Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Turkish press: Turkish drones perform country’s first formation flight

Emil Lazarian
  • September 02 2022 07:00:26

Two Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles have performed a formation flight for the first time at Teknofest, Türkiye’s largest aerospace and technology festival, with Selçuk Bayraktar, the producing company’s chief technology officer, serving as the second pilot.

Hürkuş and Bayraktar Akıncı, developed by Baykar Technologies, a Turkish manufacturer of drones, floated together in the air, claiming the limelight at the festival.

“This is an indescribable feeling. This was the first time that a formation flight was performed with a manned and an unmanned aircraft designed by Turkish engineers,” said Bayraktar, adding that it was an indescribable feeling.

Türkiye is now able to perform these demonstrations not only with the planes it procured from other countries, but also with its own planes and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Bayraktar said.

“More than 600,000 young people who participated in our festival and the competitions, as well as hundreds of thousands of accompanying adults, will hopefully accomplish greater things in the future,” said Bayraktar, noting that these events aim to pave the way for them.

Bayraktar, who called more students to apply for the next festival, said he wants this number to reach 1 million.

Speaking to İhlas News Agency, Bayraktar said, “I am proud to fly as [Bayraktar] Akıncı’s technology leader.” Bayraktar was granted a patch for successfully completing the flight.

Hürkuş is a locally developed primary and basic trainer aircraft, while Bayraktar Akıncı is a drone capable of conducting operations that are performed with fighter jets.

According to local reports, Baykar Technologies has made a deal with three countries for the sale of Bayraktar Akıncı.

The Turkish drones got worldwide fame amid the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that broke out on Sept. 27, 2020, between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Türkiye, as a rising drone power in the international arena, took on a game-changing role in the region by supplying its ally Azerbaijan with UAVs for use in the conflict and significantly contributed to Azerbaijan’s victory.

During the festival in the northern province of Samsun, domestically produced helicopters and UAVs will be showcased and airshows will also take place.

US Open: Injury forces Jack Draper to retire in set 3 against Karen Khachanov

Emil Lazarian

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 11:32, 3 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Jack Draper is out of the US Open after retiring at 3-6 6-4 5-6 against Karen Khachanov, Eurosport reports.

The in-form 20-year-old Brit was having a fine run having knocked out Emil Ruusuvuori and No. 6 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the opening two rounds.

However, despite taking the second set and going 4-2 up in the third set, a hamstring injury affected him badly. At 6-5 down, Draper decided to retire from the match.

Russian Karen Khachanov will play Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round.

Parliament releases attendance figures of MPs

Emil Lazarian

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 11:47, 3 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The opposition Hayastan faction has the lowest attendance during the 3rd session of parliament, according to the parliament’s press service.

Hayastan’s Ishkhan Saghatelyan has 198 unexcused absences, Anna Grigoryan – 158, Vahe Hakobyan – 194, Armen Gevorgyan – 150, Lilit Galstyan – 195, Armen Rustamyan – 198, Seyran Ohanyan – 149, Elinar Vardanyan – 172, Artsvik Minasyan – 162, Artur Ghazinyan – 191, Kristine Vardanyan – 150, Gegham Manukyan – 226.

The other opposition bloc – Pativ Unem – also recorded unexcused absences from the session: MPs Taron Margaryan – 150, Anna Mkrtchyan – 150, Hayk Mamijanyan – 151, Taguhi Tovmasyan – 88, Tigran Abrahamyan – 148.

Both opposition blocs have been boycotting parliament sessions and staging street protests.

Meanwhile, there’ve been unexcused absences in the ruling Civil Contract party as well, most from MP Gurgen Melkonyan (54 unexcused absences) and MP Khachatur Sukiasyan (38 unexcused absences), as well as Lena Nazaryan – 3, Arpine Davoyan – 1, Arsen Torosyan – 4, Mikayel Tumasyan – 8, Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan – 2, Gurgen Arsenyan – 10, Vice Speaker Hakob Arshakyan – 13.

Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan had 3 unexcused absences.

