Author: Hagop Kamalian

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 22-03-23

Hagop Kamalian

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 17:24, 22 March 2023

YEREVAN, 22 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 22 March, USD exchange rate down by 0.18 drams to 388.17 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.70 drams to 418.91 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 5.04 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.94 drams to 476.94 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 221.68 drams to 24367.11 drams. Silver price down by 0.51 drams to 280.36 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Chamlian School Students’ Achievements Recognized at 2023 LA County Science Fair

Hagop Kamalian
by Contributor

 

 March 23, 2023

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian and Chamlian's Science Department Head Lida Gevorkian with students whose projects were recognized by the LA County Science Fair


GLENDALE—Chamlian Armenian School announced its exemplary performance at the 2023 Los Angeles County Science Fair. Throughout the course of the 2022 to 2023 Academic School Year, students applied the knowledge gained throughout the course of their science classes to diligently prepare rigorous science projects to be submitted for consideration in the County Science Fair; the results proved promising as Chamlian students were commended for their hard work as evident in the congratulatory awards and recognitions they earned.

The continued success of the Chamlian Science Department, headed by Lida Gevorkian, was on full display at the Science Fair. Chamlian teachers, administration, and parents are proud of the students for utilizing their complex reasoning, planning, and critical thinking skills as they applied their scientific knowledge to prepare their award-winning projects. As young scientists and leaders, Chamlian students have proven that with commitment, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge, the realization of their goals is imminent.

Chamlian students standing in front of their submitted science projects, with Dr. Kargadorian and Lida Gevorkian

The following is the list of students whose dedication to their science projects earned them a place among recognition by the Los Angeles County:

  • Leana Asatourian, First Place: Sugars In Your Smoothies!
  • Sophia Martin, First Place: Comparison of Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Various Objects
  • Dro Aboulian, Second Place: The Black Soldier Flies’ Affect on Food Waste
  • David Enfiadjian, Honorable Mention: Benzene Breach!
  • Natalie Davidian, Honorable Mention: Electrolyte Challenge
  • Talia Boghossian, Honorable Mention: Can Drosophila Melanogaster Help us Live Healthier and Longer?
  • Alex Ghazarian and Christopher Hagopian, Honorable Mention: Effects of Antibiotics on Radish Growth
  • Ari Armenian, Recognition Award: Water Distillation
  • Maral Shahnazarian, Recognition Award: The Effect of Food Residuals on Grass
  • Vem Boynerian, Recognition Award: Testing Radiation From Electronics in Certain Conditions
  • Emilie Gabrielyan, Recognition Award: Synthetic and Natural Antacids
  • Levon Hairabedian, Recognition Award: How Does Location Affect the Air Quality?
  • Angelique Matavosian, Recognition Award: What Materials Absorb Sound the Most

The Chamlian school faculty and staff applaud the time, effort, and dedication these students put in their science fair projects, and congratulate them on their well-deserved awards. Through their ambitious thirst to discover and create, these young scientists have taken their talents to the next level and accomplished their goals.

“I am incredibly proud of our young scientists and congratulate them on this huge achievement,” said Dr. Talin Kargodorian, when asked for a comment. “As Head of School, I can attest to their ambitious dedication, innovative spirit, and overall admirable thirst for knowledge. I have personally seen the efforts our students contribute to their accomplishments on a daily basis; witnessing their growth and advancement in all fields of academia serves as an honor for me. These attributes always shine through, especially during the annual Los Angeles County Science Fair. The Science Fair is part of a vast array of vital experiences our students take advantage of at Chamlian Armenian School. Academic excellence teams with cross curricular learning in order to provide valuable lessons our students carry with them for a lifetime. I would also like to thank the head of our Science Department, Mrs. Lida Gevorkian, for coordinating the annual Science Fair year after year, tirelessly instilling the love of scientific inquiry and exploration within the young minds of the future leaders of our global community.” Dr. Kargodorian added.

Meet The Beautiful Eastern Country Not Enough Americans Are Visiting

Hagop Kamalian
 
Americans may be flying abroad in record numbers this year now that international borders have reopened and restrictions have been dropped, but a majority of them still have their hearts set on Mexico, or the cobblestone, fairytale towns of Europe.

