17

YEREVAN – Creative Armenia announced today the finalists for Terry George’s $5,000 human rights filmmaking challenge. The twelve filmmakers come from the United States, Canada, Spain, Turkey, Armenia, and the Artsakh Republic (Nagorno Karabakh). And their 60-second human rights visions confront some of the most vital issues of our time: from war and genocide to children’s rights and the refugee crisis.

The twelve finalists of Creative Challenge 001 are presented by video and here, as follows:

Genocide: Eight Stories from Millions

Filmmaker: Eduard Hovakimyan

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Genocide

 

Green & Black

Filmmaker: Aram Shahbazyan

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Costs of War

 

Home

Filmmaker: Julie Asriyan

Country of Production: United States

Human Rights Issue: Migrants & Refugees
Human Range

Filmmaker: Gagik Ghazare

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Struggle for Dignity

 

Human Rights

Filmmaker: Vahe Terteryan

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Children in Wartime

 

In the Blink of an Eye

Filmmaker: Gurur Bozkurt

Country of Production: Turkey

Human Rights Issue: Costs of War

 

KWE

Filmmaker: Morningstar Derosier

Country of Production: Canada

Human Rights Issue: Rights of Indigenous Women

 

Not Carefully Chosen Words

Filmmaker: Georgi Aleksanyan

Country of Production: Artsakh Republic (Nagorno Karabakh)

Human Rights Issue: Social Media Bullying

 

Pim Pam Pum

Filmmakers: Asier Urbieta & Andoni de Carlos

Country of Production: Spain

Human Rights Issue: Children in Wartime

 

The Replacement

Filmmaker: Gevorg Harutyunyan

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Costs of War

 

The Wall

Filmmaker: Artur Sargsyan

Country of Production: Armenia

Human Rights Issue: Capital Punishment
Will Work for Shelter

Filmmaker: Eduardo Garabal

Country of Production: United States

Human Rights Issue: Homelessness

The jury

The final evaluation is being conducted by a world-renowned jury: Oscar-winning filmmaker Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, The Promise); Cannes-winning filmmaker Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter, Ararat); social impact campaigner Bonnie Abaunza (Blood Diamond, The Promise); social impact filmmaker Carla Garapedian (Screamers); Jessica Peake (Assistant Director of the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA); and Peter Bisanz (Executive Director of the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment at UCLA).

The winner and recipient of the $5,000 prize will be announced on September 17, 2017, at an event co-hosted in Los Angeles by Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s leading independent human rights organizations. Both Creative Armenia and Human Rights Watch are partner organizations of The Promise, the epic story of the Armenian Genocide which Terry George directed. All proceeds of the film are going to humanitarian causes.
Visit www.creativearmenia.org/challenges to learn more about Terry George’s challenge and upcoming creative challenges.