Author: Hambardsumian Paul

Eurovision: Junior Eurovision winner takes part in Armenian final

Hambardsumian Paul
ESC Daily
Jan 29 2020
Dennis Van Ee (The Netherlands)
Vladimir Arzumanyan winst Junior Eurovision 2010 Source: EBU

Armenian broadcaster AMPTV have now announced the 12 participants of the upcoming edition of Depi Evratesil. One of the most notable names in the selection is Vladimir Arzumanyan, who competed and won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest back in 2010.

After an internal selection in 2019, the broadcaster has returned to the public selection format. Another familiar name is Athena Manoukian, who had also previously attempted to represent Greece at Junior Eurovision back in 2008.

A total of 53 valid applications were received by the broadcaster, and a professional jury reviewed these submissions and selected the 12 best acts. The jury members included Naira Gurjinyan, Anita Hakhverdyan, Lilia Nikoyan, Ruben Babayan, Vardan Hakobyan, Tigran Danielyan, David Tserunyan, Karen Tataryan and Anush Ter-Ghukasyan.

Here are the participants:

Athena Manoukian
TOKIONINE
ERNA
Miriam Baghdasaryan
Agop
Karina EVN
Vladimir Arzumanyan
Hayk Music
Arthur Aleq
Gabriel Jeeg
EVA Rida
Sergey & Nikolay Arutyunov

The entries will be published in the coming week on the Depi Evratesil YouTube channel. The selection will take place on the 15th of February at 19:00 CET.

Armenian Deputy PM, Russian Ambassador exchange views on bilateral agenda

Hambardsumian Paul

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 20:07,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received on January 24 the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of Mher Grigoryan, greeting the guest, the Deputy PM of Armenia highly assessed the strategic relations between the two countries. Mher Grigoryan and Sergey Kopyrkin highlighted that the cooperation between the two countries in different spheres dynamically develops.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the agenda of the Armenian-Russian bilateral relations.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Bright Armenia faction: Ruling faction afraid of exploring risks at Yerevan Municipality

Hambardsumian Paul
News.am, Armenia
Jan 22 2020

17:02, 22.01.2020

What you just did showed that you don’t have the political will to explore the corruption risks at Yerevan Municipality. This is what head of the Bright Armenia faction of the National Assembly Edmon Marukyan declared in parliament today, touching upon the fact that the ruling majority of parliament led the creation and formation of the probe commission to failure a short while ago.

“The issue has already been raised in parliament, and the Council of Elders of Yerevan doesn’t determine whether the powers of the National Assembly are constitutional or unconstitutional. If the head of the ruling faction thinks the Council of Elders has to determine our powers, I am simply disappointed. I would like to say that this is a bad precedent. This will lead to serious political consequences,” Marukyan said, adding that this is the first time such regression is being recorded at the level of the Constitution since the revolution.

“With this, you are showing the people that even though you would have a political majority in the probe committee, you are afraid of exploring the corruption risks and the Council of Elders of Yerevan is deciding what the parliament should do,” he said.

Armenian National Council head says ex-official death should be considered as a separate case

Hambardsumian Paul
News.am, Armenia
Jan 19 2020

20:02, 19.01.2020
                  

YEREVAN. – Everyone is interested in thorough and open investigation into the death of former head of the National Security Service Georgi Kutoyan, National Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan told reporters during a memorial service for Kutoyan in Yerevan on Sunday.

“If there are security threats, we will fully investigate the case and report it to the public,” he said.

Asked whether Kutoyan needed security guarantees as a former official who obtained exclusive information, Grigoryan said: “The investigators are providing necessary information. I can say that our authorities are fully interested in an open investigation. If there is any security issue, Investigation Committee will report.”

The reporters asked whether Grigoryan is concerned that Kutoyan’s death is the third death of ex-official. Grigoryan is confident that this death should not be considered in the context of other events.

“This case should be considered as a separate one,” he added.

Asked why Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has not expressed condolences, Grigoryan claimed that the PM had done it through his press office.

Grigoryan also commented on reporters’ question on “the atmosphere of hatred” when Constitutional Court president Hrayr Tovmasyan said “he is the next one”.

