Author: Ekmekjian Janet

Asbarez: Trump Administration Attacks U.S. Aid Program to Artsakh

Ekmekjian Janet
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14 hours ago

The ANCA has issued a nationwide call to action to encourage Members of Congress to cosign the Sherman-Cox Letter in support of continued Artsakh aid

WASHINGTON—The Trump Administration—caving in to pressure from Azerbaijan’s authoritarian Aliyev regime—is targeting the humanitarian aid program in Artsakh, attempting to shut down the HALO Trust’s de-mining program that has saved countless lives across the Republic, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA) and TJ Cox (D-CA) are leading a Congressional campaign—backed by the ANCA—encouraging USAID Administrator Mark Green to reverse course and preserve the Nagorno-Karabakh de-mining program. Administrator Green testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee on April 9 of this year that USAID was committed to completing the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnances within the traditional boundaries of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“President Trump is wrong to bow to Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev’s reckless demand that America end U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh,” stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “A modest expenditure that represents a major investment in peace, this aid program has, since Fiscal Year 1998, delivered desperately needed maternal health care, provided families with clean drinking water, and cleared farms and villages of deadly mines. We thank each and every U.S. legislator who is seeking to advance U.S. interests and American values by continuing U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh in the face of foreign attempts to meddle in American decision-making.”

Armen Badalyan (left), who was injured by a mine-explosion outside his home in Norashen. Photo credit The Halo Trust

The ANCA has mounted a nationwide grassroots Congressional calling campaign in support of continued Artsakh aid. To participate, visit the website.

Fake letter surfaces alleging Armenian PM’s readiness to surrender Karabakh

Ekmekjian Janet
JAM News
July 4 2019
JAMnews, Yerevan
Artur Xachatryan
July 4, 2019

The author of the letter is unknown – experts believe the letter was prepared outside Armenia

A fake letter has emerged online, claiming to be written by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Security specialists have already revealed that the document is fake, however it is unknown who wrote it. The letter is being handled by the National Security Service of Armenia for further investigation.


In the letter, PM Pashinyan allegedly writes about Armenia’s readiness to deepen cooperation with NATO, which is, however, hampered by the “presence of Armenian troops in the disputed territories with Azerbaijan. This obstacle will be removed within one year.”

Pashinyan allegedly promises:

“A national referendum on the question of the advisability of Yerevan’s further supporting Nagorno Karabakh will be held, within the framework of a plan to withdraw the Armenian armed forces from the conflict zone and transfer control over the territories to the Azerbaijani side.”

Samvel Martirosyan, an information security expert, was among the first to report that the fake letter had appeared on the internet.

Martirosyan says that from a technical point of view, the letter was prepared professionally, but notes the English in which the letter was written is not perfect.

Samvel Martirosyan stated that the author of the letter, most likely, is not from Armenia:

“There are ‘foreign’ traces. There are several options, but I will not name them now, since I have no evidence. But it is obvious that the letter was not composed in Armenia. Here, even the most vicious opponents of Pashinyan note on forums that the letter is a fake.”

Later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia confirmed that the letter is indeed fake.

While there are no public doubts about the lack of credibility of the letter, recent official statements on the position of Armenia in regards to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict further confirm this view.

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan stated at a weekly briefing that Armenia would not accept a one-sided compromise:

“We do not believe in the possibility of progress in terms of truce violations. The assumption that Armenia may negotiate under threat is fraught with error. Armenia will not make unilateral concessions that threaten the security of Artsakh. The option of unilateral concessions is impossible.”

Another fact that opposes the statements in the letter is that on July 3, the Armenian Foreign Minister went to Karabakh.

Spokeswoman Naghdalyan said that Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan meets with the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh before and after meetings with his counterpart, the head of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan. The purpose of these meetings is to involve Stepanakert officials as much as possible in the negotiation process.

