Author: Frangulian Shushan

Armenia’s Srbuk will perform 1st during ‘Eurovision-2019’ 2nd semi final

Frangulian Shushan

Armenia’s Srbuk will perform 1st during ‘Eurovision-2019’ 2nd semi final

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21:06, 2 April, 2019

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. Representative of Armenia Srbuhi Sargsyan, aka Srbuk, will performe 1st during ‘Eurovision-2019’ 2nd semi final with ‘Walking out’ song, ARMENPRESS reports the singer informed via Facebook.

‘Eurovision 2019’ will take place in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Srbuhi Sargsyan was born in Yerevan in 1994. Graduated from Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory’s jazz-vocal department. The broad audience recognizes the singer from the X-Factor international music project.

Since 2012, Srbuk created the Allusion band, which performs pop, soul, rock covers, and famous hits of different times.

This year, the singer won the fourth place in the “Voice of Ukraine” musical project, captivating the hearts of foreigners.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Asbarez: Seven Educators Honored at Armenian Genocide Education Awards Luncheon

Frangulian Shushan
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8 hours ago

BURBANK—Hundreds gathered for the third annual Armenian Genocide Education Awards Luncheon at the De Luxe Banquet Hall in Burbank on March 23 to honor and celebrate seven remarkable educators for their commitment and dedication to teaching the Armenian Genocide.

The luncheon, organized by the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region’s Education Committee, hosted close to 250 guests including elected officials, superintendents, dignitaries, educators from all across the state, the outstanding honorees with their friends and family, and the 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning as the keynote speaker.

This event celebrates educators who have creatively taught the subject of the Armenian Genocide within their school communities, across different courses such as social science, English language, arts, music, art, theater, and film. This year for the first time, two university-level educators were also honored.

“The ANCA-WR Board of Directors is so proud of our amazing Education Committee, which organized its third annual Armenian Genocide Education Awards Luncheon this year. This has become one of our signature annual events and is so important toward promoting Armenian Genocide education in public schools, recognizing and thanking teachers who take the time to teach about the lessons to be learned from this dark chapter in history and encouraging others to do the same,” said ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq.

This year’s honorees were:

Rubina Peroomian, Ph.D., UCLA
Armenian Genocide Education Legacy Award

Jack Fong, Ph.D., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Armenian Genocide Higher Education Award

Beth Hudson, Austin Independent School District
Armenian Genocide Education Award

Jose Lara, Dale Junior High School, Anaheim Union High School District
Armenian Genocide Education Award

Levon Marashlian, Ph.D., Glendale Community College
Armenian Genocide Higher Education Award

Naira Panasyan, Northridge Academy High School, LAUSD
Zaruhy “Sara” Chitjian Armenian Genocide Education Award

Vahe Tcharkhoutian, Eleanor J. Toll Middle School, GUSD
Zaruhy “Sara” Chitjian Armenian Genocide Education Award

2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning captivated the attendees with her moving remarks as she highlighted her special moments in Armenia as a Peace Corps volunteer — where she taught English at a school in Alaverdi — and expressed her support for genocide education.

“I’m not here because of what I did in Armenia. I’m here because of what I’ve learned and how I’ve taken those lessons with me throughout my 20 years career in education, to my classroom and my community,” said Manning. “I’m not Armenian, but I definitely feel like Armenia is in my roots.” Manning then continued to explain her experiences in Armenia from getting her first haircut, to riding the bus to work, and most importantly her host family.  “My host family welcomed me with open arms, gave me grace in adapting to life in Armenia, took my hand and helped me out in my new environment,” added Manning. “I carry their example with me in my work as an educator every day a new student walks into my classroom.”

Manning concluded by expressing her gratitude to Armenia and highlighting the significant progress made by the Armenian people, from turning pain into action and becoming strong advocates at the forefront of genocide prevention globally.

Watch her full remarks here.

“The third annual Armenian Genocide Education Awards Luncheon was truly a success. This year, a new recognition for professors from colleges and universities who teach a unit on the Armenian Genocide was added and it was a rewarding decision. The most moving presentation was that of National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning, the Peace Corps volunteer who had served in Alaverdi, Armenia, for two years and is now the national spokesperson for all public education in the United States. Her love for Armenia and her praise for all things Armenian brought the audience to a lengthy standing ovation,” said ANCA-WR Education Committee Chair Alice Petrossian.

All the honorees expressed their appreciation for the award and pledged their continued support to advance genocide education in their respective schools. Dr. Rubina Peroomian, recipient of the Armenian Genocide Education Legacy Award for her decades-long work in advancing Armenian Genocide education, explained her upbringing and shared the story of how she became involved in this line of work. Dr. Peroomian also added that her work was simply fulfilling her familial obligation to the ANCA.

