Author: Dabaghian Diana

Konstantin Zatulin says Russia interested in development of Armenian-Russian relations

Dabaghian Diana

Konstantin Zatulin says Russia interested in development of Armenian-Russian relations

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19:41,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Russia attentively follows the developments in Armenia and is interested in the development of Armenian-Russian relations irrespective of who will be in power, ARMENPRESS reports first deputy chairman of the committee of the State Duma for the CIS and relations with Russian nationals abroad Konstantin Zatulin told the reporters.

“I hope Armenia and its citizens have the same mood. We are aware of Armenia’s domestic political life and we hope Armenia will be a stable country and that our ally will be able to overcome all domestic challenges and the economy will continue to grow. We support all the intentions of Armenia to attract investments. Russia, of course, has some role here since in the recent years it has been the largest investor in Armenia. I also think that the dialogue between the civil societies of the two countries is of key importance, because the relations between countries cannot be limited to inter-governmental level”, Zatulin said.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




ARF to vote in favor of package of changes in Electoral Code

Dabaghian Diana

ARF to vote in favor of package of changes in Electoral Code

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14:56,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 22, ARMENPRESS. The ARF faction of the Armenian Parliament will vote in favor of the package of changes of the Electoral Code, ARF faction head Armen Rustamyan told reporters at a briefing, reports Armenpress.

“We view the Electoral Code separately. We have always voted in favor of the drafts which ensure progress. During the discussion with Ararat Mirzoyan we already said that as the direction of changes is right, we cannot oppose it”, Rustamyan said.

He added that there are positive shifts in the Electoral Code, and there is no reason to vote against. At the same time they consider wrong holding early elections by this Electoral Code.

He informed that their three proposals have not been adopted in the Electoral Code due to lack of time.

Earlier the ARF announced that it will participate in the snap parliamentary elections.

The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) said they will vote against the package of changes of the Electoral Code.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan


ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM TO HONOR GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL AT INAUGURAL GALA

Dabaghian Diana
Press Contact:
Shant Sahakian
(818) 482-9858
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM TO HONOR GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL AT INAUGURAL GALA
Glendale, CA () – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California will be honoring the Glendale City Council at its Inaugural Gala on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Glendale Hilton. Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan and Councilmembers Ara Najarian, Paula Devine, Vartan Gharpetian, and Vrej Agajanian will be recognized for dedicating premier land for the cultural and educational center.
The Glendale City Council unanimously approved the Armenian American Museum’s Ground Lease Agreement in August 2018, officially marking Glendale Central Park as the future site of the Museum. The historic decision marked a major milestone for the landmark project, culminating four years of collaboration and partnership between the Museum and City of Glendale.
“The Armenian American Museum will be built in a premier location in the heart of Southern California thanks to the support of the City of Glendale,” stated Museum Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “We look forward to honoring the Glendale City Council at the Inaugural Gala among fellow community members and supporters.”
The Gala will be the signature event of the year for the Armenian American Museum. The inaugural event will bring together donors, supporters, public officials, and community leaders for a memorable evening to celebrate and support the landmark project.
The Armenian American Museum will be the first world class cultural and educational center of its kind in America. The Museum program will feature a Permanent Armenian Exhibition, Traveling Multicultural Exhibitions, Performing Arts Theater, Learning Center, Museum Archives, Café, and Gift Shop.
Additional Gala honorees and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
To reserve tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the Inaugural Gala, visit www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/Gala.
###
About the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California
The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is a developing project in Glendale, CA with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The Museum will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
The governing board of the Armenian American Museum consists of representatives from the following ten Armenian American institutions and organizations: Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union Western District, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.



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Charles Aznavour dans les archives photos de Match Paris

Dabaghian Diana
Paris Match
1 oct 2018


Charles Aznavour dans les archives photos de Match Paris

Match| Publié le 01/10/2018 à 20h00|Mis à jour le 01/10/2018 à 20h53

La Rédaction avec AFP
Charles Aznavour, mort dans la nuit de dimanche à lundi à 94 ans, était le dernier “grand” de la chanson française, dont il a été l’ambassadeur à travers le monde

“La bohème”, “Je m’voyais déjà”, “La Mamma”, “Comme ils disent”… Du haut de son mètre soixante et des poussières, Charles Aznavour, mort dans la nuit de dimanche à lundi à 94 ans, était le dernier “grand” de la chanson française, dont il a été l’ambassadeur à travers le monde. Un ambassadeur aussitôt salué par la ministre de la Culture Françoise Nyssen sur Twitter: “La France perd Aznavour, un de ses plus grands poètes, toujours à l’avant-garde, une véritable légende qui a traversé les frontières et les époques. Les Français perdent Charles, un visage familier qui les a emmenés pendant plus de 70 années au pays de ses inoubliables chansons”.

