Author: Emil Karabekian

Photo: Reuters

Moonlight has won best picture at the Oscars – but only after Faye Dunaway initially announced La La Land had won, the BBC reports.

Dunaway’s co-presenter Warren Beatty said “Emma Stone, La La Land” had been written in the envelope he was given.

The team from La La Land were in the middle of their acceptance speeches when the mistake was discovered.

La La Land won six Oscars including best actress for Emma Stone. Damien Chazelle, director of La La Land, became the youngest filmmaker to win a best director Oscar, at the age of 32.

Stone, who won the coveted best actress prize, said backstage: “I’m so excited for Moonlight. Of course it was an amazing thing to hear La La Land and I would love to win best picture. But we are so excited for Moonlight. I think it is one of the best films of all time.

“Is that the craziest Oscar moment of all time? Cool! It’s going to be history.”

Host Jimmy Kimmel said after the show that Beatty had been given the wrong envelope.

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović has expressed concern over the treatment of blogger Alexander Lapshin in Azerbaijan

“Dismayed: A blogger/journalists taken to prison as a dangerous criminal,” Mijatović said in a Twitter post.

“Free speech must prevail in the OSCE region,” she added.

Dismayed: A blogger/journalists taken to prison as a dangerous criminal must prevail in the region!

— Dunja Mijatovic (@Dunja_Mijatovic)

Armenian prime minister Karen Karapetyan wants his government to create an environment that welcomes creative and entrepreneurial minds. But, as he tells , he is also determined to ensure that the country’s population is on board with whatever changes lie ahead.

Q: What are the immediate priorities that you want to address as prime minister?

A: Frankly, the work of the prime minister assumes that everything is a priority. Economic growth, social issues, healthcare and the fight against corruption: one could not say that this area is a priority and the other one is secondary. Perhaps the difference between the actions and the job of the prime minister and a businessman is that you do not have the luxury of prioritising and focusing only on the most important issues. Here’s what I think is our first major task – we need to establish contact with society so that our nation understands, believes and responds to the signals that we send. This relates to the businesses and larger public. It will be much easier for us to improve the situation, when our nation is our ally and supports the programmes that we propose.

Q: What economic initiatives or plans do you have? 

A: We have already presented a government programme where we have outlined what we are going to do. There are a few major topics I want to highlight. Number one, we need to create a truly free, competitive and fair business environment. We are confident that our nation’s potential for creativeness and business acumen would allow our businesses to grow really fast in such an environment. In addition, if we send clear signals, then foreign investors would respond to that as well and would enter our market if they are comfortable with the rules of the game.

Second, considering our current economic condition, we will stimulate the businesses, perhaps not in a very conventional way for the government. We are going to create funds that will be providing financing to different sectors, for example, the agriculture sector, IT, SMEs and so on.

Third, we will create a centre for strategic initiatives, where, with the involvement of talented private and public sector representatives, we will be discussing and developing long-term strategies, programmes and reforms and, ultimately, deciding in which direction Armenia will be moving.

To summarise, we will create the most favourable and comfortable conditions for creative and hard-working individuals and we will demonstrate to them the horizons of our future, so that everyone engages in building that future. We want to show everyone the country of our dreams.

Q: Where does FDI fit into your economic plans and are you planning any privatisations of any industries?

A: FDI is extremely important to us, not only because it will affect economic growth and bring in more investments, but also because it will bring in a new management culture, and demonstrate the openness of our country, which will certainly have a positive multiplying effect on other areas of our life, such as tourism.

When it comes to privatisation, I think Armenia is one of the most liberal countries among the post-Soviet countries. There is really very little state property. However, I am confident that private management is always better than public. It reduces corruption risks, increases efficiency, etc. Therefore, our intention is to transfer everything that has business logic, except for very specific areas such as security and defence, either through privatisation or submission for management.

I think our IT/hi-tech industry is very interesting and attractive – it has fantastic potential and opportunities. Our agriculture, jewellery, mining, light industry, energy and tourism sectors also have big potential of attracting foreign investment.

Q: The geopolitics of the region are tricky. How are you dealing with this delicate situation and how can you increase economic integration despite this? 

A: When it comes to our foreign policy, we will definitely send a signal, through our actions and policies, that we are very honest and frank with our partners. We are not going to be co-operating with one country to the detriment of other countries. The size of our country and our neighbouring countries brings us to the idea that we really need to focus on stimulating regional co-operation. From that perspective, I think that regional co-operation will open new opportunities for our businesses.

We also need to convince everyone that we are a very tolerant nation, though everyone knows us as a party to a conflict [a border dispute with Azerbaijan]. I think our lifestyle is proof of that, since about three-quarters of our nation is living abroad and serve as law-abiding citizens of other countries. We have suffered enough from wars to be very sensitive about the value of peace and we are very concerned about our security.

Q: What would you like foreign citizens and companies to know about Armenia that they might not already know? 

A: We know the value of peace and we are very thankful to our friends.