“I would urge everyone to exercise restraint. This is a responsible moment, violence and any other calls are unacceptable. We all have to take responsibility.

Pashinyan questioned as witness and victim in 2018 wiretapping case, authorities say

Hambardsumian Paul

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 15:38,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. PM Nikol Pashinyan was questioned today by investigators as a witness in the criminal investigation into the 2018 wiretapping of his phone conversation with then-NSS Director Artur Vanetsyan as well as the latter’s phone conversation with SIS Director Sasun Khachatryan.

The conversations were leaked online earlier in 2018.

The PM was questioned as part of the probe into alleged misconduct by all parties involved. The investigation is also determining whether or not there was any obstruction of justice against the judges who examined the arrest motions of former President Robert Kocharyan and former military official Yuri Khachaturov.

PM Pashinyan has been questioned at the Investigations Committee as a witness in the criminal case to determine the circumstances of possible in interferences on courts, Investigations Committee spokesperson Naira Harutyunyan said.

A separate investigation on the illegal wiretapping and leak of the phone calls is also in process. Pashinyan has been questioned for this case also, but as a victim.

The two questioning sessions lasted 2 hours and 35 minutes.  

 

Edited and translated Stepan Kocharyan




The formulations regarding NK conflict with the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns

Hambardsumian Paul
  • 28.10.2019

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  • Armenia:

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  • arm

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  • rus

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The Republic of Armenia is closely following the developments taking place within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, including the work of the last summit of the heads of states and governments of the Non-Aligned Movement held on October 25-26, 2019 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.  This was stated in the statement issued by the RA Foreign Ministry regarding the Final Document adopted at the 18th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Baku.


“We condemn the fact that Azerbaijan, the host of the summit and the current chairman of the Movement, once again chose to abuse its membership in the Movement by promoting misleading, extremely biased claims about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the Summary Document of the Summit.


Having the status of an observer state in the Non-Aligned Movement, Armenia could not in any way engage or endorse the process, which clearly demonstrates the manipulative intent of the host state to abuse the platform. Armenia regrets that the wording of the Summary Document on Nagorno-Karabakh contradicts the principles underlying the Movement.


The authorities of Azerbaijan, which have committed mass atrocities against Armenians in Azerbaijan and Artsakh, have consistently pursued a policy of intolerance and hatred, including through the public glorification of criminals convicted of murdering Armenians, who have continuously attempted military aggression against Artsakh, are directly and directly responsible for creating risks that threaten the existential security of the people of Artsakh.


They once again demonstrated their lack of commitment to the only format with an international mandate for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the peace process under the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group, using their experience of “conference sales” in order to disrupt the current negotiation process. Armenia firmly supports the inalienable rights of the people of Artsakh to freely determine their political status without restriction and coercion, to freely ensure their economic, social and cultural development. Armenia continues to be the only guarantor of the security of the people of Artsakh.


Armenia calls on the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement to show responsibility and respect for the negotiations and to act in accordance with the spirit, logic and path of the peace process, based on the norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, including the right of peoples to equality and self-determination, which is one of the key principles of a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the statement said.

The US introduced oil production equipment to Syria, bypassing sanctions

Hambardsumian Paul
  • 26.10.2019

    •  

  • Armenia:

    •  

  • arm

    •  

  • rus

 171

The United States of America is engaged in oil production in Syria using equipment imported to circumvent sanctions.


Major General Igor Konashenkov, the official representative of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, issued a statement about this on Saturday.


“Oil extraction is carried out with the help of such equipment, which bypasses all American sanctions,” as “Armenpress” reports, citing “RIA Novosti”, he noted.


Konashenkov reminded that Washington had officially imposed sanctions on the supply of oil products to Syria. Sanctions apply not only to American companies, but also to every other company.

168: Armenian humanitarian mission delivers medical supplies to Aleppo’s military hospital

Hambardsumian Paul
| 12:27 | October 18 2019
Category
Society

In cooperation with Armenia’s Consulate General in Syria’s Aleppo, on October 17 medical supplies were delivered to the military hospital of Aleppo by the Armenian humanitarian mission group.