While Mexico is truly a bucket list destination, especially in the sun and sand category, and Europe undoubtedly boasts an impressive list of world-renowned historical cities and iconic sights, there is an entire world of lesser-known options yet to be explored.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and be among a select group of Americans who have dared go further, perhaps this beautiful Eastern country should be next on your travel wishlist:

Despite its relative obscurity, Armenia is one of the most awe-inspiring and promising destinations out there. It is located not on one but two continents, and its recorded history spans at least three millennia, with a defining culture and nationhood as ancient as the early Greeks.

Sitting along the Caucasus mountain range, a grey area acting as a natural divide between Europe and Asia, Armenia is both too Eastern to be considered traditionally European, yet too Western, and irrevocably Christian, to fit into the Western Asian stereotype.

Armenia is almost entirely surrounded by Islam, bordering Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan to the South and West, but it takes pride in being the very first nation to fully convert from paganism into Christianity in the first century A.D., and for centuries, religion has been central to Armenian identity.

It has impacted not only the architecture through the construction of numerous monasteries and Orthodox churches but also the culture and the locals’ way of life.

Some of the oldest Christian shrines in the world can be found here, with Etchmiadzin Cathedral’s groundbreaking taking place as early as the year 301 A.D. In other words: it is old, preceding America’s settlement by 1,306 years.

Certain monuments which pre-date Christian Armenia can also be found across the country, most notably the Temple of Garni, a Greco-Roman temple built in the first century whose Ionic colonnades are virtually intact.

Other than ancient heritage, Armenia’s recent History has been defined by revolutionary movements, in particular those that led to the formation of the now-defunct Soviet Union, of which it was a constituent republic. Needless to say, communist-era landmarks can be found all over the country.

The cosmopolitan capital of Yerevan houses the most iconic monuments, including the Cascade Complex, a limestone staircase with elements of brutalism that has been an integral part of the city’s skyline since 1971, and Republic Square.

Armenia itself is particularly renowned for its painting-like natural landscapes.

More than 90% of the territory is at the height of 1000 meters above sea level, in the Lesser Caucasus, which means it is full of dramatic peaks, scenic lakes, and unique geological formations.

Other than the monumental Caucasus mountains themselves, the top tourist attractions in Armenia are:

  • Yerevan, the capital and largest city, known for its Soviet-era architecture and palatial buildings
  • Sevan, where a historic monastery is set against the backdrop of a serene lake
  • Dilijan, a mountainous region highly sought-after for its spa resorts and wellness retreats
  • The Shikahogh State Reserve, an unspoiled forested reserve offering scenic views
  • Mount Aragats, a dormant, snow-capped volcano that is Armenia’s highest peak
  • Noravank, a remote redbrick-built monastery founded in the 13th century
  • Tsaghkadzor, an up-and-coming hotspot for winter sports home to some of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts
  • The Upper Azat Valley, a UNESCO-protected site dotted with ancient monasteries
  • Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and Yerevan’s closest rival in terms of cultural offer: more than a thousand buildings in the historic center are between 300 and 200 years old.

Armenia has been listed by Forbes as one of the top travel destinations for 2023, not only due to its wide array of cultural attractions but also the hospitality of the locals, the intriguing cuisine, and the low cost of living in major urban centers like Yerevan, only 1.1 times more expensive than the global average.

Tourism is also increasing, with 159,475 foreigners having landed in Armenia in January of this year, up 69 percent from the 94,339 who were registered in January 2022, as reported by the Armenian Tourism Committee. Throughout 2022, 1.4 million tourists vacationed in Armenia.

Between January and October 2022, Americans were the nationality posting the fourth biggest increase in visitor numbers, though at a modest 4% rate. More Americans are becoming acquainted with Armenia’s many wonders, but definitely not that many.

It is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered, where crowds are not a common sight, prices are fairly reasonable, and nature is yet to be tarnished by development.

Granted, it is not the easiest country to reach, mostly due to the absence of nonstop flights and affordable fares leaving from the States, but low-cost options are plentiful departing from Europe, Turkiye, or other Middle Eastern hubs.

Lastly, Armenia has no COVID entry restrictions in 2023, welcoming tourists irrespective of vaccination status and without any health-related requirements.