At the moment, the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh are not represented at the negotiating table. PM Nikol Pashinyan insists on their return to the negotiation process immediately after being elected prime minister, but Azerbaijan has come out categorically against the idea.

https://jam-news.net/fake-letter-surfaces-alleging-armenian-pms-readiness-to-surrender-karabakh/



New Members Join Armenian Caucus as Armenian Assembly Promotes Stronger U.S.-Armenia Relations

Ekmekjian Janet

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

NEW MEMBERS JOIN ARMENIAN
CAUCUS AS ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY PROMOTES STRONGER UNITED STATES-ARMENIA RELATIONS

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New Members joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and
more members co-sponsored the bipartisan Armenian Genocide resolution as a
result of successful meetings led by the Armenian Assembly of America.

 

The Armenian Assembly, along with its state chairs and grassroots
activists, met with a host of congressional offices to discuss strengthening
U.S.-Armenia relations, co-sponsoring House Resolution 296, and joining the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. As a result of these meetings,
Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Kevin Hern
(R-OK), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Katie Porter (D-CA), and Abigail Spanberger
(D-VA) joined the Armenian Caucus, bringing it to 116 Members, and over 100
Members supporting H.Res.296.

 

“For years, the Armenian community’s vibrant culture has been
an integral presence in Los Angeles and across the country. I’m honored to be a
member of the Armenian Caucus and look forward to joining my colleagues in
working on issues that matter to Armenian-Americans,” Rep. Barragan told
the Armenian Assembly.

 

“As a new member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I look
forward to working with this bipartisan group of lawmakers as we build stronger
economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with the people of Armenia,” Rep. Spanberger
said to the Armenian Assembly. “I’m also proud to represent many Armenian
Americans across Virginia’s 7th district.”

 

Throughout April and May, the Assembly met with numerous offices
on Capitol Hill as well as in their districts, including Reps. Andy Biggs
(R-AZ), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff
Fortenberry (R-NE), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Ann Kuster
(D-NH), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Mike Levin (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Seth Moulton
(D-MA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Katie Porter (D-CA), Jamie Raskin
(D-MD), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Ross Spano (R-FL),
Norma Torres (D-CA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA), among others.

 

Assembly’s State Chairs Herman and his wife Laura Purutyan from Massachusetts, Armineh Ghazarian from Maryland, Paul Sookiasian from
Pennsylvania, Meganoosh Avakian from Virginia, along with members and
supporters such as Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program participant
Armen Kaprelian from Arizona and Drs. Alice and Ara Apkarian from Orange
County, California were instrumental in encouraging U.S. Representatives to
join the Armenian Caucus and co-sponsor the Armenian Genocide resolution.

 

Rep. Susie Lee, who also joined the Armenian Caucus earlier this
year, stated: “Nevada’s Third District is unique thanks to our diversity
and strong ties among different communities that call Southern Nevada home. I’m
proud to join the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues so that we can
continue advocating for the unique issues facing Armenia and continue to
support Nevada’s Third District Armenian people.”

 

“Thanks to the efforts of our state chairs and activists, we are
gaining momentum with more Representatives joining the Armenian Caucus and
co-sponsoring the bipartisan Armenian Genocide resolution,” said Mariam
Khaloyan, Director of Congressional Relations at the Armenian Assembly. “To
support the Armenian Assembly’s efforts, we encourage everyone to reach out to
their elected officials as well as plan to attend the Armenian Assembly’s National
Advocacy Conference this year, set for September 16-17,” Khaloyan added.

