Diana Galoyan was appointed temporary acting rector of ASTU

  • 22.08.2019
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  • Armenia:
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By the order of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the RA Arayik Harutyunyan, the vice-rector for educational activities of the ASTU, Doctor of Economics, professor Diana Roberti Galoyan was appointed acting rector of the “Armenia State University of Economics” state non-profit organization, until the election and appointment of the rector in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.


This was reported by the press service of KGSMS.


Before that, it was Ruben Hayrapetyan, the acting rector of the State University of Economics of Armenia, who resigned from his position yesterday after meeting with the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan.


The minister said that he met with the acting rector of the Armenian State University of Economics, Ruben Hayrapetyan, during which the situation around the university was discussed, in particular, the accusations about the problems in Hayrapetyan’s doctoral dissertation, some of which were publicly accepted by the acting rector.


“Given that the exclusion of such phenomena in the educational and scientific system is of primary importance for our government and for me personally, we came to a mutual agreement that the acting rector Ruben Hayrapetyan will leave his position. I think that this step should once again become proof for our citizens that the rule of law and a certain value system are the most important for us, regardless of all circumstances, they will be serious professional abilities that Ruben Hayrapetyan has, political views, personal relationships or significant successes at work” – The minister wrote on his Facebook page.

Safeguarding our vanishing treasure; National Park of Lake Urmia

Tehran Times, Iran
Sunday
Safeguarding our vanishing treasure; National Park of Lake Urmia
 
 
TEHRAN – The National Park of Lake Urmia, home to several precious species and amongst 59 biosphere reserve areas, is severely threatened by many years of drought so that it needs to be restored urgently to avoid the extinction of highly adapted species.
 
Shared between West Azarbaijan and East Azarbaijan provinces in northwestern Iran, Lake Urmia, was once the largest salt-water lake in the Middle East. It was home to many migratory and indigenous animals including flamingos, pelicans, egrets and ducks and attracted hundreds of tourists every year who had bathed in the water to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of the lake.
 
However, decades of long-standing drought spells and elevated hot summer temperatures that speed up evaporation as well as increased water demands in agriculture sector shrank the lake drastically. In 1999 the volume of water which was at 30 billion cubic meters drastically decreased to half a billion cubic meters in 2013. Moreover, the lake surface area of 5,000 square kilometers in 1997 shrunk to one tenth of that to 500 square kilometers in 2013.
 
The lake hosted diverse bacterial communities, hyperhalophilous phytoplanktons, and notably the macrozooplankton crustacean, the brine shrimp Artemia urmiana.
Thus, with regard to its ecological significance, unique biodiversity and the presence of indigenous communities, Lake Urmia has been recognized as a protected area since 1967 and was designated as a National Park in 1976 as one of 59 biosphere reserves by UNESCO.
 
The National Park of Lake Urmia consists of approximately 102 islands; Shahi island was historically the lake’s largest. However, it became a peninsula connected to the eastern shore when the lake level dropped. Some of the islands have a rich ecosystem due to being out of reach.
 
The sharp rise in precipitations rates in the area has raised hopes for total restoration of the once glorious Lake Urmia.
 
Based on the latest data published by the National Drought Warning and Monitoring Center, since the current crop year (September 23, 2018), precipitation in the country considerably increased to 314.5 millimeters from 159.3 millimeters in the previous water year, demonstrating a 95.9 percent rise.
 
However, the rainfall fluctuations are not permanent and after hot seasons with scorching temperatures, the lake will face high evaporation again and go dry soon.
Therefore, the lake’s islands will face the threat of losing precious species, as well.
 
Two islands of Ashk and Kaboodan burdened the direct consequences of drying Lake Urmia, loosing many of their wildlife species, Hamid Zohrabi, deputy chief of the Department of Environment (DOE), told Tasnim on Wednesday.
 
