Author: Emma Nadirian

COVID-19: Armenia reports 557 new cases, 709 recoveries in one day

Emma Nadirian

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 11:09,

YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS. 557 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been registered in Armenia in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 30,903, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention said today.

709 more patients have recovered. The total number of recoveries has reached 18,709.

11 people have died in one day, raising the death toll to 546.

The number of active cases stands at 11,471.

The number of people who had a coronavirus but died from other disease has reached 177 (7 new such cases).

So far, 129,166 people have passed COVID-19 testing.

Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenia’s Su-30SM fighter jets in action: Air-to-surface missiles tested

Emma Nadirian
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2020

<img width=”960″ height=”720″ src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/xSU-30SM-fling-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6pxGZPt4Xg.jpg” class=”attachment-full size-full wp-post-image” alt=”” srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/xSU-30SM-fling-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6pxGZPt4Xg.jpg 960w, 300w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px”/>

The Su-30SM fighter jets of the Armenian air forces carried out the first training flights involving a “combat strike.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shared footage on Facebook, showing the fighter jets in action.

Air-to-surface missiles for offensive action were tested, Pashinyan said.

All targets were hit with high accuracy, the added.

Yesterday, our “Su-30CM” made the first “combat strike” training flights, testing air-to-ground missiles for “attack operation”. All targets were hit with high accuracy.

Gepostet von Nikol Pashinyan / Nikol Pashinyan am Freitag, 3. Juli 2020

The Sukhoi Su-30SM is a Russian-made twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable  4+ generation fighter jet.  

It is a multi-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.

Azerbaijan’s Inclusive Diplomacy Amidst COVID-19

Emma Nadirian
Modern Diplomacy
July 5 2020
 
 
 
 
on July 5, 2020
 
By Naghi Ahmadov
 
The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented disruption to the global supply chain, as production and consumption are on a downward trend across the world. While the outbreak weakened considerably the global value chain by disrupting the balance between supply and demand, the economic repercussions are having a profound adverse impact on evry sphere of life. Against this backdrop, some countries tried to turn the coronavirus pandemic into a propaganda tool, whilst the others were suffering from the outbreak.TheCovid-19 pandemichas subsequently become a test for international community and also an ideal momentum for certain great powers to extend their influence globally.
 
While the world is in the throes of the COVID-19, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has taken important initiatives to strengthen international solidarity and cooperation in the fight against coronavirus at the regional and global levels.The holding of an extraordinary Summit of the Turkic Council and anonline Summit-level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in response to the COVID-19 initiatedby Ilham Aliyev, the current Chairman of of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States and the NAM, President of Republic of Azerbaijanis an example of this.The heads of state participating in the summits, as well as the heads of the UN and the World Health Organization praised the initiatives of the President of Azerbaijan to curb the pandemic.At these summits, extensive discussions were held on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, and various ideas and proposals were put forward. Azerbaijan has proposed convening a special session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN GA) to strengthen the global efforts to combat the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The proposal has been already supported by more than 130 UN Member States which demonstrates confidence and trust in Azerbaijan.When the world is facing a global disaster and all countries need international solidarity and cooperation, though it may seem improbable Armenia is the only country protested against the initiative which is in the interests of the international community.
 
While the COVID-19 wrecking the world, unfortunately the international community has demostrated limited solidarity. However, as mentioned by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations that we are in an unprecedented situation and the normal rules no longer apply and this is, above all, a human crisis that calls for solidarity. In this sense, hopefully Azerbaijan’s above-mentioned initiative will invigorate global ambition to find a solution to the global disaster by breaking the silence of the UN and it will once again become a platform for global discussions and this special session will lay the potential groundwork for greater engagement in response to this humanitarian crisis.
 