 

Established in 1972, the Armenian
Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization
promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly
is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

 

###

 

NR# 2019-019

 

Photo Caption 1:
Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Congresswoman Grace Meng,
Armenian Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan, Armenian
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, and Armenian Assembly Massachusetts
State Chair Herman and his wife Laura Purutyan

 

Photo Caption 2:
Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program participant Armen Kaprelian,
Armenian Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan, Armenian
Assembly Maryland State Chair Armineh Ghazarian, Congresswoman Nanette
Barragan, Armenian Assembly Communications Director Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian,
Armenian Assembly Pennsylvania State Chair Paul Sookiasian, and Armenian
Assembly Virginia State Chair Meganoosh Avakian

 

Photo Caption 3:
Armenian Assembly delegation speaking with Congressman David Schweikert

 

Photo Caption 4:
Armenian Assembly delegation speaking with Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

 

Photo Caption 4:
Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Congresswoman Ann Kuster,
and Armenian Assembly Massachusetts State Chair Herman Purutyan

 

Photo Caption 5:
Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program participant Armen Kaprelian,
Armenian Assembly Communications Director Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian,
Congressman Mike Levin, and Armenian Assembly Pennsylvania State Chair Paul
Sookiasian

 

Photo Caption 6: Armenian
Assembly Maryland State Chair Armineh Ghazarian, Armenian Assembly
Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan, Armenian Assembly
Communications Director Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian, Congressman Dutch
Ruppersberger, Armenian Assembly Virginia State Chair Meganoosh Avakian,
Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program participant Armen Kaprelian, and
Armenian Assembly Pennsylvania State Chair Paul Sookiasian


Available online: 


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Mike Levin 1.JPG
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Fortenberry 2.jpg
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Congresswman Barragan.JPG
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Kuster 2.JPG
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Schweikert (4).JPG
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Armenian PM, Russian President hold phone talk

Ekmekjian Janet

Armenian PM, Russian President hold phone talk

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12:55, 1 June, 2019

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 1 telephoned Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to congratulate on his birthday, the Armenian PM’s Office told Armenpress.

During the telephone conversation the officials discussed the future actions of the cooperation at bilateral and multilateral formats.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




President, PM visit Sardarapat Memorial to honor Republic Day

Ekmekjian Janet

President, PM visit Sardarapat Memorial to honor Republic Day

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12:50,

SARDARAPAT, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Catholicos Garegin II, government officials, foreign diplomats and lawmakers and numerous other visitors today honored the 101st anniversary of the First Armenian Republic in a ceremony at the Sardarapat Memorial.

The officials laid a wreath in tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes of the Sardarapat Battle. The Catholicos then delivered a prayer.

Then the president and the prime minister, accompanied by other officials, participated in the inauguration of a memorial to Aram Manukyan, the statesman and founder of the First Armenian Republic. The monument was opened in honor of Manukyan’s 140th anniversary of birth.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




168: Armenia, Diaspora around the globe celebrate First Republic centennial

Ekmekjian Janet
| 10:44 | May 28 2019
Category
Society

Today, Armenia and Armenians around the globe are celebrating the centennial anniversary of establishment of the First Republic of Armenia and the historic victory in the Battle of Sardarapat. May 28 is celebrated as Republic Day in the Armenian calendar.

Numerous events and programs such as cultural and public performances, are expected to take place nationwide. Celebrations will take place in Artsakh as well.

Government officials will pay a visit to the Sardarapat Memorial to pay tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes who gave their lives for independence and freedom.

On May 28, 1918 the Armenian people restored their independence, which was lost nearly 9 centuries earlier, with the triumphant victories in the fierce battles of Karakilisa, Bash Abaran and Sardarapat.

The Battle of Sardarapat shaped the destiny of Armenia. The entire people, who survived the genocide, joined forces and entire families, including women, children and elderly, were fighting alongside soldiers.

With this victory, Armenian troops were able to stop the Turkish invasion to Transcaucasia and saved Armenia from total destruction.

On May 28, after the collapse of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic in Tbilisi, the Armenian National Council declared the Republic of Armenia.

The first Prime Minister of the First Armenian Republic was Hovhannes Kajaznuni, and the last – Simon Vratsyan.

The short-lived First Republic of Armenia was subsequently invaded by the Red Army in 1920 and later the country became part of the USSR.

Sports: UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues

Ekmekjian Janet
Belfast Telegraph Online
Friday 11:10 AM GMT
 
 
UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues
Supporters heading out from London face a round trip of 2,500 miles.
 
