Author: Garo Vardanian

Armen Ashotyan: The new government’s approach does not stand for even 100 days of criticism (video)

Garo Vardanian
  • 13:35 | August 28,2018 | Politics
  • Armenian:

“The new acting government has repeated the amendments, bills made by the previous authorities, and continue the programs, even though they were cynically criticize before assuming the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the Government,” the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) MP Armen Ashotyan said during the discussion at today’s NA extraordinary session.

According to him, the approach that the current authorities are trying to adopt which is that former authorities were always bad, and the new ones will be better, they will not stand for even 100 days of criticism.

“You should not say that you are better when you continue our work and you have to do better, but do not bring justification to justify the crucial changes in your own viewpoints that have nothing to do with the reality.”

“Germany will support Armenia” – German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit

Garo Vardanian
JAM News
Aug 25 2018
JAMnews, Yerevan JAMnews, Yerevan
Artur Xachatryan

Chancellor Merkel spoke about liberalizing the EU visa policy, the settlement of the Karabakh conflict and the reforms currently being implemented in the country

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Armenia on a two-day official visit. She was met by the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Yerevan airport.

Info: Armenia and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, relations between Yerevan and Berlin have grown dynamically. The trade turnover between the countries amounted to USD 339 million in 2017. Germany is one of Armenia’s five top trade and economic partners.

Chancellor Merkel made her first trip off the tarmac to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. She laid flowers at the fire and planted a tree in the alley of memory.

“In accordance with the letter and spirit of this resolution, I visited Tsitsernakaberd today. We are aware of what terrible events occurred in 1915. This fact should not be forgotten. This issue is not a legal problem for me,” Merkel said a few hours later to journalists.

A number of Chinese companies are interested in investment opportunities in Armenia’s energy sector

Garo Vardanian
Arminfo, Armenia
A number of Chinese companies are interested in investment opportunities in Armenia’s energy sector

Yerevan July 30

Alina Hovhannisyan. A number of Chinese companies are interested in investment opportunities in Armenia’s energy sector. This became known during the visit of the Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia Artur Grigoryan to China.

According to the press service of the ministry, the minister visited the largest Chinese company Hanergy, which produces thin-film solar cells, which can be used in unmanned aerial vehicles, solar panels, vehicles and digital devices, etc. Together with the management personnel of the enterprise, the parties discussed the possibility of launching this production in Armenia. A preliminary agreement was reached on the development of an investment program, which will be discussed at the next meeting of the Armenian– Chinese intergovernmental commission.

During the visit, the Minister also met with representatives of the Chinese company China Railway no.3 Engineering group, who in turn noted that they are interested in the prospects for implementing the investment program in the energy sphere of Armenia. Moreover, the Chinese company Energy China also expressed interest in realizing investments in the development of Armenia’s infrastructures.

According to the source, Minister Grigoryan also met with the leadership of the Chinese company XY International group, which specializes in the construction of gas stations. The parties discussed the possibility of building a combined station with a combined-cycle cycle in Armenia.

Within the framework of his visit to China, the Armenian delegation visited the Armenian-Chinese enterprise “Shansi-Nairit”, which is engaged in the production of chloroprene rubber. The joint venture “Shansi-Nairit” was established on the basis of an agreement concluded in 2003 between the joint-stock company “Synthetic Rubbers of Shanxi” (PRC) and “Nairit” CJSC (RA). The share of the Armenian side in Shansi-Nairit is 40%. The production capacity of the joint venture is 30 thousand tons of synthetic rubber per year. During the meeting, an agreement was reached on increasing production volumes, selling products and expanding markets. A. Grigoryan suggested that Chinese partners conduct an international audit at the enterprise, create appropriate financial conditions for replenishment of positions on the basis of Armenian quotas.

The statue of Aram Manukyan is subject to transfer – Armen Abroyan: (video)

Garo Vardanian
  • 18:07 | July 18,2018 | Social
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

Armen Abroyan, Head of the Department for Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, told journalist today that although the expert committee gave the status of republican significance to the monument in the Republican Square, it does not hinder the transfer of the statue of Aram Manukyan located above it.