Thanking his student Kareen Shatikian for the nomination, Dr. Jack Fong, one of the first  higher education honorees, presented his plans to further teach the Armenian Genocide to all his college students. “In my role as a professor, I will make sure the Armenian epic is made physical in my relative courses that examine geopolitics, genocide, and issues related to human rights,” stated Dr. Fong, adding that it’s the least he can do to honor the Armenian people.

The program also included a special presentation by researcher and photographer Matthew Karanian about his new book “The Armenian Highland: Western Armenia and The First Armenian Republic of 1918.” In his book, Karanian celebrates the history of this First Armenian Republic and shows, through stunning photography, the hidden Armenia that he has discovered during his research in Ani, Kars, and Western Armenia—all lands that are today outside the borders of the Republic of Armenia. During his presentation, Karanian presented various photos from his book of his travels and emphasized the genocidal policies that are still pursued by Turkey today.

Members of the Armenian Heritage Curriculum Development Committee — a group of dedicated individuals working day in and day out to put together a comprehensive curriculum focused on Armenian culture and history — were also recognized during the Awards Luncheon. Members of this committee include Amy Bazikian, Anna Khachatryan, Anna Yeghiantz, Arpineh Kourounian, Mary Mekikian, Laura Gaboudian, Lucy Martirosyan, Sarine Boyadjian, Psy. D, LMFT, Sandra Edith Garcia, and Sedda Antakelian.

“The best part about the Armenian Genocide Education Awards luncheon, for me, is the uplifting energy that fills the hall. It is such a profound experience when you are filled in a room with like minded, powerful and inspiring individuals who have united together for the same purpose: to honor the memory of Armenian Genocide victims and survivors by recognizing the importance of their legacy in education,” stated ANCA-WR Education Committee Member and Luncheon Committee Chair Sedda Antekelian.

The program consisted of several performances emphasizing Armenian life, culture, and resilience for all guests to enjoy. In a special musical performance, Davit Mikayelyan and David Arutunyan played the duduk and duhol. Through dance, the Areni Dance Group performed the traditional Armenian “Areni” dance, which represents the celebration of the bountiful grape harvest.

Michael Aram’s limited-edition Apricot Tree of Life Sculpture was also featured at the luncheon. As a reminder, Michael Aram recently announced that he is generously donating proceeds from sales of this sculpture to the ANCA-WR. In order for proceeds to go directly to the ANCA-WR, orders must be placed either by visiting the store at 157 N Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048 or by calling 424.527.0060.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Nikol Pashinyan Congratulated Assyrians of Armenia on National Holiday

Frangulian Shushan
Arminfo, Armenia
April 1 2019
Tatevik Shahunyan

ArmInfo.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated the Assyrians of Armenia on the National Holiday.  In the congratulatory message of the Prime Minister, in  particular, says:  

“Dear representatives of the Assyrian community of  Armenia I cordially congratulate you on the Assyrian New Year, Kha b’  Nisan (or Ha b’ Nisin, ED. note). Through destiny have the Armenian  and Assyrian peoples, who have cultural relations of many centuries,  withstood together numerous challenges, and shared each other’s both  sorrow and joy. A part of Assyrians scattered all around the world  have for a long time settled in Armenia, becoming an inseparable part  of our society. It has had its permanent and undeniable contribution  to the multilateral development and progress of our country. Let this  magnificent spring holiday of love and fertility symbolizing the  rebirth of nature be a beginning of new constructive plans and  realization of ideas for our brotherly people Assyrian people. I am  wishing you welfare and realization of all honest goals”. 

Yeni Şafak: Turkish specialists to leave for Azerbaijan to examine S-300 air defense systems

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia
Politics 10:29 23/03/2019 Armenia

A group of Turkish military will leave for Azerbaijan to learn and train the S-300 command and control systems, Ermenihaber reported, citing Yeni Şafak report.

According to the source, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff have made a decision to send a delegation of 100 people to Azerbaijan this year, before heading to Russia where Turkish troops will be trained to operate the S-400s ahead of the system’s deployment by October.

The source reminds that Ankara and Moscow inked a $2.5 billion contract on the delivery of four battalion sets of S-400s to Turkey in 2017 in a move that’s been strongly criticised by the United States.

According to the same report, the S-400s purchased by Turkey would first be deployed at the Murted Air Base, formerly known as Akinci Air Base, located northwest of Ankara. Citing military sources, the report reads, the base will become the main centre for the dispatch of Russian air defences, but later the S-400s may be moved to other regions.

Nearly 5000 trees to be planted in Yerevan: Countrywide clean-up and tree planting to be held on March 23

Frangulian Shushan

Nearly 5000 trees to be planted in Yerevan: Countrywide clean-up and tree planting to be held on March 23

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09:38,

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS. Within the frames of “Clean Armenia” program, on March 23, from early morning the republic-wide clean-up will be started in Yerevan, the City Hall told Armenpress.