Azerbaijan always attaches great importance to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries. This principle is clearly reflected in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy during pandemic, as well.Assistance to a number of countries suffering from the pandemic is a clear example of Azerbaijan’s inclusive aid-oriented foreign policy.Azerbaijan, amidst the pandemic, once again repeatedly supports international solidarity and provides assistance to most needy countries.So far, Azerbaijan has extended a helping hand to many countries suffering from the pandemic.Azerbaijan has sent medical aid to about 30 countries, including the People’s Republic of China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.It included financial assistance and support in the form of medical equipments and supplies to strengthen the health, social and economic resilience of the most pandemic-hit countries. At the same time, it has provided $ 10 million in assistance to the World Health Organization, which will help countries in the world that are suffering from the pandemic and financially struggling to fight the pandemic. The donation has been distributed to most vulnerable Non-Aligned Movement member countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Additionally, in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, Azerbaijan even donated $5 million of financial aid to the Islamic Republic of Iran devastated under the US sanctions which made it impossible for the country to swiftly take the necessary medical, economic and social measures to protect its citizens from the coronavirus.The main criteria here are the countries in need the most.All this, of course, is a clear example of the humanity and generosity of the people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan never turns away those who ask for help. Therefore, the sympathy and respect for Azerbaijan, who pursues the right and dignified policy both domestically and internationally, is growing day by day.That once again attests Azerbaijan is always at the forefront of fight against the global challenges.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a public health crisis for the whole of humanity.Understanding the significance of the problem, therefore Azerbaijan shoulders a tremendous responsibility as a middle power to uphold the vision of strengthening the solidarity and the promotion of multilateral diplomacy. Azerbaijan conducts a diplomacy focused on the practical mesaures to deal with a global disaster of this dimension, at multiple levels, in coordination with each other and international community. Some experts consider the recent developments in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy as “the rise of Azerbaijan’s diplomacy”.
 
To conclude, at a time when the global crisis and uncertainty are deepening, Azerbaijan is taking responsibility and making a real contribution to multilaterialism.As a responsible and reliable member of the world community, Azerbaijan has supported calls for global solidarity from the earliest days of the coronavirus threat.Azerbaijan’s foreign policy stance on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is that the international community can only tackle the current crisis through a multilateral rules-based order and there is no way to protectionism and isolationism.More specifically, Azerbaijan prefers the inclusive diplomacy as a possible framework for addressing the current critical situation.

The police explained why Judge Hrant Nazaryan was not allowed into the building of the Constitutional Court

Emma Nadirian
Arminfo, Armenia
July 3 2020

ArmInfo. Armenian police issued a  statement explaining the incident that occurred today at the building  of the Constitutional Court with Hrant Nazaryan. This was reported by  the police press service.

It should be noted that today Hrant Nazaryan was not allowed into the  building of the Constitutional Court of Armenia.

The police statement, in particular, notes that according to the  amendments to the Constitution of Armenia adopted by the parliament  on June 22, which entered into force on June 26, the powers of the  judges of the Constitutional Court, who have been in office for more  than 12 years, are terminated.

, the police statement  underlines. It should be noted that according to the amendments to  the Constitution, the powers of the three judges of the  Constitutional Court – Hrant Nazaryan, Felix Tokhyan and Alvina  Gyulumyan are terminated. Since June 26, the powers of Hrayr  Tovmasyan as chairman of the Constitutional Court have also been  terminated.

Hundreds of Student Chess players and Renown Champions join Closing Ceremony

Emma Nadirian

First Pan-Armenian Chess Tournament Triumphally Concludes with Online Ceremony

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 15:42,

On June 26, the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) together with Chess Academy of Armenia held the Online Closing Ceremony of the first Pan-Armenian Chess Tournament (PACT).Held on June 8-26, 2020 through the AVC interactive online learning platform the virtual tournament attracted over 520 participants from 36 counties all over the World.

The online ceremony was opened with welcomingmessagesfromthe AGBU AVC Founding President, Dr. YervantZorian, describing the goals and objective of this tournament,and the President of the Chess Academy of Armenia, GrandmasterSmbatLputian, referring to the impact of chess on strategic thinking.

After the introductory part, the three Champions of the Pan-Armenian Chess Tournament2020 were announced:

  • The 1st prize went to 16 years old Sargis Sargsyan from Vanadzor, Lori region of Armenia,
  • The 2nd prize went to 14 years old Kirk Ghazarian from the California, USA.
  • The 3rd prize went to 16 years old Tigran Arzumanyan from Goris, Syunik region of Armenia.

All the winners were awarded with dedicated certificates and special gift cards from AGBU AVC.

“The idea of creating this innovative tournament was not only to attain the winners. But rather, it was most importantly to create a dynamiconline community of chess loving students with world-wide participation”, emphasized Dr. YervantZorian congratulating the winners.

Representing the tournament sponsorAGBU, Vasken Yacoubian, the President of AGBU Armenia delivered a heartfelt encouraging message.