“J’ai fait une carrière inespérée mais exemplaire”, avait confié le “Sinatra français” à l’AFP. “Tout est une question de chance”. De chance mais aussi de talent et de volonté, puisqu’il a dû lutter à ses débuts pour imposer sa taille, son physique et sa voix atypiques, avant d’arriver en tête de l’affiche. “Côté critiques, j’ai été servi: on a dit que j’étais laid, petit, qu’il ne fallait pas laisser chanter les infirmes”, racontait celui que la critique anglo-saxonne avait surnommé à ses débuts “Aznovoice” (jeu de mots signifiant: il n’a pas de voix). Charles Aznavour (de son vrai nom Aznavourian) naît à Paris d’un couple d’immigrés venus d’Arménie qui attendent un visa pour les Etats-Unis. Il gardera des liens très forts avec le pays de ses ancêtres. A ses débuts, il veut devenir comédien et fait de la figuration au théâtre et au cinema.

À voir :Charles Aznavour, une vie en images

Aznavour se lance dans la chanson en duo avec Pierre Roche au début des années 1940. En 1946, il rencontre Charles Trenet et Edith Piaf, qui le surnomment “le génie con” et le force à se refaire le nez. Il écrit pour d’autres que lui (“Plus bleu que le bleu de tes yeux” pour Piaf, “Je hais les dimanches”, refusée par Piaf mais adoptée par Juliette Gréco) mais n’a aucun succès comme interprète. La donne change légèrement au milieu des années 50 avec le succès de “Sur ma vie” (1954). Au cinéma, il tourne avec François Truffaut pour “Tirez sur le pianiste” en 1960, l’année de sortie de “Je m’voyais déjà”, l’une de ses plus fameuses chansons qui révèle enfin son talent scénique.

À lire :Charles Aznavour, idole de la chanson, star de cinéma

En 1963, Aznavour triomphe au Carnegie Hall de New York et, devenu une vedette internationale, se lance dans une tournée mondiale. Il se rend alors pour la première fois en Arménie. Et en 1968, il épouse en troisièmes noces une Suédoise, Ulla Thorsell. Dans les années 1970, Aznavour se frotte à des thèmes de société dans ses chansons: “Mourir d’aimer”, tirée du film du même nom et inspirée par le suicide d’une enseignante en 1969 après une liaison avec un élève, ou “Comme ils disent”, qui évoque l’homosexualité. Les plus grands artistes reprennent ses chansons: Ray Charles chante “La Mamma” (écrite par Aznavour avec Robert Gall, le père de France Gall), Fred Astaire “Les plaisirs démodés” et Bing Crosby “Hier encore”.

À lire :Les célébrités rendent hommage à Charles Aznavour

Tout le monde se l’arrache, y compris le fisc qui le rattrape en 1977. Il est condamné en appel à un an de prison avec sursis et à une amende de 10 millions de francs de l’époque. “Si je n’avais pas eu autant d’ennuis avec l’administration et les médias, je serais resté en France”, déclarait-il en 2013, affirmant avoir versé de l’argent à des politiques de tout bord pour tenter de régler ses problèmes, et rappelant avoir finalement bénéficié d’un non-lieu.

Il poursuit aussi sa carrière au cinéma, avec notamment “Le Tambour”, de Volker Schlöndorff (1979) ou “Les fantômes du chapelier” de Claude Chabrol (1982). En 1988, il vient en aide à l’Arménie, meurtrie par un tremblement de terre, fonde le comité “Aznavour pour l’Arménie” et écrit le texte de la chanson humanitaire “Pour toi Arménie”. En 1991, il partage la scène à Paris avec son amie Liza Minnelli et, en 1995, rachète les éditions musicales Raoul Breton. Quand d’autres songent à la retraite, lui continue d’enchaîner disques, livres de souvenirs et concerts à travers le monde. “Je n’ai jamais, jamais prononcé le mot adieu!”, s’emportait-il en 2011, avant d’entamer une série de 22 concerts à l’Olympia pour ses 87 ans.