“The statue of Aram Manukyan has been placed on a structure that has no status yet. The statue was placed without the consent of the Ministry of Culture. My personal standpoint is that it is subject to transference, and the place can be discussed.”

“It would not be a matter for the expert committee to give a status of a republican significance to a number of cultural institutions if there was a literate approach to the construction and no interference in architecture,” said Honored Architect of Armenia Artak Ghulyan.

Music: Renowned violinist Sergey Khachatryan to open Yerevan int’l music festival

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Culture 12:15 11/07/2018 Armenia

World-famous Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan will open the 12th Yerevan International Music Festival on 10 September.

Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall is set to host the solemn opening of the festival, Panorama.am was informed from the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra’s official website.

The event is dedicated to the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan and to the 100 anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia.

The program of the opening concert features Violin Concerto by Johannes Brahms and Symphony No.9 by Ludwig van Beethoven. It will be conducted by Eduard Topchjan.

The artistic directors of the Yerevan music festival are Alexander Chaushian and Eduard Topchjan.

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Sergey Khachatryan won First Prize at the VIII International Jean Sibelius Competition in Helsinki in 2000, becoming the youngest ever winner in the history of the competition. In 2005 he claimed First Prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels.

In recent seasons, Sergey has performed with such major orchestras as the Bamberger Symphoniker (Herbert Blomstedt and Jonathan Nott), Münchner Philharmoniker (James Gaffigan), Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra (Valcuha), Mariinsky Orchestra (Valery Gergiev) and Orchestre de Paris (Andris Nelsons and Gianandrea Noseda). He has also collaborated with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, NHK Symphony and the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

Sergey’s most recent appearances in the US were with the Seattle Symphony (Ludovic Morlot), Los Angeles Philharmonic (Morlot) and National Symphony Orchestra Washington (Vasily Petrenko). He has also visited the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony as well as the Ravinia, Blossom and Mostly Mozart Festivals.

Veteran ARF Member Mher Chekerdemian Passes Away

Garo Vardanian
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Mher Chekerdemian

It is with great sorrow the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee announced the passing of Mher Chekerdemian, one of its veteran members, who passed away on July 5 in Fresno, Calif.

For decades Chekerdemian has been an active member of the ARF, occupying leadership positing in the party and community organizations, including serving on the ARF Western US Central Committee. He was leading figure in the advancement of the Armenian-American community life in Fresno.

The Central Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to Chekerdemian’s family, relatives and fellow ARF members.