We are one of the few oldest nations having a statehood. Yerevan is 50 years older than Rome. An area very close to Yerevan, Shengavit, is 6000 years old – a civilisation that is 1000 years older than Egypt pyramids. We are the first Christian nation and we were one of the first nations to start typography. We say to [businesspeople and tourists] to come to Armenia, be our guest and become our friend.

THE MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II
SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
ON THE FEAST OF THE HOLY NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
(Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 06 January 2017)

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2).

Dear Faithful,

Today on the Feast the Nativity of our Lord, we offer with joy our thanksgiving to God. We glorify infant Jesus born in Bethlehem, who came into the world to save humanity, condemned to perdition.

Adam, the first man in the world created by God, violated the divine commandment, went against the will of God, and was thus deprived of the grace and gifts of the Creator. Through Adam, sin came into existence in human life and death entered the world. However, God, with the love and mercy of his Creatorship established a new reality for humanity. In the fullness of time, He sent His Only Begotten Son to redeem humanity from its sins and to grant eternal life. Through Christ, the world roiling in a tempest of sin was renewed, and humanity was graced with the chance to become new again by heeding the message of establishing peace, love and goodwill in the world. In the light of the salvific reality of our Lord, the apostle Paul exhorts, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

These words of the apostle expressed the spirit of the Gospel. The Gospel message became manifest in the world through path of renewal in Christ, transforming human lives and societies, and instilling the ideas of the common good and of establishing justice and peace in the world. Sadly, however, in opposition to God the sinful ways of evil persist. Wars, conflicts, and terrorism are unceasing; human rights are being violated, and genocides and cultural destruction have yet to receive their just condemnation. Greed and the craving to for riches lead to fraud and abuse causing human tragedies, polarization of society and social injustice. Alongside kindness and honesty we witness hatred and treachery, and beside humility and dedication, we witness blind ambition and obsession for power. Over all these wounds the mystery of the incarnation of Christ extends the hope of renewal, so that, following the words of the apostle Paul, people may test themselves and discern “what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” and live their lives through works pleasing to God.

This is the path that embodies God’s will, sustaining the world and adorning life with love, peace, justice, and truth, which God unceasingly increases in the souls of the faithful. It is the testimony of renewal through Christ that we Christians must bring to the world. The life of a Christian is an impactful mission to the people and the world. Christ’s redemptive work in the world is the model for envisioning one’s own mission in the establishment of national and universal good and working together to create the paths of happiness, progress, and achievements. Thus, instead of being an end in itself life is transformed into commitment, work becomes creation, knowledge and talent become the common good, authority becomes service to the people, and our transient earthly existence becomes the yearning and aspiration for eternity.

The message of renewal in the gospel and the apostolic exhortation, have perpetually resonated and sustained our people. Life renewed by the Gospel for centuries has granted our people the fortitude of faith, strength of soul, and courage to be able to withstand tribulations, to endure hardships, and to create accomplishments worthy of written remembrance. With this same spirit, we confront the illegal blockade of our homeland and military provocations that cost lives. We overcome the difficulties and challenges we face, and strive to build a peaceful and prosperous life for our people, at the same time lending support to our sisters and brothers who endure the devastation of war in the Middle East. In the face of crisis and adversity, the feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ brings a new dawn of life, warming our hearts and giving us hope and optimism.

Today, in front of the mystery of the Nativity and Theophany of our Savior, We bring you, dear people of faith, the same apostolic exhortation to follow the will of God, to perform righteous deeds, to aspire to perfection, and to be filled with the determination and zeal to live a better life. Let us keep our hearts as a humble manger of Bethlehem for the divine presence, so that we may become true worshippers of the Savior: merciful and just, with love for another. Let us be strengthened by the Lord, so that our hopes become a reality and our national goals are accomplished. May we, like the light radiating from the star of Bethlehem leading to the Lord, keep the faith in our souls bright, and like the wise men make fidelity and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ our life’s path and destination.

With the glorious good news of the Holy Nativity of Christ, we convey our fraternal greetings to the incumbents of the hierarchical sees of our Apostolic Church: His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Nurhan Manoogian; the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Mesrop Mutafian; and to all the clergy of our Church. We extend our warm wishes and we pray for the salvific grace of Christ the Child for the heads of our sister churches and their faithful flocks.

We convey our greetings to the President of Armenia, Serj Sarkissian, President Bako Sahakyan of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and pray that the Lord grant them fortitude in their duties. We deliver our blessings and best wishes to state officials of Armenia, present today at this Divine Liturgy, and the representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia. We bestow our pontifical blessing upon our entire nation and diaspora.

On this joyous day of the Holy Nativity we raise our prayer to the incarnate Son of God for peace in the world and for the progress and prosperity of our people in the homeland and the Diaspora. We beseech gracious God that He may root out the tare of brutality and hatred from the hearts of all people and sow the graces of love and solidarity, so that humanity can be renewed by doing God’s will: “the good, acceptable and perfect.”