À lire :Charles Aznavour, sa dernière interview dans Paris Match

Sur scène, il impressionnait par sa vitalité intacte et ne faisait que quelques concessions à l’âge: un prompteur pour pallier les trous de mémoire, un fauteuil pour les coups de fatigue, sur lequel il se reposait plus souvent ces dernières années, comme en septembre lors de ses dernières représentations au Japon, après s’être fracturé un bras cet été. Dans l’une des chansons, “J’abdiquerai”, Aznavour évoquait la mort en s’amusant ironiquement de son statut de monument de la chanson: “S’il me reste encore un beau spectacle à faire/Un bel enterrement flatterait mon ego”.

À lire :Charles Aznavour, sa famille maternelle, sa douleur

Baku Confirms Agreement With Yerevan to Reduce Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh – Statement

Dabaghian Diana 
Sputnik News Service
Baku Confirms Agreement With Yerevan to Reduce Tensions in
Nagorno-Karabakh - Statement
BAKU, September 29 (Sputnik) - The administration of Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev has confirmed in a statement that the president
had agreed with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to de-escalate
tensions on the contact line in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of
Nagorno-Karabakh and the state border between the two countries.
On Friday, Pashinyan said that he had had a conversation with the
Azerbaijani president, during which the two politicians agreed to
instruct the two countries' defense ministers "to take concrete steps
in order to reduce tensions on the contact line and the state border."
"President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a conversation on the sidelines of
the CIS Summit in Dushanbe. The parties affirmed their commitment to
the process of negotiations on the settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the strengthening of
the ceasefire regime for preventing incidents on the line of contact
and Armenia-Azerbaijan border," the Azerbaijani president's press
service said in a statement.
According to the Azerbaijani presidential administration, Aliyev and
Pashinyan agreed to set up a mechanism that would ensure prompt
contacts between the relevant authorities in this regard.
 The conflict in Armenian-dominated Nagorno-Karabakh started in 1988
with the autonomous region announcing its secession from the
Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1991, the Armenia-backed
region proclaimed independence from Azerbaijan and the creation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. This move triggered a military conflict,
which led to Baku losing control over the region.
In 1994, the warring sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities.
However, the violence escalated again in 2016, leading to multiple
casualties on both sides despite the ceasefire.

Putin Did Not Discuss With Pashinyan His Potential Trip to Armenia at CIS Summit – Kremlin

Dabaghian Diana 
Sputnik News Service
 Friday 1:26 PM UTC
Putin Did Not Discuss With Pashinyan His Potential Trip to Armenia at
CIS Summit - Kremlin
DUSHANBE, September 28 (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin
held brief talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the
sidelines of the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS), but the two parties did not discuss Putin's possible visit to
Yerevan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"No, they talked on other issues, current ones," Peskov told
reporters, asked whether the Russian president discussed the dates of
his possible visit to Armenia with Pashinyan.
Putin also held a short discussion with Moldovan President Igor Dodon,
Peskov added.
Earlier in September, Putin met with Pashinyan in Moscow. After the
talks, the Armenian prime minister said that he had invited Putin to
visit Yerevan. According to Pashinyan, Putin is going to visit Armenia
in the near future. Peskov confirmed at the time Putin’s plans to
visit Yerevan but pointed out that the date had not been determined
yet.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18”

Dabaghian Diana
MediaMax, Armenia
Sept 28 2018  

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

Photo exhibition titled “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” opened in Aznavour Center in Yerevan on September 27. The exhibition tells about crucial moments of history of the two countries: the events in May 1968 in Paris and May 2018 in the Armenian capital.

 

The “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” exhibition is the first joint project by French Embassy in Armenia and Aznavour Foundation and the first event held in the house-museum named after the renowned chansonnier.

 

One of the halls displays pictures taken by French photographer Philippe Gras during the May 1968 events in Paris: the student uprising, walkouts, clashes between police and protesters, portraits of the demonstrators.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

Next door, visitors can view the shots Armenian photographer Karen Mirzoyan made during the velvet revolution in Armenia in 2018.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

According to French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacôte, opening the exhibition before the start of the La Francophonie Summit is symbolic. He believes the center is going to welcome a large number of guests who will come to see “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18”.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

“The pictures by photographers Philippe Gras and Karen Mirzoyan draw parallels between two key moments in Armenian and French history. I leave it to the visitors to decide how similar or different the events are. One thing is indisputable: the same as France is still speaking about the May 1968 events fifty years later, so will Armenia talk about the May 2018 in Yerevan fifty years from now,” said Jonathan Lacôte.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

Aznavour Foundation CEO Kristina Sarkisian highlighted that the exhibition is the beginning of cooperation with the French Embassy.