The leadership of the hospital thanked the Armenian doctors not only for the supplies, but also for the daily medical care provided in the Armenian nursing home and several other medical facilities.

The head of the hospital stated that Armenian and Syrian doctors are making joint efforts to assist those affected by war. “Our Armenian colleagues are helping the population of Syria every day with humanism and professionalism. We all appreciate this very important action that Armenians stood together with us in this difficult situation for us”, the heads of the hospital said, and also thanked the Armenian authorities, the healthcare bodies for the constant support.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 11-10-19

Hambardsumian Paul

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 11-10-19

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 17:37,

YEREVAN, 11 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 11 October, USD exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 476.73 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.44 drams to 525.36 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 7.42 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 11.82 drams to 596.06 drams.

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

Gold price down by 189.37 drams to 22911.13 drams. Silver price down by 0.44 drams to 272.06 drams. Platinum price up by 123.47 drams to 13656.56 drams.

UPDATED: Armenian Assembly of America Supports Graham and Van Hollen Bipartisan Legislation to Sanction Turkey over Syria

Hambardsumian Paul

PLEASE USE THIS PRESS RELEASE


ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 9, 2019

Contact: Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA SUPPORTS
GRAHAM AND VAN HOLLEN BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SANCTION TURKEY OVER SYRIA

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly) supports bipartisan legislation proposed by United States
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to sanction Turkey for
invading northern Syria and attacking civilian areas with Turkish warplanes,
just days after the United States withdrew its troops from the Syrian border
with Turkey.

 

The Graham-Van Hollen Turkey Sanctions
Bill puts restrictions on U.S. assets of Turkey’s President, Vice President,
Minister of National Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Treasury
and Finance, Minister of Trade, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The bill also sanctions military transactions with Turkey and the Turkish energy
sector, prohibits U.S. military assistance, and implements visa restrictions upon
Turkish authorities intending to travel to the United States.

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
attack on northern Syria directly targets the Kurdish population and ethnic
minorities in the region, including Armenians, Assyrians, Yazidis, and other vulnerable
minority groups. The Syrian Democratic Forces, which is a coalition of Kurdish,
Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Syrian Turkoman, and Chechen militias, led by the
Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), said: “They are all in threat of
being ethnically cleansed, and this in turn will not lead to any political
solutions.”

 

“The Armenian Assembly of America joins
the legitimate concerns raised and is thoroughly committed to reversing
President Donald Trump’s decision to leave America’s Kurdish allies and other
ethnic minorities, including Armenians and Assyrians, in precarious conditions
in northern Syria. Turkey’s attack against innocent civilians is all too
familiar. Erdogan stated earlier this year that he believed the deportations
that led to the 1915 Armenian Genocide to be ‘reasonable.’ He also considers
the Republic of Turkey to be a continuation of the Ottoman Empire, which
implemented the Armenian Genocide. Turkish authorities have never acknowledged their
ancestors’ role in the Armenian Genocide, as the Germans have done, and are pursuing
the same goals of land grabbing and ethnic cleansing in Syria,” Armenian
Assembly of America Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian said.

 

“We applaud this important bipartisan legislation
proposed by Senators Graham and Van Hollen. Turkey is not acting as an ally of
the United States. It has continued the genocidal policies of the Ottoman
Empire and has been openly supporting ISIS. It is about time that the American
government recognizes that Turkey is an unreliable ally,” the Armenian Assembly
Co-Chairs added.

 

During his presidential campaign,
President Trump called out Turkey for conducting business with ISIS. President
Trump stated that the Turkish government “looks like they’re on the side of
ISIS more or less based on the oil.”

 

“We witnessed Erdogan’s readiness to
work with ISIS in 2014 when Turkey allowed ISIS militants to easily cross the
Turkish-Syrian border and attack the Armenian village of Kessab in the Latakia
region of Syria – all done with Turkey’s support. Turkey has no business in
Syria, and is causing even more innocent Syrian citizens to flee for their
lives. Armenia has welcomed more than 20,000 Syrian refugees, and continues to
be a safe haven in the region. Just last week, the world’s largest Yazidi
temple opened in Armenia, founded by refugees escaping violence in Syria. Armenia
needs the United States’ support to continue helping these minority populations
in northern Syria, especially the Christians who survived the Armenian Genocide
at the beginning of the 20th century, and are themselves experiencing
the same type of ethnic cleansing today from Turkey and ISIS,” Armenian
Assembly Co-Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian concluded.