AGBU PRESS OFFICE: Armenia Concludes Successful Media and Trade Events

Garo Vardanian 
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: www.agbu.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 28, 2018
ARMENIA CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL MEDIA AND TRADE EVENTS
The Program Included Events in Three U.S. Cities and a Visit to the Smithsonian 
Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.
The State Tourism Committee of Armenia, along with private sector 
representatives from the Armenian tourism industry, has participated in a 
series of meetings and events in three cities to increase awareness of 
Armenia’s cultural heritage tourism offering. The culminating event in 
Washington D.C. included a visit to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the 
National Mall, which is showcasing Armenian cultural heritage this year.
The series of events commenced in Boston on Monday, June 25, with travel media 
appointments and a gathering of local travel trade representatives at the 
Boston offices of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Hripsime 
Grigoryan, the newly appointed chairperson of the State Tourism Committee of 
Armenia, welcomed guests with a destination presentation, kicking off a series 
of educational trade workshops and networking sessions with Armenian tourism 
industry partners. 
On Tuesday, June 26, the State Tourism Committee of Armenia participated in 
another travel trade event at the AGBU Headquarters in New York City, which was 
followed by a media reception attended by travel journalists. In addition to a 
destination overview, media attendees were also treated to a presentation by 
Pulitzer Prize-winning Armenian author and poet, Peter Balakian. Balakian 
discussed Armenia’s rich history and culture, as well as his quest to discover 
his family’s historic homeland, Armenia, and his connection to the Armenian 
diaspora in America. 
While in New York, the delegation also conducted a day of travel trade 
appointments on Wednesday, June 27, with key tour operators. 
The events were organized by the My Armenia, a cultural heritage tourism 
program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and 
implemented by Smithsonian Institution, and by AGBU, the world’s largest 
nonprofit Armenian organization.
From New York City, the delegation traveled to Washington D.C. on Thursday, 
June 28, for its final travel trade gathering at the Soorp Khatch Armenian 
Apostolic Church and an open-air cocktail reception at the Smithsonian Folklife 
Festival. The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is produced by the 
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and produced in 
partnership with the National Park Service. This is the first time Armenian 
culture will be broadly presented at the festival. AGBU is among the festival’s 
sponsors.  
“AGBU is proud to continue its long-term collaboration and partnership with the 
Smithsonian Institution, which began with the My Armenia program,” said Natalie 
Gabrelian, director of Alternative Education at AGBU. “Hosting this series of 
events aligns with our goal to educate all about Armenian culture and history. 
Encouraging travel industry insiders’ interest toward Armenia and all it has to 
offer the world is key to promoting tourism and putting it on the map for 
travelers."
“This was a very important mission to raise awareness about Armenia as a 
tourism destination,” said Grigoryan, chairperson of the State Tourism 
Committee of Armenia. “Through our partnerships with My Armenia Program and the 
Smithsonian Folklife Festival, it has been an honor to have the opportunity to 
further share our message with U.S. consumers and inspire North American 
travelers to visit our incredibly cultural destination.”
About the State Tourism Committee of Armenia
The State Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Ecnomic Development and 
Investments of the Republic Armenia is the authorized party for development and 
implementation of policies in the field of tourism. It was established in late 
2016.  
About My Armenia Cultural Heritage Tourism Program
The My Armenia Program is a cultural heritage tourism program funded by USAID 
and implemented by the Smithsonian Institution. The program harnesses the power 
of research, documentation, and storytelling to strengthen cultural 
sustainability through community-based tourism development.
About Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)
Established in 1906, AGBU the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. 
Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian 
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, 
annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world. For 
more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit 
www.agbu.org.
*************************************************
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Armenia-Trade-Events01.jpg: Hripsime Grigoryan, the newly appointed Chair of 
the State Tourism Committee of Armenia with Pulitzer Prize winning author and 
poet, Peter Balakian.
Armenia-Trade-Events02.jpg: Travel and tourism industry and media professionals 
gather at AGBU for a trade show on Armenia.
Armenia-Trade-Events03.jpg: Natalie Gabrelian, AGBU’s Director of Alternative 
Education, presents AGBU’s tourism apps and eBooks.
Armenia-Trade-Events04.jpg: Hripsime Grigoryan, Chair of the State Tourism 
Committee of Armenia, invites all to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and 
treasures of the country.


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Azerbaijan doesn’t pull back heavy military build-up since April

Garo Vardanian
| 14:32 | June 13 2018
Categories
Artsakh
Region

Azerbaijan is still not pulling back its military build-up along the line of contact with Artsakh, presidential spokesperson of Artsakh David Babayan told ARMENPRESS.

Azerbaijan began mobilizing troops and military equipment along the line of contact since April.

“[Azerbaijan] has brought a large military presence to territories very close to the line of contact since April, however the permanent deployment site of these units isn’t there. These units still haven’t been pulled back. Certain movements are seen regularly, as well as exhibition drills. I.e. they want to terrorize us in all ways, however still in an exhibition way. We absolutely don’t give in to their terror and the Defense Army of Artsakh is carrying out all actions in order for [Azerbaijan] not to give in to temptation. We must treat this ni a balanced and serious way and not think that this is simply an information made because of the domestic situation. Our domestic situation is very calm, although a few provocations happened lately”, he said, referring to the recent protests in Stepanakert.

“We must always be ready because Azerbaijan is a country which is terroristic in essence and everything is expected from it,” he added.