 
UEFA has called for a “joint effort” with Arsenal to help fans get to the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku.
 
The two Premier League rivals are set to meet in the Azerbaijan capital on May 29 – but the decision to host the fixture in Baku’s Olympic Stadium has thrown up plenty of issues since the two London clubs qualified last week.
 
Arsenal and Chelsea have already declared their disappointment at the ticket allocation for the final, with both clubs receiving in the region of 6,000 tickets each for a stadium which has a full capacity of 69,870.
 
UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues twitter 1
 
On Thursday, UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti wrote a letter to Arsenal regarding the issues raised, in which he said: “I confirm our availability to work with you in order to find helpful solutions for your fans.”
 
Travel to Baku is also proving an issue for those fans who have qualified for a match ticket, with fans heading out from London facing a round trip of 2,500 miles to attend the game.
 
Arsenal are also liaising with the Foreign Office after it emerged season-ticket holders with dual British and Armenian citizenship have been denied visas to visit Baku because of tensions with neighbouring Azerbaijan.
 
UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues twitter 2
 
Gunners midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, captain of the Armenia national team, missed the Europa League group game against Qarabag in Baku earlier this season because of the issue.
 
The club are now working with UEFA in the hope safety measures can be put in place to allow the 30-year-old to travel for the final as part of Unai Emery’s squad.
 
UEFA also defended the decision to award the showpiece final to Baku.
 
UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues twitter 3
 
Marchetti’s letter continued: “It goes without saying that an all-English final played by two London teams was not a very predictable event at the time of the appointment. There is little doubt that this has added significant difficulties to the event logistics.
 
“We are really sorry for the problems that your (and Chelsea’s) fans are encountering trying to organise their journey to Baku.
 
“Our experts are keenly working on this matter with a view to help find cheaper solutions for travelling fans. We would welcome a joint effort with your club in this respect.”
 
Governing body UEFA also highlighted the logistical issues taken into consideration when awarding a final to a host city, stressing “mobility and accommodation are obviously key criteria”.
 
UEFA writes letter to Arsenal over Europa League final issues twitter 4
 
On the issue of ticket allocation, UEFA maintained the “high volatility in the number of fans following the two finalist teams” was always a factor – one which had been exacerbated by two well-supported English clubs making the final.
 
The letter added: “It is therefore not advisable to establish the tickets quota of the two finalist teams as a proportion of capacity rather than on statistically based realistic figures.”
 
UEFA, though, maintained “fans are a priority… and all of them around Europe should have the chance to enjoy unique moments of top football.”
 
Marchetti’s letter to Arsenal finished with the message: “I trust your understanding as men of sport and representatives of a club with a long and glorious tradition and solid sporting principles. I confirm our availability to work with you in order to find helpful solutions for your fans.”
 
Press Association Sport has contacted both Arsenal and Chelsea for comment.

Museums of Yerevan to celebrate “Museum Night” with rich programs

Ekmekjian Janet

Museums of Yerevan to celebrate “Museum Night” with rich programs

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11:36,

YEREVAN, MAY 18, ARMENPRESS. Over 100 museums of Armenia and Artsakh will be open for free to the public on May 18 on the occasion of the Museum Night and International Museum Day.

A number of events are scheduled which will further increase the interest towards the museums.

The Museum Night pan-European event is being in Armenia for already the 16th time and in Artsakh for the 7th time.

International Museum Day is an international day, a celebration that held every year on May 18, coordinated by the International Council of Museums. The event highlights a specific theme that changes every year and that is at the heart of the international museum community’s preoccupations. 

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Armenia approves visa waiver with Chile for diplomatic, official passport holders

Ekmekjian Janet

Armenia approves visa waiver with Chile for diplomatic, official passport holders

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14:02,

YEREVAN, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Cabinet approved the agreement on abolishing visa requirements between Armenia and Chile for diplomatic and official passport holders.

According to FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the agreement’s purpose is to boost the development of political dialogue, and development in other sectors between the two countries.

 

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan