Author: Emma Jilavian

From L.A. to Lebanon With Love

Emma Jilavian
August 12,  2020


Teenagers in L.A. raise funds for Lebanon

BY SAREEN KASPARIAN

For us, it’s only been a week. For Beirut Lebanon, it’s been 168 hours since the heart of the city was shattered to pieces by a massive, toxic explosion. We watched in anger, fear and heartbreak as families lost loved ones, the wounded suffered and hundreds of thousands were left homeless.

But we also saw courage, commitment and resolve as normal citizens turned into heroes —to meet the immediate needs for food, clean water, hygiene products and shelter. Everyone served a role—from sweeping broken glass to helping families locate missing people to creating safe shelter.

Beirut’s explosion was heard all around the world. Supporters responded immediately with prayer and support followed by fundraising efforts. “As the damage was assessed it became very clear that substantial monetary needs are necessary to support longer-term recovery efforts,” said Mattias Donikian.

“Inspiration to give more and do more is fueled by seeing the immediate results of relief,” said Sofia Minassian. “I am proud of the Armenian-American community for working together to support the physical, economic and emotional rebuilding of the Lebanese Armenian community in need,” said Vem Chatoyan.

“We prayed for the victims of the explosion and also for the wounded but we also pledged our support by raising money and awareness,” said Raffi Boghossian. “Armenia’s immediate response to humanitarian aid was unparalleled,” said Karine Krbashyan. “Philanthropy knows no bounds as we see pledged funds from internationally famed donors like former NBA player Rony Seikaly and investor Carlos Slim,” said Ivan Youssefian.

Recent fundraising efforts have been tremendous as we’ve secured funds to help several families safely rebuild parts of their destroyed homes. Fundraising remains a critical component to Lebanon’s rebuilding. “And we have more to do—now and in the future,” said Alex Akaragian.

“The path to recovery requires the power and unity of our entire region,” said Gary Shirikchian. We urge all readers to join the fundraising efforts of the Pan Armenian Council of Western United States of America and donate today.

Armenian Startup Krisp Secures $5 Million Funding

Emma Jilavian
August 6,  2020

Krisp, an Armenian startup, produces a software that blocks background noise on phone calls

An Armenian startup company, Krisp, received $5 million in what is known as a series A financing for its software and technology, which silences ambient sounds and isolates voice for calls, reported Tech Crunch on Wednesday.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many to work from home, or in isolation, the demand for the software has surged, with many companies opting for the product for their employees and business ventures.

According to Tech Crunch, Krisp applies a machine learning system to audio in real time that has been trained on what is and isn’t the human voice. “What isn’t a voice gets carefully removed even during speech, and what remains sounds clearer. It can work on practically any device,” Tech Crunch explained.

Initially, the company began offering its standalone software for free, with a paid tier that removed time limits.

The Krisp app, now available on Windows and Macs, uses machine learning to silence background noise so the voices of the people on the call are heard more clearly.

Krisp co-founder and CEO Davit Baghdasaryan told Tech Crunch that the COVID-19 crisis accelerated the company’s expansion plans, with larger businesses signing up, among them a large caller center with 40,000 employees.

The company was founded in Armenia and currently has two teams, one of which is based in the United States.

Baghdasaryan also explained that all voice data collected on the app remains private and is stored the device and is not sent to a cloud server, alleviating concern regarding privacy.

“The next iteration will tell you not just about noise, but give you real time feedback on how you are performing as a speaker,” Baghdasaryan explained to Tech Crunch.

The series A funding, which is when investors commit their capital in exchange for an equity interest in a company, came from Storm Ventures,  Sierra Ventures, TechNexus and Hive Ventures.

Artsakh reports 1 new COVID-19 case in last 24 hours

Emma Jilavian

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 11:08, 5 August, 2020

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. 1 new COVID-19 case has been confirmed in Artsakh over the past 24 hours, the country’s health authorities reported.

The virus has been confirmed in a resident from the capital city of Stepanakert. The patient is a direct contact of a previously confirmed case.

8 patients recovered over the past day in Artsakh.

The total cumulative number of confirmed cases in the country is 248, with 189 recoveries so far. No deaths have been reported from the coronavirus, although one person infected with the virus has died, but the death happened from other pre-existing conditions, authorities said.

6343 tests were conducted in total.

Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

“Pearl of Middle East will emerge stronger and more united” – Anna Hakobyan offers condolences

Emma Jilavian

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 15:03, 5 August, 2020

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spouse Anna Hakobyan has addressed a telegram to Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s spouse Nadia Al Chami to express condolences and support over the Beirut explosion.

