Author: George Mamian

Nikol Pashinyan refers to upcoming steps over NK peace process in a meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office

George Mamian

Nikol Pashinyan refers to upcoming steps over NK peace process in a meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office

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19:57,

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikokl Pashinyan received OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajčák on March 13. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk also attended the meeting.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, welcoming Miroslav Lajčák’s visit, the Prime Minister highlighted the role played by the OSCE in ensuring regional security, respect of human rights and promoting sustainable development. He said Armenia ready to support Slovakia’s priorities during its chairmanship in the OSCE. Nikol Pashinyan expressed the hope the strong ties of cooperation with the OSCE will help the Government to effectively implement its ambitious reform program and promote democracy in our country.

Coming to issues high on the OSCE agenda, the parties stressed the need for finding joint solutions to the problems facing the Organization. Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to an exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship and presented Armenia’s approaches and principled position on this issue. Reference was made to the steps to take ahead throughout the peace process.

The parties stressed the importance of shaping an atmosphere conducive to peace and mutual trust, stimulating people-to-people contacts, taking effective steps to introduce risk-reduction mechanisms, as well as preventing incidents at the Contact Line.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Rep. Cox Issues Statement on 31st Anniversary of Ethnic Attacks Against Armenians in Sumgait

George Mamian
Targeted News Service
March 5, 2019 Tuesday 5:07 AM EST
Rep. Cox Issues Statement on 31st Anniversary of Ethnic Attacks Against Armenians in Sumgait
 
WASHINGTON
 
WASHINGTON, March 5 — Rep. TJ Cox, D-California, issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 4, on the 31st anniversary of the ethnic attacks against Armenians in Sumgait, Azerbaijan:
 
Madam Speaker, February 27th marks the 31st anniversary of the ethnic attacks against Armenians in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. During these horrific pogroms, hundreds of Armenians were wounded or murdered, women and children were raped and even burned alive. Despite Sumgait’s close proximity to Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, police and law enforcement stood by and allowed the persecution to continue on for three days.
 
The violence was just the start of continued attacks against Armenians in Azerbaijan, resulting in a war with Nagorno-Karabakh where thousands of more were killed. To this day, the conflict in Azerbaijan remains and a military blockade of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic continues. Devastatingly, these pogroms have led to a huge refugee crisis, ultimately displacing thousands and eliminating the once- significant Armenian population in Azerbaijan.
 
The government of Azerbaijan has never been held accountable for these atrocities. Now more than ever these acts of murder must be condemned. As we mourn the loss of the innocent lives, we must be mindful of the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, the recurring incidents of hate rhetoric led by Azeri political leaders, and the continued military clashes along the border. Azerbaijan’s leaders must commit to fruitful negotiations to bring lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.
 
Madam Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning this violence and injustice. We must learn from this atrocity and continue to advocate for the protection of human rights for the Armenian people, and for all. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on the Armenian Caucus to always remember the victims of the pogroms in Sumgait and to ensure this history never repeats itself.

Music: Dubai-Based Armenian Musician Samvel Gasparyan Releases ‘Morning in Yerevan’

George Mamian
Al-Bawaba, The Middle East
Feb 28 2019


Dubai-Based Armenian Musician Samvel Gasparyan Releases ‘Morning in Yerevan’

2.5 5

Published February 28th, 2019 – 14:03 GMT via SyndiGate.info

Dubai-based Armenian musician Samvel Gasparyan has released a new EP, “Morning in Yerevan.”

The jazz pianist combines his contemporary influences with Armenian folk music on the five-track record. The title track, for example, is supposed to mimic the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient Armenian capital (the EP release coincides with the city’s 2,800th anniversary, apparently), and uses some traditional sounds to anchor itself in the past. Closing track “On the Way to Sevan” is Gasparyan’s attempt to recreate the “excitement of driving to the heavenly scenery” of the titular Armenian lake.

Gasparyan has lived in the UAE since 2012, the same year that he was a prize winner at the Montreux International Jazz Competition, having also picked up an award at the Nottingham International Jazz Competition in 2011.

“Music, for me, is love and understanding that illuminates dark times and (brings) serenity during great times,” Gasparyan said in a press release for “Morning in Yerevan.” “It is a form of communication that transcends space and time, touching the hearts of people worldwide.”

In other regional music news, Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme has released her latest single, “Talfantelak,” a collaboration with lyricist and poet Germanos Germanos. The track’s got a lot to live up to: Nehme’s previous single “Waynak” picked up Song of the Year from Apple Music in the region.

(Source: abeernehme – Instagram)

Speaking to Arab News in August last year, Nehme described music as her “passport” and said, “It enables me to deliver a message and express ideas that any other language would have failed to deliver. I feel like my music is making a difference and spreading joy, hope and beauty.”

And Canadian-Lebanese singer-songwriter Danny Aridi also release a new single this month, entitled “Fool For You,” with an accompanying video set in London.

“Danny aims to express the effect that someone can have on our actions and behavior once we are blinded by their love,” the press release stated.

IMF ready to discuss possibilities of assisting implementation of reforms in spheres mentioned by PM Pashinyan

George Mamian

IMF ready to discuss possibilities of assisting implementation of reforms in spheres mentioned by PM Pashinyan

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18:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on February 25 the Executive Director at International Monetary Fund Richard Doornbosch.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Office of the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government of Armenia attaches importance to continuous cooperation with the IMF and is interested in further deepening of constructive partnership.

According to the IMF Executive Director, Armenia is a reliable partner for IMF and the IMF is ready to provide assistance to the Government of Armenia in order to succeed in implementing the reforms initiated in different directions.

The interlocutors discussed prospects for expanding and developing cooperation.

PM Pashinyan referred to the reform agenda of the Government of Armenia, speaking about high technology promotion in the structure of the economy, reform of the Tax Code, creation of micro business, facilitation of business environment, reform of public administration and education systems, and activities under anti-corruption policy.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that by the change of the structure of the economy and promoting the use of high technologies in various sectors, the government aims at positioning Armenia as a technological country and, and taking into account the huge potential in the IT sphere, to form an export-oriented economy. According to the Prime Minister, the government’s task is to create opportunities in Armenia and to stimulate entrepreneurship so that everyone can realize their potential and contribute to the country’s development.

Emphasizing the need for institutional and expert capacities for the success of reforms, the head of the government highlighted the relevant assistance of international partner institutions, including the IMF.

Richard Doornbosch noted that the IMF is ready to discuss the possibilities of assisting the implementation of reforms in the areas mentioned by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

Reaffirming the willingness of the cooperation, Prime Minister Pashinyan suggested discussing concrete steps will relevant state bodies.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Demonstrator: The bill was not approved thanks to the prime minister (video)

George Mamian
  • 18:25 | February 18,2019 | Sports
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

The relatives of those who went on hunger strike in penitentiary institutions gathered in front of the government building and demanded a meeting with the prime minister.

The convict’s brother, Andranik Khachatryan, notes that the objective of the rally is to review the bill on the conviction of convicts, according to which 1 day for the initial sentence for the defendants should be counted as 1.5 days.

Deputy of Bright Armenia Party says people are starting to lose faith

George Mamian
News.am, Armenia
Feb 14 2019
Deputy of Bright Armenia Party says people are starting to lose faith Deputy of Bright Armenia Party says people are starting to lose faith

14:41, 14.02.2019
                 

YEREVAN. – The revolution helped restore the public’s confidence, and the public now has greater expectation, Deputy of Bright Armenia Party Mane Tandilyan said on 14 February during the discussion on the government program at the National Assembly.

According to her, pensioners and those who receive social benefits are waiting for speedy increase of the standard of living, and the reason for this is not just their perceptions.

“People who have been living as homeless people for 30 years have the right to have the hope to have a place to call home,” Tandilyan noted, adding that the government doesn’t need to become tense because of people’s expectations since they gained this right after the “velvet revolution”.