Congressional leaders demand U.S. humanitarian assistance to Artsakh

Emil Lazarian

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 12:47, 3 September 2022

 

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. United States Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) were joined by a bi-partisan group of over 45 Members of Congress in calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power to “take immediate steps dedicating significant resources” to support the at-risk Armenian population of Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Our American blockade on U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh – as a practical matter – effectively abets Azerbaijan’s attempts to strangle Artsakh’s population, ethnically cleansing the indigenous population of a region at the very core of the ancient Armenian homeland,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “It’s wrong. Our government knows it’s wrong. It has to stop – and, with sufficient Congressional leadership, it will.”

The Congressional letter, sent on the thirty-first anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s declaration of independence, notes that, “the people of Artsakh continue to face severe hardships caused both by the deadly 44-day war that Azerbaijani forces provoked in 2020 and the ongoing aggressions committed against innocent civilians.” The letter specifically calls on the State Department and USAID to “to significantly increase funding that will directly assist the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, including assistance for housing, food security, water and sanitation, health care, rehabilitation, and demining and UXO clearance services they need to safely rebuild their lives, homes, and communities. We also urge you to take every action possible to protect the historic and cultural Armenian sites in territory held by Azerbaijan, which many reports indicate are currently under threat.”

Members of Congress also asked for an update on Biden Administration efforts to assist the people of Artsakh and to conduct an updated needs assessment on the humanitarian crisis there, to be shared with Congress to best determine Fiscal Year 2023 U.S. assistance levels.

Joining Representatives Pallone and Titus in cosigning the Congressional letter on Artsakh assistance are Representatives: Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Lou Correa (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jim Himes (D-CT), William Keating (D-MA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), John Larson (D-CT), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Susie Lee (D-NV), Mike Levin (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Katie Porter (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), David Trone (D-MD), and David Valadao (R-CA).

On August 22nd, ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian, in letters sent to Congressional leadership and rank and file U.S. Senate and House members, called for Congressional inquiries into the Biden administration’s effective blockade on humanitarian aid to Armenian families of Artsakh. “America must not be complicit in the ethnic-cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan,” stressed Hamparian.

Azeri military releases fresh disinformation falsely accusing Armenia in border shooting

Emil Lazarian

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 15:26, 3 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has released fresh disinformation falsely accusing the Armenian military in opening fire at Azerbaijani military positions in the eastern part of the border.

The Azeri propaganda didn’t even mention a date and only noted that it happened “recently”.

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia denied the claims as disinformation and added: “The situation on the border is relatively stable and is under the full control of the Armenian Armed Forces.”

Asbarez: Artsakh Marks Independence Anniversary

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 September 2, 2022

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories
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A day filled with celebrations and solemn commemorations marking the 31st anniversary of Artsakh’s Declaration of Independence culminated in a march and gathering in Stepanakert, attended by Artsakh President Arayik Haruyunyan and almost all of Artsakh’s high-ranking officials.

Noticeably absent, for a second year, were any representatives from Armenia’s government. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry and other officials simply issued statements with an identical message of not preserving Artsakh’s independence, but rather guaranteeing the security of Artsakh’s population through the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan was joined by his predecessor Bako Sahakian in paying respect to martyrs

Calling Artsakh’s Declaration of Independence “a logical consequence of the policy of ethnic cleansing against Armenians by the Azerbaijani SSR,” Armenia’s foreign ministry said in a statement that Azerbaijan continues such a policy today. 

“In contrast to the constant statements by the authorities of Azerbaijan that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial unit no longer exist, it is a fact that around 120,000 Armenians continue to live in Nagorno-Karabakh, and as a member of the international community, they have equal and inalienable rights, and the conflict cannot be considered as resolved until the core needs of the Armenians of Artsakh are not addressed,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. 
“Ensuring the security and rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as a comprehensive and lasting resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by using the experience and potential of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, continue to be a milestone for achieving stability and peace in the South Caucasus,” added the official Yerevan.

“The Republic of Armenia continues to be committed to providing all the necessary conditions for the secure life of the people of Artsakh in their homeland,” Armenia’s foreign ministry said.

Earlier in the day President Harutyunyan was joined by his predecessor, Bako Sahakian, and other officials at the Stepanakert Memorial and Military Pantheon to pay tribute to the memory of the fallen troops.

Harutyunyan and Sahakian laid flowers and wreaths at the graves of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for Artsakh’s independence and freedom.

The Primate of the Artsakh Diocese Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Artsakh government officials, Defense Army leadership and guests from Armenia participated in the official ceremony, the Artsakh presidential office said in a statement.

“The 44-Day War of 2020 became a new disaster for the Armenian people, claiming the lives of thousands of our brave sons, destroying many destinies. We are grateful to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the Fatherland and the dignified existence of the Armenian people, we bow before their bright memory and before their proud relatives,” the Artsakh president said in an address to the nation.

President Harutyunyan also thanked Armenians in Armenia and Diaspora for their support, as well as the Russian Federation for their mission in Artsakh, and all countries, political officials who have supported Artsakh by remaining committed to justice and universal values of democracy and humanitarianism.

“After 31 years, the people of Artsakh are again decisively and resolutely announcing that despite all trials of time, they are committed to their adopted decision, to their path, which is irreversible and unshakable. Artsakh must always stand, must always be Armenian, and must always continue its course on the path to independence,” the Artsakh president said.

Artsakh’s Foreign Minister David Babayan said that Artsakh’s declaration of independence was the most ambitious geopolitical step 31 years ago.

“Today, we should evaluate this day much more because now is a crucial moment for Artsakh. Now Artsakh is facing existential challenges. We should do everything for Artsakh to be saved because the future of Armenian statehood and Armenian people depends on the salvation of Artsakh,” Babayan told Armenpress.

“Yes, the situation is complex, but in addition to serious challenges there are also opportunities. The current geopolitical developments show that there are power centers that are interested in the existence of Artsakh. Nevertheless, the existence of Artsakh depends mostly on us, we must take respective steps,” Babayan added.

“We should jointly do everything so that the course and history of Artsakh continue,” he stated, expressing confidence that after the third heavy Artsakh war, the meaning of the September 2 holiday has become more important.

“The Republic of Artsakh is the son of all Armenians. Therefore, we should take joint steps to overcome the current situation and resist the existing challenges. Artsakh, Armenia and the Diaspora must work jointly, we must be able to save what we have,” Babayan added.

Babayan will be in Los Angeles to headline the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s Grassroots Conference, and a day late be honored by the organization with its “Freedom Awards” at its banquet.

Music: The Armenian Voice sings Whitney Houston

Emil Lazarian
Sept 3 2022
 Posted on 3 September 2022 by Rita Bratovich
Masha Mnjoyan will perform songs of Whitney Houston in Whitney Orchestrated. Image: supplied

One of the headline acts for Chatswood’s Culture Bites Festival this year, is Whitney Orchestrated, a tribute concert featuring the most loved songs of Whitney Houston backed by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. Taking on the inconceivable challenge of “being Whitney” is Armenian singer, Masha Mnjoyan. 

While she’s not quite as well known in Australia, Mnjoyan is something of a celebrity in her home country: she performed in Junior Eurovision in 2008, then big Eurovision in 2016; she won The Voice Armenia in 2013 and was a finalist in The Voice Australia in 2020. 

Mnjoyan is an accomplished musician, singer and composer in a range of genres including pop, jazz, blues, RnB, and songs in her native Armenian language.  

From the age of four, Mnjoyan had already set her heart on a career in music. 

“It was sort of meant to be, me in music all the time,” says Mnjoyan. “Though I was very young and without even realising that I had ability, I wanted to be in music.”

Her parents, and in particular, an aunty, were very supportive. Mnjoyan recalls her aunty presenting her to the director of a music school and saying: “She’s very talented. She needs to be here.”

But Armenia is small and after being in Eurovision, Idol, The Voice, and touring and performing around the country, Mnjoyan felt she had exhausted her career potential there. And she was only 23 years old. 

Mnjoyan decided to move to Sydney. She’d visited Australia on several occasions prior.

“I fell in love with nature, the people, the culture – everything!” says Mnjoyan. “The only country where I would try to grow my career would be Australia. Otherwise I would just stay in my country.”

It didn’t take long for that growth to start happening. Mnjoyan put together two bands and began performing in Sydney’s best jazz and live music venues; she sang on the Opera House forecourt during Vivid and has done television appearances. 

It was with a Whitney Houston song, “I Have Nothing”, that Mnjoyan knocked the socks off the judges in The Voice, Aus. She has been a huge fan of Houston from a very early age.