 

Established in 1972, the Armenian
Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization
promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly
is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

 

###

NR# 2019-058

On Wed, Oct 9, 2019 at 8:25 PM Armenian Assembly wrote:

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 9, 2019

Contact: Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA SUPPORTS
GRAHAM AND VAN HOLLEN BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SANCTION TURKEY OVER SYRIA

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly) supports bipartisan legislation proposed by United States
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to sanction Turkey for
invading northern Syria and attacking civilian areas with Turkish warplanes,
just days after the United States withdrew its troops from the Syrian border
with Turkey.

 

The Graham-Van Hollen Turkey Sanctions
Bill puts restrictions on U.S. assets of Turkey’s President, Vice President,
Minister of National Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Treasury
and Finance, Minister of Trade, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The bill also sanctions military transactions with Turkey and the Turkish energy
sector, prohibits U.S. military assistance, and implements visa restrictions upon
Turkish authorities intending to travel to the United States.

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
attack on northern Syria directly targets the Kurdish population and ethnic
minorities in the region, including Armenians, Assyrians, Yazidis, and other vulnerable
minority groups. The Syrian Democratic Forces, which is a coalition of Kurdish,
Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Syrian Turkoman, and Chechen militias, led by the
Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), said: “They are all in threat of
being ethnically cleansed, and this in turn will not lead to any political
solutions.”

 

“The Armenian Assembly of America joins
the legitimate concerns raised and is thoroughly committed to reversing
President Donald Trump’s decision to leave America’s Kurdish allies and other
ethnic minorities, including Armenians and Assyrians, in precarious conditions
in northern Syria. Turkey’s attack against innocent civilians is all too
familiar. Erdogan stated earlier this year that he believed the deportations
that led to the 1915 Armenian Genocide to be ‘reasonable.’ He also considers
the Republic of Turkey to be a continuation of the Ottoman Empire, which
implemented the Armenian Genocide. Turkish authorities have never acknowledged their
ancestors’ role in the Armenian Genocide, as the Germans have done, and are pursuing
the same goals of land grabbing and ethnic cleansing in Syria,” Armenian
Assembly of America Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian said.

 

“We applaud this important bipartisan legislation
proposed by Senators Graham and Van Hollen. Turkey is not acting as an ally of
the United States. It has continued the genocidal policies of the Ottoman
Empire and has been openly supporting ISIS. It is about time that the American
government recognizes that Turkey is an unreliable ally. The U.S. needs to stop
turning a blind eye to the dangers of Erdogan’s Turkey,” the Armenian Assembly
Co-Chairs added. 

 

During his presidential campaign,
President Trump called out Turkey for conducting business with ISIS. President
Trump stated that the Turkish government “looks like they’re on the side of
ISIS more or less based on the oil.”

 

“We witnessed Erdogan’s readiness to
work with ISIS in 2014 when Turkey allowed ISIS militants to easily cross the
Turkish-Syrian border and attack the Armenian village of Kessab in the Latakia
region of Syria – all done with Turkey’s support. Turkey has no business in Syria,
and is causing even more innocent Syrian citizens to flee for their lives.
Armenia has welcomed more than 20,000 Syrian refugees, and continues to be a
safe haven in the region. Just last week, the world’s largest Yazidi temple
opened in Armenia, founded by refugees escaping violence in Syria. Armenia
needs the United States’ support to continue helping these minority populations
in northern Syria, especially the Christians who survived the Armenian Genocide
at the beginning of the 20th century, and are themselves experiencing
the same type of ethnic cleansing today from Turkey and ISIS,” Armenian
Assembly Co-Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian concluded. 

 

Established in 1972, the Armenian
Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization
promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly
is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

 

###

NR# 2019-058