“On this day it is planned to clean up all public areas, lawns, parks and squares. Tree pruning will also be continued, besides, tree planting is also provided for”, noted acting head of the Department of Nature Protection Khachik Hakobyan.

Tree planting will be carried out in concrete irrigated areas.

On March 23, about 5000 trees are to be planted. Besides traditional sorts of trees it is planned to plant flowering trees as well.

The action will be accompanied by festive events. Via phone numbers functioning in all administrative districts citizens can get information on the addresses where the actions will be carried out.

Foreign Ministry: Manipulation of Armenian Genocide issue amid Turkish-Israeli spat ‘unacceptable’

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia

Manipulation of the Armenian Genocide issue against the backdrop of tensions in Turkish-Israeli relations is unacceptable for Armenia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday.

“The recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is first and foremost a moral issue,” she said, reflecting on the recent Erdogan-Netanyahu spat, which made a reference to the Genocide issue.

Commenting on Armenian-Israeli relations and plans to open an Armenian embassy in Israel, the spokesperson said expansion of Armenia’s diplomatic representations is always on the agenda of the Foreign Ministry.

Separately, she slammed Azerbaijan’s conduct of large-scale military drills on its territory without a prior notification as a serious violation of international commitments that no way contributes to regional confidence-building measures.

Naghdalyan said Armenia’s representative at the OSCE has raised the issue, demanding an explanation from Azerbaijan.

Asked to comment on Azerbaijan’s deployment of a new military base on the border with Armenia, Naghdalyan stressed both Artsakh and Armenia have determination and capacities to defend themselves and retaliate.

She said Azerbaijan’s application of mortars on Artsakh border after a long break on March 13 also does not contribute to preparing populations to peace and strengthening atmosphere of trust. 

David Babayan: More attention should be paid to the problem of Karabakh territories occupied by Azerbaijan

Frangulian Shushan
News.am, Armenia
David Babayan: More attention should be paid to the problem of Karabakh territories occupied by Azerbaijan David Babayan: More attention should be paid to the problem of Karabakh territories occupied by Azerbaijan

18:53, 16.03.2019
                  

Author: Mariam Levina

Head of the Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic President – deputy head of the Artsakh Republic President’s Office, David Babayan said in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Involvement of Nagorno-Karabakh in negotiation process was the recent number one issue. What are the official Stepanakert approaches in this regard?

The approaches of the official Stepanakert in this matter remain unchanged. It is impossible to achieve a final and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict without the participation of the Republic of Artsakh at all stages of the negotiation process. If we do not restore a full-fledged negotiation format, then the only result of the peace process can only be the maintenance of stability and peace in a strategically important Transcaucasian region.

Recently, the idea of a certain revision or reassessment of the principles of settlement and well-known elements has been increasingly voiced. What is this about?

I do not think that the fundamental principles of the settlement can be revised. Fundamental elements such as the peaceful settlement, the right of people to self-determination and recognition of the fact of such self-determination, the territorial integrity of the state will always remain the fundamental components of the settlement process. But the parties to the conflict have a diametrically opposed vision of these principles. 

Can it be considered that the positions of the Armenian sides began to diverge from the positions of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the holistic approach towards the three principles and the right of peoples to self-determination?

The Minsk Group co-chairs have repeatedly stated that they are not judges. They are mediators in resolving the most complicated conflict. Therefore, the main direction of their activities is to contribute to bringing the parties together, as well as to contribute to maintaining stability and security in the region. As I have already said, Azerbaijan has diametrically opposed positions on the one hand, Artsakh and Armenia on the other.

What do you think about handing over the liberated territories? Will such a scenario  launch a new aggression?

There can be no return to the past, neither in the matter of borders, nor status. Moreover, I am deeply convinced that security is a key component for Karabakh.Even internationally recognized status of an independent state, cannot ensure our security.  The last decades have revealed a number of such precedents.

Consequently, the future of our people and its statehood, both in Artsakh and in the Republic of Armenia, will be very deceptive without the proper level of security, which will be ensured by our own efforts. One of the main aspects in this context is the borders of Artsakh. 

You vividly show the results of Baku’s policy of pressure on Karabakh in your  “Hydropolitics of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh Conflict” book. In your opinion, what could be the consequences if the sources of the rivers feeding Armenia and Karabakh are in the hands of the adversary?

This is one of the most vivid examples of what may happen to Artsakh and Armenia if the security system of our country is weakened. Azerbaijan, of course, will immediately begin to exert pressure, while not disdaining the most inhuman methods, such as hydroterrorism. Azerbaijan resorted to such methods many times, that we have not forgotten and should never forget.