“Since I was a child, I admired listening to Whitney Houston; watching her live videos and everything about her. She was a real model for me, an idol … something unreachable with the vocal and with the performance and presentation.”

In Sydney, Mnjoyan became aware that a lot of tribute concerts were being performed, noting that no one had yet tackled Whitney. She approached conductor and musical director, George Ellis, who had put together the series of “Orchestrated” concerts including tributes to The Beatles, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and many more. 

He liked the idea of doing a Whitney Houston tribute and he connected Mnjoyan with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and things took off from there. 

Mnjoyan insists that the concert is a tribute and not an impersonation. 

“It’s not gonna be better than her, it’s not gonna be the same as her, it’s not going to be even something like her – because Whitney is the one and only, and no one can be like her.”

Instead, Mnjoyan sees this a an homage from the heart.

“It’s going to be like Masha singing Whitney Houston: the way that I feel her, the way that I feel the music, the lyrics and the way I accept music.” Singing an all-Whitney Houston show is something Mnjoyan has always aspired to do. “So yeah, it’s a dream come true!”

What Mnjoyan wants is for the audience to share in her joy of Whitney’s music.  

“It’s going to be sort of a party concert. Our goal is to make people feel positive. Obviously we’re gonna include big songs – without “All By Myself” and “I Have Nothing” and stuff like that, a Whitney concert is not gonna be the same. But we’re going to make it more active and more positive with beats and stuff.”

Whitney Orchestrated

Richmond fall festival guide: Armenian Food Festival …

Emil Lazarian
Richmond Times Dispatch, VA
Sept 1 2022


  • Colleen Curran

September brings a steady stream of fall festivals almost every weekend this month. Get ready to dig in to delicious dishes at the Armenian Food Festival, check out new murals going up at the RVA Street Art Festival and, of course, take a ride on the midway at the State Fair of Virginia. Check out our round-up of September festivals.

In the era of modern changes knowledge and education are the main pillars – President

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – Sept 1 2022
September 1, 2022, 10:33

 1 minute read

In the era of modern changes knowledge and education are the main pillars, President Vahagn Khachaturyan said in a message on Knowledge and Schooling Day. The message reads:

Dear pupils and students,

Distinguished pedagogues and parents,

I congratulate you all on September 1st – Knowledge and Schooling Day.

The beginning of each academic year is especially unique and binding for all of us. In the era of modern changes knowledge and education are the main pillars, thanks to which people, societies and states should be able to overcome various challenges and problems.

Dear first-graders and first-year students, I especially want to wish you a peaceful course in this new phase of your life, where you will learn, absorb knowledge and gain experience, enriching the intellectual potential of our society, which is a primary guarantee of not only the development of our country but also a prerequisite for the welfare of our society and citizens.

My special congratulations to all the teachers and professors. I wish you success in your difficult and responsible work. Not merely work or professional duties are placed on your shoulders, but also the responsibility of forming conscious and dignified citizens by providing quality education to the generations.

Dear students and teachers, keep in mind that knowledge is your future, your way into a big life. It will arm you with an opportunity to find your place in the modern world, and become valued citizens of our country and true patriots.

Dear compatriots, once again, my congratulations on Knowledge and Schooling Day. 

https://en.armradio.am/2022/09/01/in-the-era-of-modern-changes-knowledge-and-education-are-the-main-pillars-president/

Chair of Armenian Studies to be opened at Tabriz State University

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – Sept 3 2022
Alina Hovhannisyan

ArmInfo. Yerevan State University and Tabriz State University came to a preliminary  agreement to open a chair of Armenian Studies at the Iranian  University.  YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan said summarizing the  results of his meeting with Chancellor of Tabriz State University  Safar Nasrollahzadeh.

In turn, Yerevan State University expressed its readiness to  establish the Atropatene Research Center (a historical region and an  ancient state in the north-west of modern Iran) at the Department of  Iranian Studies of Yerevan State University, which will become an  important platform for regional studies.  “We attach importance to  the development of relations with Iranian universities, not only in  the educational and scientific fields, but also in the context of  deepening and strengthening bilateral relations,” Hovhannisyan said.

At the same time, he said that following the meeting with the head of  the State University of Tabriz, an agreement was also reached on the  implementation of student and specialist exchange programs, the  implementation of joint research projects, and various academic and  cultural initiatives.