May the Lord keep and protect our country, sustain in prosperity our Holy Church under the venerable shadow of His Holy Right Hand. May He also guide our life in faith and in paths of good deeds, so that we may glorify His Holy name, now and forever and ever. Amen.

Christ is born and revealed,
blessed is the revelation of Christ.

Security issues continue to affect farming activities of people in Tavush region living in communities along the international border with Azerbaijan.

As an alternative to field cultivation, the ICRC piloted a new project in Barekamavan village.

Through a detailed economic survey, teh ICRC identified some of the most vulnerable households and offered them options that matched their needs and capacities.

As a result, 20 families in Barekamavan received beekeeping supplies and livestock to start income-generating activities. Next year, the ICRC will continue the project in other border villages of Tavush.

In a statement released today, ex-Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan has outlined his views on the Karabakh conflict.

“Armenia has to find a dignified formula of peace with its neighbors, including Azerbaijan,” Seyran Ohanyan said, adding that “all resources and efforts of the Armenian people should be targeted at this purpose.”

“The Artsakh issue is not an obstacle on the way of having a developing and safe Armenian statehood, just the opposite. The opinion that Armenia cannot develop without the soonest resolution of the Karabakh issue is a fundamental mistake or a result of sincere delusion,” the former Defense Minister said.

“We have to develop Armenia to solve the Artsakh issue and ensure lasting peace instead of rapidly solving the Artsakh issue at any cost to ensure Armenia’s development. Unilateral or hasty and unjustified “mutual concessions” will not ensure peace, but will instead increase the possibility of resumption of war,” he added.

“The OSCE Minsk Group, separate states, and primarily, the Russian Federation, the international community are carrying out an important mission, trying to find a formula of peaceful resolution. I think the key to the settlement of the Karabakh issue is in Yerevan and Stepanakert, and the two have to find a way of reaching an agreement with Baku. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic – as a full party to the conflict, has to achieve the international recognition of its sovereignty,” Seyran Ohanyan added.

“I believe the Karabakh issue can be solved in a peaceful way through negotiations. We can reach an agreement with Azerbaijan and have to work in that direction,” he said, adding, however, that “it is hard to achieve tangible progress in the negotiations unless an atmosphere of mutual trust is established.”

In response to Turkish Ambassador to Canada Selcuk Unal’s comment on terrorist attacks in Canada in the 1980’s by Canadians of Armenian origin, made during his interview with about the assassination of Russian Ambassador in Ankara on December 19th, 2016.

We condemn any terrorist attack, carried out by anybody, in any location. We believe that by diverting attention from this tragedy and talking about their own assassinated diplomats, the Turkish Ambassador is attempting to diminish the horror of what happened in Ankara, and that is abhorrent.

We would also like to reaffirm our condemnation of the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottomans during the Armenian Genocide.

We advise the Turkish Ambassador and the relevant Turkish authorities to focus on the investigation of the Russian Ambassador’s assassination, to focus on improving the security situation in Turkey, and not to distract the world from their own violence-prone policies.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a phone conversation with US Vice President-elect Mike Pence at the initiative of the American side.

President Sargsyan congratulated President-elect Donald TRump and his team on election victory and wished them success in their responsible mission.

The interlocutors underlined that the current high level of Armenian-American political and economic cooperation will be  maintained, but will also be furthered under the new Administration.

Reference was made to issues of reciprocal interest, including the regional problems and challenges.

The Dutch BNN Public TV has aired 2 films about Armenia with the support of the Development Foundation of Armenia and the Armenian Embassy in the Nethelands.

The group representing the “3 op Reis” travel program spent a week in Armenia to shoot the series.

The first film presents the places of interest in capital Yerevan –The Vernissage, the Cascade, the Chess House, the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, the Republic Square, the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute and others.

In the second part the reporters travel to Lake Sevan, the Noravank and Tatev Monasteries, and other sites of Armenia.

The films are available at  and .

Photo: Voice of America–Armenian Service

 

– Major developments are expected in the near future in Armenian-American relations, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, told the Voice of America Armenian service.

She expressed a view that Armenia-US relations have huge potential for further expanding and involving new domains.

As co-chair of the U.S. congressional friendship group with Armenia, Speier plans to implement numerous projects in the coming year.

She said they plan to organize a large congressional delegation visit to Armenia in a foreseeable future.

Speier added that the declaration of new sister cities between the U.S. and Armenia as well as the launch of direct flights between Los Angeles and Yerevan are also on the agenda.

But the key pressing issue in Armenian-American relations, and which Speier hopes to resolve in 2017, is the reinstatement of the Millennium Challenge Corporation aid to Armenia.

She also noted that special importance should be given to the development of Armenia-U.S. economic relations. Per Speier in this new age of technology, scientific and technical ties should be developed more.

In her words, new prospects need to be reached in Armenian-American relations, in the new century.

Speier also stated that the American-Armenian community is stronger today more than ever, Armenia has an influential ambassador in the U.S., and the two sides should seize these opportunities and further develop relations.