“I am deeply shocked by this great tragedy in Lebanon,” Hakobyan said in the letter. “I share this heavy sorrow with you and I express my support to the families of the victims. I wish speedy recovery to those injured. The Armenian people stand by the brotherly Lebanon and pray for the speedy overcoming of the consequences of this tragedy and the country’s return to normal life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days. May God give patience, resilience and peace to the friendly people of Lebanon. I am convinced, that the Pearl of the Middle East will emerge even stronger and more united from this crisis”.

The blast erupted at a port warehouse in the Lebanese capital on Tuesday. More than 100 people are dead and 4000 are injured.

The enormous blast was reportedly heard as far away as Cyprus, some 150 miles away from the port.

Beirut authorities have traced the blast to a massive stash of explosive ammonium nitrate in a warehouse at the port. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia circulates Note Verbale in OSCE on suspension of military inspections by Turkey in Armenia

Emma Jilavian

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 21:54,

YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. In the context of Azerbaijan’s attacks on Tavush region since July 12, Turkey has been resorting to unprecedented threats against Armenia and unilateral support to Azerbaijan. The holding of joint Turkey-Azerbaijan large-scale military exercises, started today,  further aggravates the situation, ARMENPRESS reports reads the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Armenia.

In light of the above, on July 29th the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the OSCE circulated a Note Verbale informing the OSCE participating States and State Parties to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, that the Republic of Armenia will suspend military inspections by the Republic of Turkey and guest inspectors from Turkey under the CFE treaty and the Vienna Document on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

According to the Note Verbale, this decision of Armenia is based upon the principles enshrined in the CFE Treaty and Vienna Document and derives from Armenia’s security interests and concerns. 

Any military inspection conducted on the territory of Armenia by Turkey, which has been openly supporting Azerbaijan’s military operations against Armenia and resorting to unprecedented threats, particularly since 12th July 2020, will adversely impact the security interests of Armenia and may undermine security of its population.

Armenia remains committed to the implementation of the CFE Treaty and Vienna Document, underlining that only military inspections by Turkey and participation of guest inspectors from Turkey on the territory of Armenia are a subject of this suspension.

Rise of bug-borne illnesses (Sophia Garabedian)

Emma Jilavian 
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Rise of bug-borne illnesses
By Philip Marcelo
The Associated Press
Sophia Garabedian had been dealing with a persistent fever and painful
headache when her parents found her unresponsive in her bed one morning last
fall.
Doctors ultimately diagnosed the then-5-year-old Sudbury, Massachusetts,
resident with eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but severe mosquito-borne
virus that causes brain swelling.
Garabedian survived the potentially fatal virus after about a month in
Boston hospitals, but her parents say her ordeal and ongoing recovery should
be a warning as people take advantage of the outdoors this summer.
"It's been a rough year," said David Garabedian, her father. "With any brain
injury, it's hard to tell. The damage is there. How she works through it is
anyone's guess."
As the coronavirus pandemic subsides for now in the hard-hit Northeast,
public health officials in the region are warning about another potentially
bad summer for EEE and other insect-borne illnesses.
EEE saw an unexpected resurgence last summer across 10 states: Alabama,
Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North
Carolina, Rhode Island and Tennessee.
There were 38 human cases and 15 deaths from the virus, with many of the
cases in Massachusetts and Michigan, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Most years, the country sees just half a dozen cases
of the virus in humans, the agency said.
In Massachusetts and New Jersey, officials have already detected EEE in
mosquitoes this year, the earliest on record in those states. There have
been no human or animal cases yet.
"It's unnerving," said Scott Crans, who heads up mosquito control efforts
for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. "It could signal
a busy year."
Crans and other state health officials say EEE, which has no cure in humans,
tends to come in two- to three-year cycles, but they also stress that
mosquito borne-diseases are notoriously tricky to predict.
A relatively mild winter may have benefited mosquito populations, but
belowaverage rainfall could have also provided a welcome counterweight, he
said.
Local health officials are also warning about the risk of contracting other
insect-borne illnesses as more people are spending a longer time outdoors
amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In Michigan, an invasive mosquito known to transmit dengue, Zika and other
tropical viruses has already been detected for the first time this season,
said Mary Grace Stobierski, the state's public health veterinarian.
The state also had its first case of West Nile virus this season. A more
common but less severe mosquitoborne disease than EEE, it can cause fevers,
headaches, body pain and other symptoms. The infection was found in a
captive hawk in early June.
Ticks are also expected to be out earlier and in larger numbers this season
because of the relatively mild winter, warned Aaron Bernstein, a
pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital and a director at Harvard's
School of Public Health.
That could mean more cases of debilitating Lyme disease and other tick
related illnesses for local health care systems already feeling the pressure
of responding to the coronavirus, he said. "Some of the people going into
the woods more now might not be experienced with how to protect themselves
in the forest, and that's a concern," he said.
Officials say people should avoid the evening and early morning hours when
mosquitoes are most active, use bug spray and wear long clothing where
possible when outdoors.
The CDC has offered states additional help with mosquito testing this season
as the coronavirus pandemic has overwhelmed state public health offices,
said Candice Hoffmann, an agency spokeswoman.
Officials in eight states and the District of Columbia have so far taken up
the offer: Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Maine,
Florida and Arizona.
Sophia Garabedian, 6, of Sudbury, Mass., who contracted Eastern Equine
Encephalitis in 2019, stands for a photograph on a playground July 8 in
Sudbury, Mass. [STEVEN SENNE/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Competition for the development of Gyumri Friendship Park architectural solutions kicks off in Armenia