Americans are allowed to enter the country simply by presenting a valid passport, and they are normally issued a 180-day entry permit upon arrival.

https://www.traveloffpath.com/meet-the-beautiful-eastern-country-not-enough-americans-are-visiting/ 

Armenian Foreign Minister Sees Possibility For Trilateral Talks With Russia, Azerbaijan

Hagop Kamalian

 Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)  Published | 11:31 PM

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Wednesday that he saw a possibility for holding a trilateral meeting with his Russian and Azerbaijani colleagues in the near future

YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 22nd March, 2023) Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Wednesday that he saw a possibility for holding a trilateral meeting with his Russian and Azerbaijani colleagues in the near future.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with Mirzoyan that Moscow would soon begin negotiating the terms of a trilateral meeting between Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan at the level of foreign ministers.

"Such a (trilateral) meeting was to take place on December 23 in Moscow. But we postponed our participation and the meeting itself, as the Lachin corridor was illegally blocked and an acute shortage of food, medicine and essential goods began in Nagorno-Karabakh … But face-to-face meetings and discussions should resume at some stage. This topic was discussed (during the talks) in Moscow, and there is a possibility of such a meeting in the near future," Mirzoyan said, speaking in parliament.

He noted that negotiations with Azerbaijan were taking place remotely now, as the parties were exchanging their proposals and views on the peace treaty.

Mirzoyan called his meeting with Lavrov quite constructive and sincere, adding that issues of bilateral relations and regional problems had also been discussed.

Besides, the minister said that Yerevan was waiting for the unblocking of the Lachin corridor linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. He added that, according to the tripartite statement by the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan dated November 9, 2020, the corridor was controlled by the Russian peacekeepers, and Azerbaijan had pledged to guarantee unhindered movement through it.

Since December 2022, the Lachin Corridor � a road which runs through Azerbaijani territory and serves as the only link between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh � has been blocked by a group of people from Azerbaijan described by Baku as environmental activists protesting alleged illegal Armenian mining in the area.

The United Nations' main judicial body ruled in February that Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor. Armenia, in turn, argued in the court filing that the activists were acting on Baku's command and demanded that it "cease its orchestration and support" of the blockade.

Armenia seeks to take Azerbaijan’s non-compliance with ICJ ruling to UN Security Council

Hagop Kamalian

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 11:03,

YEREVAN, MARCH 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is “working” in the direction of raising the issue of Azerbaijan’s non-compliance with the world court order on unblocking the Lachin Corridor at the UN Security Council, the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters Yeghishe Kirakosyan told lawmakers Monday.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. 

Kirakosyan was asked to comment on the matter by Hayastan faction Secretary Artsvik Minasyan at the parliamentary committee on state-legal affairs hearings. Minasyan asked Kiraskoyan whether or not it’s possible for the UN Security Council to consider applying the sanctions under chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

Kirakosyan reiterated that the ICJ ruling is binding and Azerbaijan must comply with it.

“Unfortunately we are facing the reality that Azerbaijan is simply ignoring the ruling, furthermore not only is it ignoring it but it is trying to distort the content of the ruling on the highest official level up to the lowest official level. This was recently seen in the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister’s letter addressed to the UN Secretary General, to which our minister’s letter has been submitted as a response,” he said.

Kirakosyan said that article 94 of the UN Charter provides for a certain narrow description pertaining to the rulings. But attempts in the past to bring rulings on provisional measures before the UN Security Council have failed. The cases related to a permanent member, who exercised its right to veto and the issue didn’t make it to final debates.

“But in our case I think we should work in that direction. I know that our colleagues at the foreign ministry are working in that direction. It is highly important for the matter to enter the agenda at the UN Security Council. And we must maximally utilize all diplomatic channels to ensure a favorable discussion of the issue,” Kirakosyan said.

Taking the issue to the UNSC has two perspectives, he added. First is the formal point of view, there’s article 94 of the charter which gives such an authority to the Security Council. The second logic is chapter 7 of the UN Charter – its mandate for ensuring international peace and security.

“The idea is that the non-fulfillment of this ruling creates risks for international peace and security. So we have the chance to raise this issue at the Security Council at least under two logics. It is obvious that the non-compliance with the court’s decision, that is the continuation of the blockade, creates very serious risks for international security.”

Opposition MP hails Artsakh parliament statement

Hagop Kamalian
Panorama
Armenia – March 14 2023

Armenian opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan has praised the statement unanimously passed by the Artsakh parliament on Monday insisting on the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination.

“Expressing the will and position of the people, the factions of the Artsakh Republic National Assembly demand that Armenia’s authorities adhere to the decision of the Armenian Supreme Council of July 8, 1992 and not to call into question the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination,” the statement said

In a social media post on Tuesday, Abrahamyan, the secretary of the opposition Pativ Unem faction in the Armenian parliament, outlined the messages sent by the Artsakh parliament to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration as well as domestic and foreign forces.