Partitioned to five geographic regions – Armenia and Artsakh, Asia and Oceania, Europe, Americas, Middle East and Africa – the tournament was structured in two stages, five regional semi-finals and three rounds of the final games. The first stage was played by the participants from each region united to come up with three finalists. At the second stage, three challenging rounds of the final tournament brought together the finalists to contest the PACT Winner title. Between the tournaments, the participants were able to visit the AVC page dedicated to PACT to take part in online chess activities with renown Armenian champions and learn new chess skills from multimedia interactive AVC Chess courses.

The Pan-Armenian Chess Tournament’s regional semi-finals’ winners are:

The finalists from Armenia& Artsakh:
1st place – Sargis Sargsyan, Vanadzor, Lori, age 16
2nd place – Tigran Arzumanyan, Goris, Syunik, age 16
3rd place – Menua Hakobyan, Yerevan, age 12

The finalists from Middle East & Africa:        
1st place – Kevork Yeghian, Aleppo, Syria, age 16
2nd place – Edward Iskandarian, Beirut, Lebanon, age 14
3rd place – ArsenKenian , Aleppo, Syria, age 9

The finalists from Europe:
1st place – Daniel Karapetyan Hakobyan, Barcelona, Spain, age 13
2nd place – DimitriosLevonZakarian, Oxford, UK, age 12
3rd place – Henrik Serobyan

The finalists from America:
1st place – Kirk Ghazarian, California, USA, age 14
2nd place – Suren Ghazarian, Saskatchewan, Canada, age 15
3rd place – Ethan Boldi, California, USA, age 13

The finalist from Asia & Oceania: Shahan Abu Sayeed, New Dehli, India, age 9

“I was happy to have an opportunity to take part in the online First Pan-Armenian Chess Tournament organized by the AGBU Armenian Virtual College. Thanks to this contest, I made friends with players from different parts of the world”, Kevork Yeghian, the first place finalist of the Middle East and Africa said.

The closing event was attended by over twenty renown Armenian chess champions and chess lovers from around the world.The winners received heartfelt congratulations and best wishes from the two-time Chess Olympic Champion, Grandmaster Tigran L. Petrosyan, and the European Women Team Champion, Woman Grandmaster LilitMkrtchian. Two PACT finalists Ethan Boldi form San Carlos, CA, USA and Kevork Yeghian from Aleppo, Syria expressed their gratitude to the organizers and shared their wonderful impressions from the contest.

At the end of the awards ceremony, the participants were invited to take part in a short quiz and win additional prizes. In addition, the Chess Academy of Armenia had prepared a special surprise for all participants, a live blitz chess match between two Armenian women chess champions, European Women team Champion Elina Danielyan, and Russian Women Rapid Champion Karina Ambartsumova. The hot match was emotionally commented by U.S. Women Vice-ChampionTatev Abrahamyan and U.S. Vice-Champion VaruzhanAkobian.

Armenian MP: Turks decided to commit a new historical and cultural attack

Emma Nadirian
News.am, Armenia

19:06, 28.06.2020
                  

Nikol Pashinyan congratulates Armen Sarkissian on birthday

Emma Nadirian

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 18:45,

YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with President Armen Sarkissian, congratulating him on birthday.

As ARMENPRESS was iinformed from the Office of the Prime Minister. PM Pashinyan wished President Sarkissian success in his responsible position of the President of the country for the benefit of the Armenian state and people. Pashinyan also wished health and happiness to Armen Sarkissian and his family.

Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan

7or.am: Who posted Armenia ex-President Kocharyan’s bail?

Emma Nadirian
News.am, Armenia
7or.am: Who posted Armenia ex-President Kocharyan’s bail? 7or.am: Who posted Armenia ex-President Kocharyan’s bail?

12:48, 20.06.2020
                  

Armenian government approves 20th anti-crisis measure

Emma Nadirian

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 14:07,

YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government approved today the 20th measure aimed at eliminating the economic consequences of the novel coronavirus.

During today’s Cabinet meeting Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan said the measure aims at assisting the hired employees, employees working under civil law contract and individual entrepreneurs of the private sector.                

According to the decision, the sectors affected from the COVID-19 are the followings: hotel and guesthouse services, public food services, tourism, pre-school (private kindergartens), sports clubs, cinemas, photography, etc.

The assistance is provided in a lump sum, at the amount of the minimum salary. It will be transferred to the beneficiaries’ credit cards.

The assistance will be provided based on the applications submitted.

This measure will apply to nearly 36,800 persons, and the total budget of the measure comprises 2,5 billion drams.

The acceptance of applications will start from June 22.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan