Author: Garo Vardanian

Sports: Arsenal: One key thing to remember with Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Garo Vardanian
Pain in the Arsenal, UK
April 4 2020
 
 
Arsenal: One key thing to remember with Henrikh Mkhitaryan
 
by Josh Sippie
 
Arsenal has now reportedly turned away two bids from Roma for Henrikh Mkhitaryan and I just want to make sure we’re clear about one thing.
 
Arsenal have a lot of offloading to do this summer. Or fall, or whenever it comes. Not only do they have some players still at the club that need to be sold off, but they also have some guys on loan that need to find permanent deals. The most obvious of which is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has spent a relatively successful year in Serie A with Roma.
 
According to recent rumors, Mkhitaryan has been the subject of two bids from Roma on his behalf, both of which were turned away by the Gunners. The first bid was said to be in the region of £10m, with Arsenal holding out for something closer to £18m.
 
Even that £18m is below his market value of £23m. Though it might be unrealistic to expect that much, despite how much he is producing for the Italian club.
According to that same report, Roma are also actively pursuing former Barcelona man Pedro. They feel they can get him for cheaper and see him as a good alternative to Mkhitaryan.

There is just one thing that Arsenal needs to remember and that is that you cannot under any circumstances begin next year with Henrikh Mkhitaryan still on the roster. Sure, £10m is a sucky bid, and Roma knows it is a sucky bid.

But chances are Roma also knows how much the Gunners will want to get rid of the Armenian. Mkhitaryan has been outspoken and critical of his parent club and it’s plain to see why. He failed right alongside Mesut Ozil during his time at the Emirates and that makes him a clear and obvious must-sell.

He’s also on a good amount of wages that need to be freed up in order to allow for new flexibility to sign key players like, oh I don’t know, Bukayo Saka. I don’t care if Mkhitaryan has to go for free if it means that his wages will be freed up to allow for someone more important and more valuable to stay at the Emirates.

That’s the thing here. We can play hardball all we want, and at least for a little bit, we should. But at the end of the day, do not get stuck with him at the club. You have to get rid of him.



Newspaper: Salaries of Armenia doctors, nurses fighting coronavirus increase recently

Garo Vardanian
News.am, Armenia
April 3 2020

10:48, 02.04.2020
                  

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: “Are there many patients?” We asked the director of the Nork infectious disease [hospital in Yerevan], Mher Davidyants. “Yes, there are many, we work 24-hour shifts. The healthcare workers rest a little and start their work again.”

By the way, the salaries of the doctors and nurses who have taken on the entire burden of fighting the coronavirus have increased recently, volunteers receive several hundred thousand drams, new forces are being recruited, including in the care of the isolated, there is no shortage of volunteers, the young doctor and nurses are not very active, whereas the older medical workers, especially the nurses are working selflessly and want to work, but there is an age limit: up to 50 years of age. They are not including those over 50.

CIVILNET.Seven Early Lessons From the Coronavirus: Ivan Krastev

Garo Vardanian
CIVILNET.AM

16:33 

By Ivan Krastev

The Covid-19 crisis will dramatically reshape the EU’s response to all other crises it has faced in the last decade.

“What strange days we are living in”, a Spanish friend wrote to me yesterday – and strange they are. We do not know when the Covid-19 pandemic will end; we do not know how it will end; and, at present, we can only speculate about its long-term political and economic impact. In a time of crisis, we are infected with uncertainty. But there at least seven things that make this crisis very different from previous ones.

The first lesson is that, unlike the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the coronavirus will force the return of big government. After the collapse of Lehman Brothers, many observers believed that crisis-born mistrust in the market would lead to greater faith in the government. This concept was nothing new: in 1929, following the onset of the Great Depression, people demanded strong government intervention to offset the failings of the market. In the 1970s, it was the other way around: people were disappointed with government intervention, so they started to believe in the market again. The paradox of 2008-2009 is that mistrust in the market did not lead to demand for greater government intervention. Now, the coronavirus will bring the government back in a big way. People rely on the government to organise a collective defence against the pandemic, and they rely on the government to save a sinking economy. The effectiveness of governments is now measured by their capacity to change people’s everyday behaviour.

The second lesson is that the coronavirus provides one more demonstration of the mystique of borders, and will help reassert the role of the nation state within the European Union. One can already see this in the closure of many of the borders between countries – and in the fact that every government in Europe is focusing on its own people. In normal circumstances, member states would make no distinction between the nationalities of patients in their health systems but, in this crisis, they will likely prioritise their citizens over others (this is not a reference to immigrants from other regions but Europeans with EU passports). Therefore, the coronavirus will strengthen nationalism, albeit not ethnic nationalism. To survive, the government will ask citizens to erect walls not simply between states but between individuals, as the danger of being infected comes from the people they meet most often. It is not the stranger but those closest to you who present the greatest risk.