He said Azeris are likely to take advantage of the FIFA World Cup in terms of attention and escalate the situation.

Aurora Prize winner urges Suu Kyi to recognize Rohingya community

Garo Vardanian
Press Association Mediapoint
Sunday 9:51 AM BST
AURORA PRIZE WINNER URGES SUU KYI TO RECOGNISE ROHINGYA COMMUNITY
 
by Nina Massey, Press Association, in Yerevan, Armenia
 
 
A Rohingya lawyer has called on Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi to recognise his community as human beings.
 
Kyaw Hla Aung was talking after being awarded this year’s 1.1 million dollar (£820,000) Aurora Prize in Yerevan, Armenia.
 
The activist was recognised for his lifelong fight for equality, education and human rights for the Rohingya in Burma, in the face of persecution, harassment and oppression.
 
Speaking after a sunrise ceremony at the foot of Mount Ararat, Mr Aung said: “I have a message that Aung San Suu Kyi should recognise our work and our community as human beings and as an ethnic group in Myanmar (Burma).”
 
Ms Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who lived under house arrest for years for her pro-democracy activism, faces allegations that she has failed to speak out over violence against the Rohingya.
 
In May, the Commons International Development Committee said said ministers must recognise that Ms Suu Kyi was becoming part of the problem.
 
The MPs said the main Department for International Development (DfID) aid programmes were drawn up at a time of “high optimism” after Ms Suu Kyi became the de facto president in 2016.
 
“Since then there has been ethnic cleansing, the breaking of ceasefires, a closing of civil society space, including restrictions on media freedoms and the persecution of journalists, and a reduction in religious freedom.
 
“The situation has now dramatically changed and as a result we need to see dramatic change in our engagement with Burma.”
 
Mr Aung was presented the the prize, granted by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviours.
 
Vartan Gregorian, co-founder of the Aurora Prize and a member of the selection committee, said: “As we remember the horrors and violence experienced by Armenians – especially women and children – on the deportation route during the genocide, it is with a great sense of responsibility that we stand ready to support Kyaw Hla Aung’s advocacy work that will hopefully lead one day to the enactment of national and international policies to protect and defend the vulnerable.
 
“Kyaw Hla Aung is doing tremendous work, at great risk to himself, and exemplifies the far-reaching impact one person can have to galvanise a movement, and to help individuals transform their lives.”
 
Mr Aung said: “I am very happy. It encourages me to work more and more for humanity and to fight against discrimination.
 
“I am very proud of this prize because it is defending my work and also myself – because we are in a very dangerous country. So it will protect me from this kind of danger.”
 
Mr Aung said he would put his portion of the prize towards education and healthcare in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state in Burma.
 
As the 2018 Aurora Prize laureate, he receives a 100,000 dollar (£74,500) grant and the opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by donating the remaining million dollars (£745,000) to organisations of his choice.
 
He will split the award between three international organisations – Medecins Sans Frontieres, Malaysian Medical Relief – MERCY Malaysia, and the International Catholic Migration Commission.
 
Mr Aung has worked for decades using his legal expertise to appeal for basic human rights for the stateless Rohingya.
 
Receiving his award, he said he hoped it would encourage the other two Aurora Prize humanitarians for this year to continue their work.
 
They are Sunitha Krishnan, women’s rights advocate and co-founder of Prajwala, India, and Father Tomas Gonzalez Castillo, founder of La 72, a centre that supports Central American migrants in Mexico.

A1+: No graduates in Karinj Secondary School this year (video)

Garo Vardanian
  • 11:50 | June 5,2018 | Regions
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

This year there is n Last School Bell organized in Karinj Secondary School since there is no graduate.

“That year we did not have the first grade pupils and that is why there are no graduates this year,” said the school headmaster Aram Yeghinyan.

There are no second and fourth grade pupils at school, so they will not have graduates for another two years. During the Children’s Council session, teachers are discussing the issue of continuously decreasing number of pupils.

Morover in the video of “Ankyun +3” TV