The islands once were the main habitats for two herbivorous species of Persian fallow deer and Armenian mouflon, which have been endangered due to the lake’s improper conditions in recent years, he lamented.
 
“There are four projects aimed at revitalizing the islands’ ecosystems and preserving the wildlife, namely, managing the population of Persian fallow deer in Ashk island and managing the population of Armenian mouflon in the islands of Lake Urmia,” he explained.
 
He went on to say that expanding vegetation cover in the islands and the National Park of Lake Urmia and ecological conservation of the southeast side of the Lake are among the plans.
 
The plans will be implemented in a collaborative initiative between the DOE’s natural environment and biodiversity directorate, the Lake Urmia conservation program and the West Azarbaijan department of environment, he noted.
 
Behzad Shir Panjeh, head of National Park of Lake Urmia, has said that this year, with appropriate rainfall, the islands’ reservoirs have become saturated, along with favorable vegetation providing conditions for the endemic species to live and breed.
 
Kaboodan island is located on mountainous areas and is considered a unique habitat for the regeneration of Persian fallow deer and Armenian mouflon, he highlighted.
 
Referring to the island stretching to over 3,000 hectares, he noted that it is controlled and monitored by the DOE.
 
Armenian mouflon lives in other islands of the Lake Urmia, including Espir, Ashk and seasonally in Arezoo island, but their main habitat is Kaboodan island due to good vegetation and water resources, he explained.
 
Currently, over 1,200 Armenian mouflon are inhibiting in the national park, and the annual census will begin again in the Iranian calendar month of Aban (November 23-October 21), he concluded.
 
More detailed and scientific studies are needed to document the lake’s composition, which is facing the threat of disappearing. Saline lakes mostly have a fragile environment which requires careful protection to prevent the highly adapted species from extinction.
 
Although, lake level fluctuations have always been part of the lake’s history and have affected the diversity of microbial plants and marine species in the lake, the recent environmental issues of Lake Urmia cannot be the reason to exploit more of such a fragile ecosystem.
 
Therefore, wiser restoration programs are needed to minimize the human interventions in the lake and associated ecosystems as well as reducing the threats.

Armenpress: The only interest I have is Armenia’s balanced interest, PM says on Amulsar

The only interest I have is Armenia’s balanced interest, PM says on Amulsar

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12:22,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is touring the town of Jermuk and meeting locals to discuss the situation around the Amulsar gold mine.

Talking to a local family in an apartment, the PM noted that he believes the biggest problem to be that many people are claiming that regardless of the environmental impact assessment’s outcome the mine shouldn’t be operated.

“This is the biggest difficulty which is hindering the conversation because if you are now saying that 10 or 5 years later consequences will happen regardless of it happening or not. You already have this in mind. The biggest difficulty in this conversation is that there are many people who are saying – doesn’t matter, if it is even determined to be safe, I am against. This is an understandable point of view, but a point of view which creates other difficulties. We have realities, and these realities exist. This reality is that we have a process that began by the Armenian legislation. We have a process by Armenian legislation where the Armenian government has invited or has granted privilege to a company to come here and spend 400,500 or 600 million, and 400 million has already been spent. And a question. If it turns out that this activity is lawful, and that this activity is safe for the environment, if these people have made 400 million dollars investment legally, why aren’t we allowing them to work? This question must be answered,” the PM said.

The local resident argued that during the previous government the situation was such that the people didn’t have a voice, and the PM responded by saying that there is no former or incumbent government for the international community. “There is a Republic of Armenia for the international community”, he said.

The PM reminded a speech that he made last year in Jermuk, when he said that while making a decision on this matter they should take into consideration the balanced interest of Armenia. “There is an environmental interest, economic interest, security interest, political and moral interest. Our decisions must be in a way that servicing one interest doesn’t happen at the expense of the other,” the PM said, adding that the mine will not operate if it is determined that there are no guarantees that the environment won’t get polluted.

He said that during a potential operation of the mine the government has mechanisms of supervision – daily, weekly and monthly monitoring when groundwater, soil, grass and air samples are tested.

“I don’t have an economic interest here, I don’t have a corruption interest, the only interest I have is the balanced interest of the Republic of Armenia,” the PM said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




There is Armenian citizen in Azerbaijan, MoD gives no more details as for now

There is Armenian citizen in Azerbaijan, MoD gives no more details as for now

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18:38,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Spokesperson of the Defense Ministry of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan confirms that there is an Armenian citizen in Azerbaijan at the moment.

ARMENPRESS reports Hovhannisyan wrote on his Facebook page, “I confirm that there is an Armenian citizen n Azerbaijan at the moment, but relevant bodies will inform about the circumstances, his identity and other details’’.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




RA attaches particular importance to the establishment of the EAEU common financial market. Pashinyan

  • 09.08.2019
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  • Armenia:
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is in Kyrgyzstan on a working visit, participated in the regular session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council today. The session is held in Ch. In the “Ruh Orda” cultural center named after Aitmatov.


Ch. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Muhammedkali Abilgaziyev welcomed the heads of governments of EAEU member states at the “Ruh Orda” cultural center named after Aitmatov.


After the ceremonial photo-taking ceremony of the Prime Ministers of the EAEU member states, the meetings of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session with narrow and extended forms took place.


The Prime Minister of Armenia, as the head of the country presiding over the EAEU bodies, made an opening speech, in which he specifically stated:


“I would like to start my speech by expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Muhammedkali Abilgaziev, for the traditional warm welcome and hospitality, as well as for organizing today’s session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council at a proper level.


At the small meeting, we already exchanged opinions and decided on the conceptual issues related to today’s agenda. However, I would like to draw your attention to some aspects of the issues we have discussed and which are important for our countries.


Regarding the issue of alcohol market regulation, I consider it necessary to note that the Union countries are generally in favor of removing obstacles in this sector of the economy. It is a primary destination for Armenia and has wide export opportunities in the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union.


We consider it important to make a final decision on the distribution of import duties between the budgets of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. This issue has been discussed in our organization for a long time, and it is necessary to resolve it as soon as possible.


We attach particular importance to the creation of the EAEU common financial market. In particular, the “Agreement on Harmonization of the Legislation of EAEU Member States in the Field of the Financial Market”, which should enter into force in 2020, will contribute to achieving that goal. The signing of agreements on the authorization of brokers and dealers of one state to participate in organized trading on exchanges of other member states is also essential in this case. In this regard, we consider it important to provide an opportunity for the exchange of information on the placement and circulation of securities and credit histories in tenders organized in member states.


All the countries of our Union confirm their interest in agreeing on the concept of cross-border information interaction. The implementation of this document will have a positive impact on the implementation of business processes between public and private institutions of the Union countries.


We consider it absolutely appropriate to sign the agreement “On the cross-border movement of hazardous waste through the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union”. Implementation of the provisions of this agreement is consistent with Armenia’s priorities in the field of health and environmental protection.


We attach importance so that subjects working in the field of agriculture in our countries have generalized information on the demand and supply of agricultural products in the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.


Dear friends,


Taking this opportunity, I would like to inform you that in early July of this year, I paid official visits to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Singapore.


As the EAEU presiding country, we paid special attention to the issues of our organization’s cooperation with these two countries.


The possibilities of expanding trade and economic cooperation and, in particular, the issue of signing a free trade agreement between EAEU and Singapore were discussed.


It was agreed in principle that if the negotiation process is completed on time and the draft agreement is agreed upon, the Prime Minister of Singapore is ready to participate in the meeting of the Higher Eurasian Economic Council to be held in Yerevan, during which the agreement will be signed. In this matter I received the agreement of the leaders of all our countries.


Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to appeal to the EAEU member states and the management of the Eurasian Economic Commission, asking them to speed up all the necessary procedures related to the agreement of the draft agreement as much as possible, so that it can be successfully signed on October 1 in Yerevan. Please keep this matter under personal attention.


In accordance with the agreements with the heads of EAEU member states, I have also invited the President of Iran to participate in the session of the Higher Eurasian Economic Council to be held in Yerevan.


I would also like to inform you that from September 30 to October 1, within the framework of the session of the Higher Eurasian Economic Council, an international conference on the topic “Transit potential of the Eurasian continent” will be held in Yerevan.


In this regard, I would like to request you to ensure the widest possible participation of representatives of public and private institutions of your countries in this important event.


Heads of all member states of the Eurasian Economic Union and heads of EAEU partner countries are invited to participate in the conference.


It is expected that during the conference, the current problems of the development of the transport and logistics network of the continent, the prospects of development of new large-scale infrastructure projects by the states of the region and the implementation of already existing projects, as well as issues related to the development of digital corridors of Eurasia will be discussed.


Thank you for your attention.”


The heads of governments of the EAEU member states discussed the distribution of import duties between the budgets of the EAEU member states, the development of the EAEU unified financial market, the creation of a single alcohol market within the EAEU framework, the creation of transnational companies, cross-border information interaction, cooperation in the field of industrial and technology transfer, the signing of the agreement “On the cross-border movement of hazardous waste through the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union”, the development of the agro-industrial complex in the EAEU.


As a result of the session, a number of documents were signed, in particular, the order on the distribution of import duties between the budgets of the EAEU member states, the timetable for the establishment of the EAEU unified financial market, decisions and orders aimed at deepening the cooperation between the EAEU member states in the above areas. It is planned that the concept of creation of EAEU unified financial markets will be signed in Yerevan on October 1, within the framework of the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.


It was decided to hold the next session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in 2019. on October 25 in Moscow.


Then, with the participation of heads of governments of EAEU member states and EAEU President Tigran Sargsyan, a stamp redemption ceremony dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Eurasian Economic Union took place.

ARF Bureau Chairman Meets with Artsakh Leadership

ARF Bureau Chairman Hagop Der Khachadourian meets with Artsakh President Bako Sahakian on August 7 in Stepanakert

Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Chairman Hagop Der Khachadourian met with Artsakh President Bako Sahakian and Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan in Stepanakert on Wednesday.

Issues related to the Homeland – Diaspora relations, as well as the latest developments in the region were discussed at the meeting with Sahakian, which was attended by ARF Artsakh Central Committee chairman, Davit Ishkhanyan.

During the meeting with Mayilyan, the foreign minister, the sides exchanged number of issues related to cooperation between the Artsakh Foreign Ministry and ARF structures in an effort to advance Artsakh’s foreign policy priorities.

Mayilyan also briefed Der Khachadourian on his recent visit to Australia and hailed the contribution of ARF’s affiliate entities during that visit.

ARF Bureau Chairman Hagop Der Khachadourian during his meeting with Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan

The impact of recent developments in Artsakh and the Karabakh conflict resolution process on Artsakh’s foreign policy agenda were also discussed.

Ishkhanyan, the ARF Artsakh Central Committee chairman, who is also a member of the Artsakh parliament, accompanied Der Khachadrouian to the meeting.

In an interview with the Stepanakert based Aparaj newspaper, Der Khachadourian said having the kick-off of the Pan-Armenian Games in Artsakh has important significance, recalling that the party held its World Congress in Artsakh back in January.

“Artsakh is everyone’s focal point. We all have a lot to do for Artsakh,” said Der Khachadourian.

“As we have said on several occasions, the development of our country should be based on the principle of ‘advancing without concessions.’ I am happy to say that consensus on this path is evident on a national level,” Der Khachadourian told Aparaj.

The ARF Bureau chairman, referring to a rally held ahead of the opening ceremony of the Pan-Armenian Games, said that sports, in general, bring people together. During the Pan-Armenian Games that should be an _expression_ of unity and excitement for all Armenians.