The third lesson of the coronavirus relates to trust in expertise. The financial crisis and the 2015 refugee crisis generated a great deal of popular discontent with experts. This shift, which has been one of the major successes of populists politicians in the past ten years, will be reversed by the coronavirus. Most people are very open to trusting experts and heeding the science when their own lives are at stake. One can already see the growing legitimacy that this has lent to the professionals who lead the fight against the virus. Professionalism is back in fashion.

The fourth lesson is open to interpretation but very important nonetheless. Unfortunately, the coronavirus could increase the appeal of the big data authoritarianism employed by the Chinese government. One can blame Chinese leaders for the lack of transparency that made them react slowly to the spread of the virus, but the efficiency of their response and the Chinese state’s capacity to control the movement and behaviour of people has been impressive. In the current crisis, citizens constantly compare the responses and effectiveness of their governments with those of other governments. And we should not be surprised if, the day after the crisis, China looks like a winner and the United States looks like a loser.

The fifth lesson concerns crisis management. What governments learned in dealing with economic crises, the refugee crisis, and terrorist attacks was that panic was their worst enemy. If, for months after a terrorist attack, people changed their everyday behaviour and stopped leaving their houses, this would help terrorists achieve their goals. The same was true in 2008-2009: a change in behaviour often increased the costs of the crisis. So, leaders and citizens responded with messages to “stay calm”, “get on with life”, “ignore the risk”, and “don’t exaggerate”. Now, governments have to tell citizens to change their behaviour by staying at home. And governments’ success in this very much depends on their capacity to scare people into doing as instructed. “Do not panic” is the wrong message for the Covid-19 crisis. To contain the pandemic, people should panic – and they should drastically change their way of living.

The sixth lesson is that the Covid-19 crisis will have a strong impact on intergenerational dynamics. In the context of debates about climate change and the risk it presents, younger generations have been very critical of their elders for being selfish and not thinking about the future seriously. The coronavirus reverses these dynamics: now, the older members of society are much more vulnerable and feel threatened by millennials’ visible unwillingness to change their way of living. This intergenerational conflict could intensify if the crisis lasts for a long time.

The seventh lesson is that, at a certain point, governments will be forced to choose between containing the spread of the pandemic at the cost of destroying the economy or tolerating a higher human cost to save the economy.

It is still very early days in speculating about the political impact of Covid-19. The crisis has justified the fears of the anti-globalists: closed airports and the self-isolated individuals appear to be the ground zero of globalisation. But, paradoxically, the new anti-globalist moment could weaken populist political actors who, even when they have a point, do not have a solution. The Covid-19 crisis will also dramatically reshape the EU’s response to all other crises it has faced in the last decade. Fiscal discipline is no longer the economic mantra even in Berlin, and there is no European government that, at the present moment, will advocate for opening borders to refugees.

It remains to be seen how exactly the crisis will affect the future of the European project. But it is clear that, in all, the coronavirus will call into question some of the basic assumptions on which the EU is founded.

The article was originally published on the website of the European Coincil of Foreign Affairs
 

Asbarez: Joint Statement By Armenian Religious Leaders Of The Western United States

Garo Vardanian

Clockwise from top left: Western Diocese of the Arm. Apostolic Church;
Western Prelacy of the Arm. Apostolic Church; the Armenian Evangelical Union of N. America; and the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the U.S. & Canada

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
(Psalm 34:4)

We, the Armenian religious leaders of the Western United States, offer our heartfelt prayers to Almighty God as a “fragrant incense” and beseech the Lord to accept our supplications as an “evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2)

For we know our people have complete faith in God, Who “raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.” (1 Corinthians 6:14)

As we prepare to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we would like to reaffirm our faith in His salvific power through the Holy Cross. Let us remember the divine miracles of the old and of our times, thus allowing the Holy Spirit to console and empower us. Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for He is with us, His rod and His staff, they comfort us. (Psalm 23:4)

As Daniel was saved from the lion’s mouth (Daniel 6:27), as Jonah was saved from the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17), as Rahab and her family were spared (Joshua 6:25), as the Centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), the ill man by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15), the two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31), the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), and the deaf man were healed (Mark 7:31-37), as Lazarus was resurrected (John 11:38-44), thus the Lord will deliver us from the snares of the wicked COVID-19 Coronavirus.

The new dawn of Holy Easter is upon us. It will bring us abundant light and hope. Our plea to you is to remain prayerful and steadfast during these trying times. “For you, dear children, are from God, and the one Who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
Western Diocese of the Arm. Apostolic Church

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
Western Prelacy of the Arm. Apostolic Church

Bishop Mikael Mouradian, Eparch
Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the U.S. & Canada

Rev. Berdj Djambazian, Minister
Armenian Evangelical Union of N. America




COVID19: Artsakh citizens advised against all but highly essential travel to Armenia

Garo Vardanian

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 12:09,

YEREVAN, MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The coronavirus response commission of Artsakh has advised its citizens to avoid all but highly-essential travel to Armenia over the COVID19 situation.