Two key moments, one exhibition: “Paris, May ‘68 to Yerevan, May ‘18” – Mediamax.am

On October 11, high-ranking officials from Armenia and France will announce the interactive museum project about Charles Aznavour, with the beloved Armenian-French chansonnier in attendance. The museum is to serve as an education center as well.

 

Lusine Gharibyan 


Photos: Emin Aristakesyan

View photos at 

New rear commander appointed in Armenian military

Dabaghian Diana
| 17:52 | September 27 2018
Categories
Official
Politics

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has appointed Romik Margaryan to serve as the new head of the rear – head of department of the Armenian Armed Forces, Sarkissian’s office said.

The appointment was made upon Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recommendation.

Armenian hero soldier gets top military award on Independence Day

Dabaghian Diana
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 21 2018

President Armen Sarkissian awarded Armenian hero soldier Hovhannes Poghosyan, seriously wounded in Artsakh in 2016, with 1st Degree Medal for Services Rendered to the Homeland on the Independence Day celebrated today. 

Before the solemn awarding ceremony, Panorama.am talked to Hovhannes and his mother, Mrs. Gayane.

“I feel better now. Though slowly, but I am getting better. I will continue my treatment at the Red Cross rehabilitation center starting from 24 September,” the Armenian hero said, expressing hope he will fully recover soon. 

Before suffering a severe craniocerebral injury on 13 May 2016 in Artsakh’s Talish, Hovhannes had also been wounded during the April war of the same year but he had gone back to the military positions without fully recovering.   

Mrs. Gayane also observes positive dynamics in his son’s health condition, especially regarding his speech capacities, meantime adding he still has memory and muscle issues. She says Hovhannes has received outpatient treatment at the Homeland Defender’s Rehabilitation Center for three months after its opening, but the treatment has stopped for four months already since the center is overcrowded at the moment.

“But we do not abandon hope. Thanks to God, everything is going to be fine. He will be admitted to the Red Cross Rehabilitation Center on 24 September,” she added.  

Hovhannes wished peace and strong health to all Armenian soldiers on the Independence Day.  

Azerbaijani Press: Labyrinths of Pashinyan

Dabaghian Diana
Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition Press
Saturday
Labyrinths of Pashinyan
 
by ASTNA.biz
 
-What is the purpose of placing a telephone conversation in the Internet between the Director of the National Security Service of Armenia, Arthur Vanesyan, and the head of the Special Investigation Service, Sasun Khachiatryan?
 
-There is no secret for anyone: to strike at the new Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has not yet strengthened his post. It is known that after Pashinyan came to power, operative and investigative actions were launched against former President Robert Kocharian, the brother of another former President, Serge Sargsyan, and members of his family, against representatives of the Karabakh clan. The investigation is conducted on charges of organizing bloody events on March 1, 2008 with the aim of overthrowing the Constitutional system, as well as allegations of corruption. It is clear that the judicial perspective on both charges does not promise anything good to the representatives of the former regime. There is even no need to get acquainted with the case materials in order to know about enough evidence.
 
As a results of this process the clan can be erased from the history of Armenia, and even they can lose their property and freedom. Therefore, while there is an opportunity they are trying to stop this process, there is no doubt that they have serious foreign support in the person of Russia. Moscow could not find a strong figure that could replace Sarkisyan, for this reason Moscow she had to enter into the game already used people. The fact that Robert Kocharyan was released from arrest, and Putin personally congratulated him on the phone on his birthday, indicates that Moscow is not interested in the destruction of the clan, and is trying to leave the old team in the game. The fact that a leak of telephone conversation between the heads of two law enforcement agencies was committed is an attempt to demonstrate that criminal cases are politically motivated. They are conducted by Pashinyan’s order and they do not have a legal basis. Thus, the goal is to question the legitimacy of the criminal prosecution of the representatives of the regime, both within the country and among the international community. Another goal is to shake Pashinyan’s authority, his support, create obstacles for the implementation of his political program. Pashinyan wants to quickly dissolve the parliament and get the elections. If new elections are held in the shortest time, Pashinyan’s bloc will win with a big advantage, it will be very difficult to remove him from power, and maybe it is impossible, at least for the clan. Therefore, the old system wants to use the available opportunities. The minimum plan is to delay implementation of Pashinyan’s political program with such deeds. The maximum plan is not to allow the implementation of this program at all and stop Pashinyan.
 