“First, the statement is addressed to all those circles, both internal and external, who consider the Artsakh issue not as a matter of the right to self-determination, but as a matter of integration into Azerbaijan,” the deputy wrote.

“Second, it is a response to those officials in Armenia, from Pashinyan to Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, who only speak about the rights and freedoms of the Artsakh people rather than their right to self-determination.

“Third, it is a signal to Azerbaijan that Artsakh rejects any settlement of the conflict that would not include the principle of the right to self-determination and would link the process to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.

“Fourth, Artsakh says a resolute NO to all the forces who thought they could break the Artsakh people and achieve the Azerbaijanization of Artsakh through blackmail, threats and blockade,” Abrahamyan said.

EU Calls on Baku, Yerevan to Show Restraint Amid Recent Shooting in Nagorno-Karabakh

Hagop Kamalian
WAALI News
March 6 2023

The European Union commented on Monday on recent conflicts in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to show restraint to ensure stability and security in the region.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – ) The European Union on Monday commented on recent conflicts in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to show restraint to ensure stability and security in the region.

On Sunday, Yerevan and Baku reported a shootout between the two countries’ security forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan said the shooting left casualties on both sides, while Armenia called the incident a staged provocation, adding that Baku had spread false information about Yerevan’s alleged transfer of personnel and weapons to the conflict region.

“The EU deplores yesterday’s outbreak of violence on the Karabakh Contact Line, which resulted in at least five deaths. The circumstances surrounding this deadly incident need to be fully investigated.

We urge all stakeholders to show restraint in order to prevent any further actions that could further undermine regional stability and threaten the peace process,” the bloc said in a statement.

The South Caucasus is considered one of the most conflict-prone regions worldwide, mainly due to the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region (also known as the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh). In September 2022, the world saw a new outbreak of hostilities between Yerevan and Baku in an area not connected to Nagorno-Karabakh, in the most serious escalation since the events of 2020.

In 2022, Yerevan and Baku, with the mediation of Russia, the United States and the EU, began to discuss a future peace agreement.

Asbarez: Hundreds Gather to Mark ARF’s 132nd Anniversary

Hagop Kamalian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 March 6, 2023

 

in Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

More than 850 people attended a gathering marking the ARF's 132nd anniversary on Mar. 4


More than 850 community members and supporters gathered at the Glendale Civic Auditorium on Saturday to mark the 132nd anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, in an event organized the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee.

It did not go unnoticed that the event was taking place as Artsakh continued to remain under a blockade by Azerbaijan, which has shut off the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to the outside world, creating an acute humanitarian crisis.

The organizers had announced that a portion of the proceeds from the evening would be allocated toward programs in Artsakh, in keeping with the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee’s commitment to assistance the heroic, yet war-ravaged, people of Artsakh.

The evenings brief program started with welcoming remarks delivered by the Ayana Hamamjian, who also introduced the evening Master of Ceremonies Sarkis Garabedian. Hamamjian, as well as Anto Zoubian, who delivered the youth message of the evening, underscored the ARF’s ongoing commitment to defend the socio-economic and political rights of the Armenian people, advocating for individual rights, national self-determination and a free and independent state enjoys social justice and economic prosperity.

Garabedian, in his remarks, thanked those gathered at the event for their continued support and dedication to the ARF and its mission and pledged that the organization will continue to remain committed to its ideology and principles.

The entertainment and the cultural portion of the evening included performances by singers Berj Karazian, Hovesp Gomidas and Tigran Assatryan. Famous Armenian singer Gaby Galoyan was scheduled to perform at the event. However, an unforeseen circumstance prevented her from traveling from Armenia. In a video message to the gathering and her devoted fans, she congratulated the ARF on its anniversary and voiced her gratitude to the organization for continuing to advance the national aspirations of the Armenian Nation for 132 years. She also hinted at a special performance and event in Los Angeles that will mark the 105th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence on May 28.

Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation Avedik Izmirlian spoke about the generous donations received during the evening, pointing out that long-time activists and benefactors Varant and Hoori Melkonian were the evening’s sponsors, thanking them for their unwavering support of the ARF.

As the evening progressed, motivated and excited attendees made generous contributions, adding to the positive spirit of the evening and the pledge to support the Armenians of Artsakh.