“Due to the nationwide restrictions on movement of people and mandatory self-quarantine in Armenia, the inter-departmental commission regulating the coronavirus prevention measures in the Republic of Artsakh is calling on citizens of Artsakh to refrain from traveling to Armenia in the coming days (minimum 7 days). Travel to Armenia exclusively in highly essential cases,” the commission said in a statement released through the Information HQ of Artsakh.

So far, Artsakh does not have coronavirus cases.

Armenia has announced a 7-day lockdown to help prevent the spread of the COVID19. Citizens are asked to remain in their homes and go out only in the event of strict necessity, such as shopping for groceries or medication. Non-essential businesses have been shut down. The number of COVID19 cases in Armenia has reached 265 as of March 25.

 

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Stepanakert says Baku’s statement about provocation and death of Armenian soldier disinformation

Garo Vardanian
Aysor, Armenia

Artsakh Republic Defense Ministry denied the statement of the Azerbaijani side about provocation by the Artsakh armed forces and loss of Artsakh soldier as a result.

“The information about provocation as a result of which an Armenian serviceman has been killed is another disinformation. The divisions of Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army are strictly following the ceasefire regime. Moreover relatively stable situation is maintained on the line of contact of Artsakh and Azerbaijani forces. We urge the Azerbaijani side to avoid the unpromising strategy of artificially escalating the situation and refrain from further escalation,” the statement said.

Judge Anna Danibekyan to consider motion to change Armenia 2nd President’s pre-trial measure

Garo Vardanian
News.am, Armenia
Judge Anna Danibekyan to consider motion to change Armenia 2nd President’s pre-trial measure Judge Anna Danibekyan to consider motion to change Armenia 2nd President’s pre-trial measure

20:03, 23.03.2020
                  

The application that second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan’s attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan addressed to chairman of the Yerevan court of general jurisdiction Artur Mkrtchyan to inscribe consideration of the motion to change Robert Kocharyan’s arrest pre-trial measure with a letter of pledge, has been rejected. This is posted on Hovhannes Khudoyan’s Facebook page.

Former Prime Ministers of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan, Khosrov Harutyunyan and Karen Karapetyan, as well as former Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) Anushavan Danielyan have made a proposal to change Robert Kocharyan’s pre-trial measure arrest with letter of pledge.

Earlier, the attorneys had posted the following note on Facebook page:

“Let us remind that the subsequent trial over the alleged overthrow of constitutional order, which was set for March 17, wasn’t held due to Judge Anna Danibekyan’s absence, and later, it was announced that Danibekyan had undergone a surgery.

On March 17, the attorneys were preparing to file a motion to release Robert Kocharyan with a letter of pledge.

Former Prime Ministers of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan, Khosrov Harutyunyan and Karen Karapetyan, as well as former Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) Anushavan Danielyan have made a proposal to change Robert Kocharyan’s pre-trial measure arrest with letter of pledge.”

Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Armenia reaches 160

Garo Vardanian
India Blooms, India
India Blooms News Service | @indiablooms | 21 Mar 2020, 06:39 pm
#Armenia, #COVIS19, #Coronavirus

Yerevan/Sputnik/UNI: The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus increased by 24 in Armenia over the past 24 hours, which brings the total toll of those infected in the country to 160, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.

“There are 160 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Armenia. One patient has recovered, no deaths from the disease have been registered,” the health authorities said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has confirmed 53 cases of the disease on its soil so far, including a four-month-old baby among 28 patients registered in the capital of Nur-Sultan, which is under quarantine along with Almaty since Thursday. Earlier this week, the authorities declared a state of emergency.

A total of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia has reached 47 as of Saturday, and nearly 2,000 people are under quarantine. One patient has already recovered from the disease. The authorities have closed al educational institutions, as well as all restaurants, cafes and theaters.

Kyrgyzstan, in addition, registered six new cases of the disease over the last 24 hours, which brings the total number of those infected to 12. All patients are quarantined and being treated now.  

Armenian Humanitarian Mission hands over medical supplies to Syrian medical facilities

Garo Vardanian
Public Radio of Armenia

In cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia and the Syrian Aid Cross in Aleppo, the Humanitarian Mission of the Republic of Armenia has transferred medical supplies to the Armenian Nursing Home in Aleppo, the Darmanatoun Social Medical Center and a number of other medical facilities.

Members of the Syrian Aid Cross and the Darmanatoun Community Medical Center leadership expressed gratitude to Armenian doctors for the medical care provided at a number of medical facilities.