– Who is behind this?
 
– Behind this are either the people of the overthrown regime, which are inside the law enforcement and security agencies, or the Russian intelligence. Or, both forces together carry out this operation. In Armenia, Russia has two military bases. This means that what is known as the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, that is, military intelligence operates freely in Armenia. This structure has very high technological capabilities, so listening and recording telephone conversations is the easiest thing.
 
-The suspicion is that these events occurred after Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow. It seems that Moscow did not like Pashinyan’s behavior. What do you think about this? How will Pashinyan come out of this situation? Will he be able to change the situation in his favor?
 
– Pashinyan during his last trip to Russia tried to behave like the leader of an independent state, let Putin understand “do not interfere in our affairs, respect our sovereignty.” I do not think that Putin liked this behavior and the imperialist circles of Moscow. Pashinyan irritated Moscow so much. After many years in Armenia, a politician who is not a man of Russia came to power. And how did he come to power? The most unacceptable option for Russia is the people’s revolution. Imagine that Armenia is the strongest outpost of Russia not only in the post-Soviet space but also in the whole world. And suddenly important political process, not controlled by Russia happen there – a change of power; a person whose actions do not meet the interests of Russia came to power. Naturally, he must be punished, at least, he should be sent a warning signal, and Moscow is doing it now. Pashinyan is in a very difficult situation. On the one hand, as a prime minister, he has broad powers, but the system is not subject to him. That is, the head of state is opposed to the system. Or vice versa: the system is resisting the new leader. In order to put an end to this situation, early elections are needed, there is no other way out. However, in this matter, the word belongs to the existing parliament. Only if the parliamentary majority agrees, the current legal deadlock can be overcome. To take a decision on conducting early elections, the prime minister should resign and the attempt to elect a new prime minister should be twice unsuccessful. But Pashinyan is afraid if he resigns, the parliamentary majority will elect his own man. Moreover, the possibility of Serge Sargsyan’s return may arise. Therefore, Pashinyan, by amending the Constitution, wants to simplify the dissolution of the parliament. However, there is a need for this in the current parliament. That is, Pashinyan now seems to have got into the labyrinth. It is not easy to find a way out of this labyrinth. His only resource is popular support. I think if Pashinyan’s bloc wins with a big advantage during the elections to the Yerevan municipality on September 23, he, inspired by this fact, will direct the people’s pressure on the parliament and will try to obtain making necessary decisions. There is no doubt that in this case the tension will increase, and the confrontation will increase.
 
– So, Pashinyan is opposed to a great power. Some experts say that Pashinyan’s resistance can lead Armenia to chaos. The events that happened in Georgia and Ukraine can happen in Armenia. How real are these assumptions?
 
– Of course, there is possibility of a chaos in Armenia. If the system, the remnants of the old regime, the Karabakh clan continue to resist the Pashinyan system, then the tension will increase. Pashinyan will have no choice but to urge people to go to the streets. And the attempt to make political decisions under the pressure of the masses will not please Moscow. There is a possibility that Russia will declare these processes unconstitutional. It does not promise Pashinyan anything good.
 
How can the stubbornness Pashinyan and the events in Armenia affect Azerbaijan? In this context, probably, Russia will also need something from Azerbaijan. Can this time Russia use the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as a threat against Armenia?
 
– Russia will each time try to realize pressure on Pashinyan. It will create alternate traps in relation to it. The first step in this direction was the placement of the telephone conversation of two high-ranking officials in a social media. There are opportunities inside the country to neutralize Pashinyan. To do this, it is necessary to spoil his image, dissolve popular support. Russia is able to create chaos, political and economic crisis in Armenia. It is possible to use the Karabakh card if the attempts within the country do not give any result. It is also possible that Pashinyan will find a common language with Russia. It should be borne in mind that the bridges between the two camps have not been burned. The above said does not mean Russia is currently trying to overthrow Nikol Pashinyan at any cost. I do not think that Moscow has made such a decision.