Armenpress: We have some small but encouraging signs of moving forward. Pashinyan about Armenian-Turkish relations

Hagop Kamalian

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 23:22, 2 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is ready for a full normalization of relations with Turkey, to establish diplomatic relations, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS informs, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in his opening speech at the discussion at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

"Another aspect of Armenia's vision of regional peace is the normalization of relations with Turkey. We are ready to fully normalize relations with Turkey, to establish diplomatic relations. We hope to fully open our common border, which was unilaterally closed by Turkey in the early 90s.

We have some small but hopeful signs that we are moving forward. Special Representatives of our countries agreed upon establishing air cargo transportation and opening interstate borders for third-country citizens in July 2022”, the Prime Minister said.

Pashinyan reminded that in January the ban on direct air cargo transportation between Turkey and Armenia was lifted, expressing hope for the speedy implementation of the opening of the border for third-country citizens. 

“Armenia reacted rapidly after the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey. I called up President Erdogan with condolences and proposed our support. After that we sent humanitarian aid and rescue team to the affected areas. It is very important to state that two convoys of humanitarian aid entered into Turkey through the border bridge which had been closed for 30 years. Our rescue team returned to Armenia through that bridge as well.  

Armenian Foreign Minister visited Türkiye, met his counterpart and reiterated our readiness and willingness to fully normalize relations. Though the last interactions were, of course, of purely humanitarian essence, we, however, would be glad to have the political outcomes”, Pashinyan concluded.

German Leader Supports Artsakh’s Self-Determination While Armenia Calls for Monitors in Lachin

Hagop Kamalian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 March 2, 2023

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (right) during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Berlin on March 2


German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday expressed his country’s support for the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh during a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who emphasized the need to deploy international monitors to the Lachin Corridor as it continues to remain blockaded by Azerbaijan.

During a joint press conference with Pashinyan, who is visiting Berlin, Scholz said that Germany is concerned about the unstable situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the working humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

For Germany, Scholz said, it is important to reach a peaceful settlement with an emphasis on the respect for the territorial integrity of both countries and the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, saying these “principles are equal.”

Scholz said Germany supports the mediation efforts of the President of the European Council Charles Michel and emphasized that his country has sent personnel as part of the EU civilian mission, which is also headed by a German federal police officer.

The German chancellor also referenced Pashinyan’s meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich last month, saying that such opportunities to exchange ideas is an encouraging step for the resolution of the conflict.

During his remarks, Pashinyan said sending an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh would be important for the international community in terms of getting more comprehensive information about the situation there.

“We think it could be very important to send an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh for the international community to get a more comprehensive understanding of the situation,” Pashinyan said.

He also referenced the February 22 ruling by the International Court of Justice, which obligated Azerbaijan to take steps to ensure “unimpeded movement” along the Lachin Corridor.

“We call on our international partners to take active steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the court’s decision by Azerbaijan,” said Pashinyan. “The position voiced by Germany, a democratic country that protects human rights and universal values, is important and will support Armenia’s efforts toward stability and peace in the South Caucasus.”

One of the key topics of the discussions between Pashinyan and Scholz was the security situation in the South Caucasus and the challenges facing Armenia.

“After the signing of the declaration on November 9, 2020, Armenia spared no effort to achieve the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and ensure the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh,” said Pashinyan. “Unfortunately, instead of participating in negotiations in good faith, the Azerbaijani side is continuing its non-constructive policy, is threatening Armenia’s democracy, undermining our government’s efforts to establish peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus.”

“Today, the most urgent problem is that since December 12, 2022 the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world, the Lachin Corridor, has been closed by Azerbaijan, as a result of which 120,000 residents have found themselves in a blockade,” said Pashinyan, who emphasized Azerbaijan’s actions are a gross violation of the obligations assumed through the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020.

“This is a part of the large-scale and systematic policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Pashinyan said.

In thanking Germany for its participation in the European Union mission to Armenia, Pashinyan expressed confidence that the effort will play a significant role in establishing peace and security in the region.

The Armenian leader said that an agreement regulating the presence of the EU civil mission in Armenia will be signed in the near future.

“I am very proud of the EU mission in Armenia, it will make a great contribution. We’ll develop that mission and see,” Scholz emphasized.

The German chancellor said that during the meeting with Pashinyan, they exchanged ideas regarding the deepening of bilateral relations, adding that Germany will continue to assist Armenia in continuing reforms and advancing economic relations.