The head of the Aleppo military hospital, General Fayez al-Ayoubi, praised the joint efforts of Armenian and Syrian doctors, their dedicated work, high professional qualities, not only in providing medical assistance to those affected by the war, but also for their readiness to fight any threat.

“Our Armenian partners are committed to the noble principles of humanity and help the Syrian people with a professional approach every day. The Syrian people appreciate that Armenians are with us in this difficult situation,” said the general.

The Director of the Hospital thanked the Armenian Humanitarian Group, the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Aleppo and the authorities for their continuous support.

Asbarez: ARS Celebrates 110 Years of Service at Sold Out Gala

Garo Vardanian

GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA held its Annual Gala celebrating “ARS 110 Years Strong.” With over 500 attendees, the ballroom was filled with elected officials, community leaders, supporters, representatives of sister and local organizations, ARS members, and generous donors. The Gala was held on Saturday, February 29 at the Glendale Hilton Hotel.

Official guests included Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Archpriest Manoug Markarian representing Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese; Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian and Rev. Serop Megerditchian of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Dr. Armen Baibourtian; Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Member Aram Kaloustian; ARF Central Committee representative Garo Ispendjian and members; ARS Central Executive Chairperson Dr. Nyree Derderian and members; United States Congressman Adam Schiff; California State Senator Anthony Portantino; California State Assemblymember Laura Friedman; Chief Deputy Anna Mouradian representing County of Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Barger; City of Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Krekorian; Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and City Councilmembers; as well as chairpersons and board members of regional, sister, and local organizations.

The Gala began with a cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m., during which guests participated in a silent auction with many interesting Michael Aram pieces by Naz Atikian of Le Papillon.

The official program began at 8 p.m., with opening remarks delivered by ARS Gala Organizing Committee Chairperson Vicky Marashlian, who welcomed guests and thanked supporters and committee members for their efforts in making the sold-out event a huge success.

Top Row from left: Major Banquet Sponsor Haigoush Keghinian Kohler and ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Silva Poladian. Bottom Row from left: ARS Regional Executive Board Members Maral Touloumian, Araxy Aykanian, Varduhi Petrosyan, Armenouhi Tomassian, General Manager Jasik Jarahian, Anita Altounian, Nora Shirikian, Nancy Bederian, and Arsho Avakian

Marashlian then introduced the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Alina Dorian, Head of School of Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School. In her remarks, Dr. Dorian focused on the qualities of dedication and courage, both of which are embedded in the work of the Armenian Relief Society. After addressing guests, Dr. Dorian introduced soprano Rima Garabedian to officially kick off the Gala with the performance of the American, Armenian, and ARS anthems. Prelate Mardirossian then delivered the invocation and conveyed his congratulatory remarks to the organization.

Proclamations were presented by Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, and Chief Deputy Anna Mouradian on behalf of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, all of whom have been long-time advocates of the Armenian Relief Society.

During dinner, guests enjoyed a performance of the masquerade dance, “Ghost,” by Grand Stage Dance School. Short video clips were shown representing significant events throughout the 110 years of the organization and the activities of the ARS of Western USA.

The program continued with the remarks made by ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Silva Poladian, who delivered the Board’s message. Poladian highlighted the 110 years of service the organization has provided to the Armenian people and affirmed that, with the support of the organization’s hard-working volunteer members and generous supporters, the organization will continue to advance its mission, “With The People, For The People.”

Poladian then invited Haigoush Keghinian Kohler to the stage to be recognized for her generous donation as the event’s Major Banquet Sponsor. Grateful for the recognition and with the opportunity to address guests, Kohler increased her donation during the event in honor of her grandchildren.

Remarks were also delivered by ARS Central Executive Chair Dr. Nyree Derderian, who reflected on the organization’s 110th Anniversary and stated, “The ARS has constantly evolved and grown in strength with every turning point without losing hope; a hope that is unwavering and renewed with every generation.”

The program concluded with the traditional candle lighting ceremony by 96 candle lighters, which included supporters, ARS chapters, sponsors, and members.

The celebration continued with live entertainment by Project One, while guests were mingling, dancing, and participating in the silent auction in the foyer.

The ARS Gala is a major annual fundraiser that benefits the region’s numerous programs and services in the humanitarian, educational, social, and cultural spheres.

The ARS of Western USA extends its thankful appreciation to the ARS Gala 2020’s Major Banquet Sponsor Haigoush Keghinian Kohler, as well as its sponsors and donors at all levels, candle lighters, chapters, members, and supporters, who contributed to the event’s success and the advancement of the region’s programs.

The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, CA, has 24 chapters and more than 1,200 members in four western states. The ARS operates a Social Services Division and Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, 17 one-day schools, and funds numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts. For additional information, visit the website or call 818.500.1343.