“We welcome the emphasis on national unity expressed by the Artsakh’s president and Armenia’s prime minister. However, the ARF believes, real unity should be advanced with conviction, without political dividends,” said Der Khachadourian, who lamented that rally ahead of the Pan-Armenian Games was politicized.

Armenia’s Women’s Basketball Team Wins U18 European Championship

Armenia’s U18 Women’s Basketball team

Armenia’s Women’s Basketball team defeated Malta 79 to 73 to win the under 18 Division C European Championship during a competition that took place Andorra La Vella, Andora.

The team’s top-scorer, 16-year-old Kayla Keshmeshian (United States), the youngest player on the team, scored a game-high of 24 points earning her the most valuable player title of the tournament. Patil Yaacoubian (U.S.) added 22 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists as the duo inspired their nation to a perfect tournament without defeat. They were joined by Meri Margaryan (U.S.) who was among the top five players.

Also taking part in the team were, Ani Hovhannesyan, Shake Poghosyan, Elen Shahinyan, Christina Ohanyan, Emma Mkrtchyan, Mary Grigoryan, Ira Danielyan (Artsakh), Areknaz Oroudjian (U.S.) and Datev Gomtsian (U.S.).

Armenia’s boys U18 team only won one game, beating Moldova 91 to 60, and was ranked one before the last team of the tournament.

Photo Exhibition of the Holy Cross of Akhtamar in Istanbul

A photo exhibition of the Holy Cross Church of Akhtamar will be on display for 20 days.

ISTANBUL—A church in Istanbul has an exhibition on the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Akhtamar Island. Photos of the Armenian Church will be displayed at Hagia Irene Church, located in the courtyard of Topkapı Palace, for a total of 20 days.

Though he was not in attendance, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a message to convey in regards to Holy Cross of Akhtamar. In his remarks Erdoğan emphasized the significance of the church as a religious center—not only to Armenians, but to all Christians. ”This, and similar historical-cultural monuments, are the richness of our country,” stated Erdoğan.

In attendance was Bishop Sahak Mashalian, Istanbul’s Armenian patriarchal locum tenens, who touched upon the origins of the Holy Cross of Akhtamar Island. He explained that the photo exhibition serves a greater purpose, implying that there may be more exhibits of a similar nature.

Funeral Notice: Garo Bedrossian

Garo Bedrossian

GARO BEDROSSIAN
Born on May 17, 1929, Iskenderun (Alexandretta)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, uncle and relative Garo Bedrossian, which occurred on Monday, .

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 12 p.m. at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, 5300 White Oak Ave., Encino. Interment will follow at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Cemetery.

He is survived by his:
Son, Asbed and Laura Bedrossian and children, Daron and Lily
Daughter, Narine Bedrossian
Brother, Mihran and Arpie Bedrossian
Niece, Houri and Koko Darakjian and children
Nephew, Koko and Nyrie Bedrossian and children
Michael and Tania Bedrossian and daughter
Brother, Hrant Bedrossian
Sister, Hasmig and Berj Khrlakian and children, George and Arevig
Niece, Silva Aznavourian and children
Nephew, Zohrab and Varsenig Bedrossian and children
Niece, Shiraz Bedrossian
Niece, Vicky and nephew Eddie Bedrossian
Cousin, Marie Minassian and children
Brother-in-law, Haig Kopooshian
Sister-in-law’s children, Badrik and Shogher Kopooshian and children
Hrag Kopooshian
Sister-in-law, Sona and Joseph Chahinian
Sister-in-law’s children, Cyril and Noushig Tahtajian and children
Raffi and Patil Demerji and children

The entire Bedrossian, Najjarian, Kopooshian and Nalbandian families, relatives and friends
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Garo Bedrossian Scholar Fund, 19621 Gifford St., Reseda, CA 91335.