Tandilyan also noted that most people have started losing faith in the future of their country once again.

Armenpress: Armenia will continue to be reliable, predictable partner in bilateral and multilateral relations according to government’s program

George Mamian

Armenia will continue to be reliable, predictable partner in bilateral and multilateral relations according to government’s program

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11:21, 14 February, 2019

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. According to the government’s Action Plan, Armenia will continue to be reliable and predictable partner in bilateral and multilateral relations, My Step faction MP Tatev Hayrapetyan said, adding that this reaffirms the promise given during the revolution that there will be no drastic turns in the foreign policy.

“In the foreign policy field there are concrete bars, issues and set of tools. From the very start it was stated that there will be no turns in the foreign policy because the main goal of the revolution was linked with the domestic events in Armenia. Armenia will continue to be and will be a very reliable and predictable partner in bilateral and multilateral relations. It will continue raising its international reputation which has greatly increased after the revolution”, she said.

The lawmaker noted that the government in its Action Plan has a very ambitious point regarding the negotiation process for the Karabakh conflict settlement.

“This Action Plan of the government has a very ambitious point, that is Artsakh’s return to the negotiation table. This point is difficult to implement, but is realistic in case of consistent work”, the MP said.

The Armenian Parliament continues debating the government’s Action Plan.

The debate launched on February 12 during which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan introduced the Action Plan which was followed by a Q&A session.

According to the Constitution of Armenia, the Parliament approves the government’s Action Plan within seven days by the majority of votes of the total number of MPs.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan







Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry urges Armenia not to escalate Karabakh tensions

George Mamian
Interfax: Russia & CIS Military Newswire
Wednesday 11:40 AM MSK
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry urges Armenia not to escalate Karabakh tensions
 
BAKU. Feb 13
 
Azerbaijan has rejected Yerevan’s allegations of aggressive rhetoric and urged the Armenian administration not to escalate tensions around the Karabakh conflict but to assist in a peaceful settlement process, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Leyla Abdullayeva said on Wednesday, commenting on a recent statement made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in parliament.
 
“Pashinyan shouldn’t be escalating tensions with his remarks; instead, he should lay the foundations for productive talks on the settlement of this conflict, which the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs called for in their latest statement,” Abdullayeva told Interfax.
 
Azerbaijan rejects Armenia’s allegations of Baku’s “aggressive rhetoric” and attempts to change the format for negotiations, she said.
 
“On one hand, he [the Armenian prime minister] talks of the importance of creating peaceful environment for the sake of settling the conflict while, on the other, he is trying to change the format of the negotiating process and to accuse Azerbaijan of ‘aggressive rhetoric’ and apparently preparing its population for war, instead of peace. Truth be told, this is not about the ‘aggressive rhetoric’ of Azerbaijan, but about the aggressive actions of Armenia,” Abdullayeva said.
 
In her words, Azerbaijan is continuing peace talks with Armenia despite 20% of its lands having been occupied by the Armenian army.
 
“Nagorno-Karabakh and adjoining territories are an integral part of Azerbaijan, which is internationally recognized and currently occupied by the Armenian forces. The international community recognizes members of the local Armenian community as Azerbaijani citizens,” Abdullayeva said.
 
So far, the statements made by Armenian leaders are simply raising more questions instead of promoting peace and development in the region, she said.
 
“That’s the stance of the Armenian administration. Naturally, all these useless comments are not helping Armenia’s appeals for an exclusively peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Abdullayeva said.
 
“The sooner the Armenian prime minister realizes the good a settlement of the conflict will do for the region and, specifically, his country, the sooner he’ll be able to keep his promise of ‘an economic revolution’ to the Armenian population,” she said.
 
Pashinyan said in parliament on Tuesday that Armenia was considering an exclusively peaceful settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh, but all conflicting sides should be trying to create an atmosphere of peace in order for that to happen.