Emma Jilavian
Public Radio of Armenia
July 1 2020

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The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation launches an open international competition for the development of architectural solutions for the recreational infrastructure of Gyumri Friendship Park. Applications are open on July 1-29, 2020.

The competition makes part of the integrated development and restoration of Gyumri within Armenia 2020 Initiative. The renovated park will not only become a new public venue for the Gyumri people and guests of the city but also a symbol of friendship and gratitude to the countries that have supported the city’s rehabilitation after the devastating earthquake in 1988.

The competition is aimed at selecting the best architectural and planning solutions reflecting the city’s identity and conveying the idea of international collaboration. The design of the recreational infrastructure elements will help talented architects from across the globe to co-create the modern public venue and diversify the territory of the city.

The competition will be held in 2 rounds. Based on the results of the first round, the jury will shortlist 20 participants for the development of architectural solutions. The participants will get technical task containing the necessary information about the park’s design project and the terms of reference for the development of the objectives. Following the second round, the jury will select the finalists of the competition in 3 nominations.

In October 2020, the winners will be announced and the park’s final design project will be presented. The finalists will have the opportunity to realize their architectural designs in the new public space in Gyumri.

The jury is comprised of renowned experts, including Andrei Ivanov, architect and researcher, Nune Petrosyan, Deputy Chair for the Urban Development Committee of Armenia, Udo Dagenbach, Landscape architect and Founder of “Glaßer und Dagenbach GBR” office, Fedor Rashevsky, Chief Architect and Partner of OFFCON Bureau, Emma Baghdasaryan, Aide to the Head of Shirak Regional Administration.

The park is located in the northern part of the city, between the historical center and residential and industrial areas. The central street links all the main sights and public spaces of Gyumri. The renovated park will become the first modern green area in the city center on this itinerary, popular among locals and tourists.

“The restoration of the Friendship Park is very important for the people of Gyumri. It will become a unique project, fostering the development of the tourism and the city’s infrastructure. We are glad that the people of Gyumri have accepted the project and embraced its significance. This project brought people together and this truly will be a park of friendship and gratitude,” says Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of IDeA Foundation.

Icelandair to operate Los Angeles-Yerevan charter flight on July 11

Emma Jilavian

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 13:13,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Icelandair airline will operate a Los Angeles-Yerevan charter flight on July 11, the Consulate General of Armenia to Los Angeles said on Facebook, adding that the plane will make a technical stop in Reykjavik for refueling, which will last an hour.

“Given the current situation in the aviation market due to COVID-19 and crowds of our compatriots in California, a Los Angeles-Yerevan direct charter flight will be carried out on July 11 at the request of the Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles”, the statement says.

The flight duration will be 15 hours. The aircraft has 260 seats.

Citizens of the Republic of Armenia and foreigners with the right of permanent residence, as well as foreign citizens who have family members living in Armenia (spouse/parent/child) can take a flight to Armenia.

Reporting by Lilit Demuryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Deputies capture alligator attempting to cross Georgia highway

Emma Jilavian

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 13:10,

YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Police in Georgia said officers encountered “a dangerous subject” attempting to walk across a stretch of highway and they safely apprehended the culprit an alligator, reports Armenpress citing UPI.

The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded Sunday evening to Highway 135, where an alligator was spotted wandering across the roadway.

Deputies apprehended the alligator with help from the Department of Public Safety and a game warden.

“The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a dangerous subject illegally crossing Hwy. 135 this evening,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “The area was surrounded. After a brief foot chase the suspect was apprehended, and flex cuffs were applied. No injuries were reported.”