Do you think that Armenian sides pay enough attention to the occupation of Karabakh territories by Azerbaijan?

We constantly raise these issues when we meet with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and at various international platforms. Although, I think that it is necessary to pay more attention to this issue in the internal media space, public, scientific and analytical circles.

A little about domestic policy in Artsakh. Recently you have created Conservative party of Artsakh in the 2020 parliamentary elections. How do you see the work in the legislature before the elections and after?

Naturally, rather big and laborious, as well as very responsible and interesting work should be done. We have the will, energy, willingness to work in this direction.

What are the main social problems of Artsakh? And how to solve them?

Problems are a very dynamic phenomenon. They  are, were, will always be in any country and society.Moreover, the solution of one issue also creates new problems and the need to find ways to solve them.

The formula for effectively solving any, even the most complex problems, consists of a number of components, where the key role are played by professionalism, honesty, decency, a compassionate attitude towards the country and the people, as well as optimism and unshakable will.

Forum at CSUN Highlights Current Situation in Javakhk

Frangulian Shushan
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9 hours ago

Dikarn Khodanian and Carnie Armenian make presentation at Javakhk Forum

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Students and guests gathered on March 5 at California State University, Northridge for a public forum regarding Javakhk, a historically Armenian region in modern day Georgia. The ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, CSUN Armenian Student Association (ASA), and the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region joined efforts to organize the forum, with the purpose of educating students about the history of Javakhk and the current state of the Armenian population in the region, especially because many students shared that this was their first time hearing about Javakhk.

CSUN ASA Board Member Lia Kechichian welcomed guests and introduced panelists ANCA-WR Communications Coordinator Dickran Khodanian and ARS Javakhk Fund Committee member Carnie Armenian. Among attendees were ARS Regional Executive Board Member Nancy Bederian, ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Chairperson Lena Bozoyan, as well as educators.

Khodanian provided a historical introduction on Javakhk, after which he spoke about the strategic significance of the region. Thereafter, Armenian explained the challenges faced by Javakhk Armenians including institutionalized oppression from the Georgian government, lack of employment opportunities and emigration, and difficult living conditions. Armenian discussed the varied living conditions from the cities and towns of Javakhk to its rural villages and how each group of counselors at Camp Javakhk were embraced by the locals.

The participants of the March 5 Javakhk Forum

Both Khodanian and Armenian have served as counselors and directors at Camp Javakhk, which is held every summer in different cities in Javakhk including Akhalkalak, Akhaltskha, Ninostminda, and Tsalka. They shared that through their time and experiences there, they learned more about the local customs of the people and daily living challenges, but most importantly they made strong connections with the people of Javahk and formed unbreakable bonds.

The camps are held at the Armenian youth centers in the cities, two of which are supported by the efforts of the ARS of Western USA’s Javakhk Fund Committee. They both stressed the significance of the centers as it is a place where the youth gathers to learn about their Armenian culture and history, which is not permitted to be taught in the local Georgian schools.

On the occasion of Javakhk Awareness Month in March, the committee aims to educate the community about this historically Armenian region and stresses the importance of continued support. The ARS Javakhk Fund Committee continues to collect funds for the youth centers to ensure the continuation of vital programs and services provided for the people of Javakhk.

Chess: Armenia to host international chess conference in May

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 21 2019
Sport 12:46 21/02/2019 Armenia

An international chess conference will take place in Armenia on 7-8 May, the Chess Federation of Armenia told Panorama.am.

Titled “Current state and development trends of chess education”, the event is organized jointly by FIDE Chess in Education Commission (EDU) and Chess Scientific Research Institute of the Armenian State Pedagogical University.

Film: Martakert town of Artsakh to host first-ever Parajanov exhibition

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 20 2019
Society 20:04 20/02/2019 NKR

The first ever-exhibition dedicated to Sergei Parajanov, a world-renowned Armenian director, artist and scriptwriter, will open on February 21 in Martakert town of the Artsakh Republic.

As Director at the Museum of Fine Arts in Shushi Lusine Gasparyan told Artsakhpress news agency, the event is organized is organized thanks to the joint efforts of “Museums of Shushi town” state non-commercial organisation as well as Martakert town local administration.

“The exhibition will showcase unique samples by Ukrainian film director Yuri Harmash depicting Sergey Parajanov. The exhibition will be followed by a film screening dedicated to the career and life of the world-famous director. This big cultural event is organized within the scope of celebrations of Parajanov’s 95th anniversary by the Museum of Fine Arts in Shushi,” Gasparyan told.

Sergei Parajanov or Paradjanov (born Sarkis Paradjanian; 1924-1990) was one of the best-known directors of Soviet films. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, to an Armenian family, his work reflected the ethnic diversity of the Caucasus where he was raised.