Author: Elizabeth Jabejian

424 Turkish intellectuals call on the government to reveal the assassination plan against Garo Paylan

 21:48,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, ARMENPRESS. 424 Turkish intellectuals signed a statement urging the government to reveal the planned assassination attempt against Garo Paylan in 2016, which never was implemented, ARMENPRESS reports, Istanbul-based Armenian “Agos” periodical informed.

According to the source, 424 writers, journalists, politicians and artists made a joint statement and called on the government, political structures and the whole of Turkey to take steps against the Deep state and mafia forces and reveal the plan of the assassination attempt against Garo Paylan that was prepared and left unfinished in 2016.

“What reinforces the recklessness of these dark forces is their confidence that they will not be subject to criminal sanctions, even if they threaten everyone. This confidence is fueled by the current political climate. This atmosphere must be changed immediately,” the statement said.

A few days ago, Garo Paylan’s lawyer made a note that in 2016, some groups brought weapons into the Turkish parliament in order to kill Garo Paylan, but another group thwarted that plan.

 10:01,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. South Korea and the United States began a regular combined military exercise Monday, reviving large-scale field training suspended four years ago, Yonhap news agency reports.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise is set to run through Sept. 1, involving an array of contingency drills, like concurrent field maneuvers that were not held over the past years under the preceding Moon Jae-in administration’s drive for peace with North Korea.

Under an all-out war concept, the exercise consists of two parts — the first segment involving drills on repelling North Korean attacks and defending the greater Seoul area, with the second part focusing on counterattack operations.

 14:31,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spouse Anna Hakobyan arrived in the Aragatsotn Province on August 22 on a two-day trip.  

In the provincial capital of Ashtarak, Hakobyan was welcomed by Aragatsotn Governor Sergey Movsisyan and his spouse and the Mayor of Ashtarak Tovmas Shahverdyan, who accompanied her to the Perj Proshyan House-Museum.

The museum director Marine Tumanyan presented the history of the House-Museum to Mrs. Hakobyan.

The museum was founded in 1948 on the foundation of the writer’s paternal house. It was renovated in 2008. Today, the Perj Proshyan House-Museum has more than 2000 items on display presenting the activities of the renowned writer.  Perj Proshyan greatly focused on women’s education, and he was the founder of the Galanian Girls’ School in Tbilisi.

Anna Hakobyan then visited the Karmravor Church of Holy Mother of God in Ashtarak. The church priest Manuk Zeynalyan greeted Mrs. Hakobyan and presented the history of the church. The church was built by Priests Grigor and Manas in the 7th century and served as a Convent where the remains of the nuns and priests are laid to rest.

Governor Sergey Movsisyan and his spouse presented to her an oil painting depicting the Karmravor Church.

 20:52,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, ARMENPRESS. On August 19 of this year, based on the request of the Republic of Armenia to apply an interim measure by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for the protection of the rights of the civilian population of a number of settlements of the Artsakh Republic, the ECHR reaffirmed the interim measures applied on September 29, 2020 and further expanded on November 3 of the same year, stating that it remains in effect, ARMENPRESS reports the office of the representative of the Republic of Armenia on international legal matters informed.

“The ECHR requested the parties to refrain from actions that could lead to the violation of the rights of the civilian population protected by the Convention, including endangering their rights protected by Articles 2, 3 and 8 of the Convention,” reads the statement.

The ECHR also recorded that the decision of September 29, 2020, which is still in force, is applicable to the actions referred to by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, that is, armed attacks on peaceful settlements, threats of displacement of the population of Berdzor and Aghavno communities.

 11:47,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 18, ARMENPRESS. The Chairman of the Investigative Committee Argishti Kyaramyan says the evidence they have now in the investigation into the Surmalu explosion speak more about a negligence-related crime.

PM Nikol Pashinyan asked Kyaramyan at the Cabinet meeting whether the investigators considered foul play, such as terrorism or other criminal intent, and whether or not any circumstances substantiating or ruling out these scenarios exist at this moment.

Kyaramyan said investigators are looking into various scenarios, including those mentioned by the PM.

“At this moment the criminal investigation doesn’t have any factual information that would indicate terrorism or any other criminal intent,” Kyaramyan said.

The Prime Minister said that the surveillance footage from the trade center and other eyewitness accounts suggest that terrorism can be ruled out, but reiterated that a final conclusion shouldn’t be made until the investigation is completed.

 17:01,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus offered condolences over the deadly explosion in the Surmalu market in Yerevan.

“Deeply saddened by the devastating explosion in Yerevan. We express our deepest sympathy and solidarity to the Government and People of Armenia.  Sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Wishes for speedy recovery to those injured,” the foreign ministry tweeted.

Bern and Kiev complete negotiations on representing Ukraine’s interests in Russia

 21:02,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. Switzerland and Ukraine have agreed that Bern will represent Kyiv’s interests in Russia, ARMENPRESS reports, citing Ria Novosti, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said.

“Ukraine has expressed willingness that Switzerland should represent its interests in Russia. The relevant negotiations have been completed. In order for this agreement to enter into force, Russia must give its consent,” the statement said.

The ministry also noted that from the very beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, the country has been ready to provide the parties with a negotiation platform, as well as substantive and expert support during possible negotiations.