Indian Man, who sent couple to Armenia, arrested

George Mamian
The Tribune, India
Feb 10 2019


Man, who sent couple to Armenia, arrested


Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, February 9

Gurdev Singh Bara of Butala village in Kapurthala district, who was responsible for sending a couple to Armenia, has been arrested by the city police from Piddi village, 10 kms from here today.

The accused was one of a three-member gang who sent the couple after taking an amount of Rs 4 lakh leaving behind them to face the hardships there.

The issue was highlighted by AAP member of the Lok Sabha Bhagwant Mann through the social media which Sushma Swaraj, Union Foreign Minister, took seriously and helped in bringing back the couple to the country.

The couple, Shamsher Singh and his wife Pinki of Ibrahimwal (Kapurthala), were sent to Armenia by the fake travel agents led by Gurdev Singh after taking an amount of Rs 4 lakh two months back. The couple was assured by the members of the gang to settle them there after getting them jobs but failed to do so. The couple was facing hardships which was brought to the notice of Bhagwant Mann by the relatives of the victims.

The accused Gurdev Singh, besides his associates, Paramjit Kaur and Harpreet Kaur, have been booked under section 420 of the IPC and Section 13 of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act-2012 by the Begowal police a few days back.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sucha Singh Bal said the accused had been absconding and the district police was informed today that Gurdev Singh was moving around in the area in an Innova car. The city police led by sub-inspector Sukhraj Singh got the information through information technology, the location of their mobile, following which the police nabbed him from Piddi village.

A woman too was asked to be present in the car with the arrested accused but the police was refusing to give the details of the woman.

DSP Sucha Singh said the accused Gurdev Singh had been handed over to DSP Bhulath for further proceedings.

Theatre Review: Beast on the Moon review – portrait of a marriage and a massacre

George Mamian
The Guardian(London)
February 4, 2019 Monday 12:05 AM GMT
Beast on the Moon review – portrait of a marriage and a massacre
Finborough, London Richard Kalinoski’s deeply touching play is about the fraught relationship between two escapees of the Armenian genocide living in 1920s Milwaukee
 
by Michael Billington
Star Rating: 3 stars of 5

   

 
Drama can tackle big subjects obliquely. That is certainly the case with Richard Kalinoski’s play – first seen in America in 1995 and since produced in more than 20 countries – which has only four characters but is haunted by the memory of Turkey’s systematic elimination of 1.5 million Armenians. I found its portrait of an immigrant marriage deeply touching, while wishing it told us more about the Armenian genocide of the 1910s and early 1920s.
 
Kalinoski sets the action in 1920s Milwaukee, where Aram, a young Armenian photographer who has miraculously survived the mass killings, meets his 15-year-old bride, Seta, who is a similarly orphaned refugee. Aram behaves like a traditional patriarch but Seta is too spirited and inquisitive to be a submissive consort. The marriage is also shadowed by Seta’s inability to bear children. If the relationship is saved, it is through Seta’s temporary adoption of a 12-year-old street kid, Vincent, who is in flight from persecution at a Catholic orphanage.
 
You can’t fault the play, in Jelena Budimir’s production, as a story of a relationship. George Jovanovic as Aram has exactly the right withdrawn testiness and his eyes, as Seta observes, are “a mountain of sadness”. Zarima McDermott is highly impressive as Seta, mixing sparkiness and anxiety in just the right proportion. There is a fine moment when she counters Aram’s use of Proverbs to justify male dominance with biblical quotations asserting the exact opposite. Hayward B Morse also doubles effectively as a beneficent narrator and the boy who becomes a surrogate son.
 
The play, however, raises nagging questions. It condemns the pursuit of Vincent by a pederastic priest while scarcely raising an eyebrow at Aram’s marriage to a 15-year-old girl. It also leaves to the end an explanation of how Aram survived the slaughter, and the reason why his cherished family photo has no faces. The play performs a public service in reminding us of the Armenian slaughter which, to this day, Turkey refuses to call a genocide. In focusing so fixedly on an intimate relationship, however, it relegates the horrors of history to a backdrop.
 
At the Finborough theatre, London, until 23 February.