Author: Hovhannisian John

Asbarez: Vazni Vaz and I Couldn’t be Happier

Hovhannisian John
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The ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns received a warm welcome at Central Valley Congressman TJ Cox’s Office. Interns Lucine Poturyan (left) and Greg Mikhanjian

BY GREGORY MIKHANJIAN
ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship 2019
Cal State University, Fullerton, Class of 2021

It didn’t really dawn on me that I was going to be on my own for the first time until I was flying over Oklahoma. I had left my home in sunny California and was on my way to the nations’ capital, only having a slight grasp on the type of work I was going to be involved in.

In the first week, we hit the ground running. Rather than a formal orientation into what our summer was going to look like, we were put right to work to ensure that two pro-Armenia amendments passed in Congress. Visiting every congressional office and speaking with staff about why they should support the amendments initially felt like an overwhelming task, but with each visit my confidence flourished.

One of the most exciting and enjoyable parts of the internship has been the crazy schedule. For the first amendment that we passed, I loved how we waited in the office watching the vote, waiting to see if we were going to harvest the fruits of our labor. What I loved even more than that was, after a brief celebration, our thoughts immediately turned to “what’s next.” We are always looking to achieve the next goal. It’s a “vazni vaz” job and I couldn’t be happier.

To put this experience into a single word, I would say that it was my dream. A dream that was defined by two exclusive criteria: being active in Washington, D.C. and incorporating myself into the work of Hai Tahd. Political work has always intrigued me, and while I have been active in my own state, I had always dreamed of working in D.C. As for my involvement with Hai Tahd, I have had the good fortune of being in the AYF for almost ten years. It was in that membership where I first learned about Artsakh, and I was ecstatic to be a part of the two pro-Artsakh amendments that also passed recently.

ANCA Leo Sarkisian intern Greg Mikhanjian chatting with Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Gus Bilirakis at ecumenical prayer held at the Capitol Rotunda, organized by In Defense of Christians

Perhaps some of the more profound moments for me have been in personally meeting with senators and Members of Congress. Seeing Senator Feinstein being receptive to our issues and casually exchanging jokes with her afterward was particularly memorable, because of how the tone of the meeting shifted so quickly; sometimes we forget they’re human too. Hearing Congressman Bilirakis call us his “Armenian cousins,” having a heartfelt conversation with Congresswoman Eshoo about the Armenian struggle, and hearing Congressman Sherman testify that Artsakh is historically Armenian were life-changing moments for me.

I had grown up always hearing about how Armenians had gotten the short end of the stick in so many different ways. So many failures and injustices committed against our people, it was no wonder that my view of American politics towards Armenia was negative. However, I came to this internship only to discover that the Armenian community possesses many friends in Washington. I was also reminded that incrementalism is a very real aspect of the political world. Change is agonizingly slow, almost to the point that it feels like regression, but this summer is proof that with tenacity and perseverance progress can be achieved.

Of the plethora of memories this internship has already given me, the most lasting will be the friendships that I have forged. Within the first week, it felt like we had already been living together for months. We can be arguing in one moment and laughing together in the next, and then a moment later we’re cooking and eating dinner together. It truly feels like a home away from home.

Earlier I mentioned that this internship was my first time living alone, but that wasn’t really true. This internship has done nothing but solidify my belief that William Saroyan was right when he said, “For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” That’s why I believe in Hai Tahd and the work that the ANCA does. I will never really be on my own as long as I have a fellow Armenian by my side. If there should be none around me, I’ll still always have Armenia in my heart and Hai Tahd on my mind.

22 U.S. Senators join 89 Representatives to reverse Trump attempt to De-Fund Artsakh Aid

Hovhannisian John

22 U.S. Senators join 89 Representatives to reverse Trump attempt to De-Fund Artsakh Aid

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20:56, 9 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 9, ARMENPRESS. Congressional opposition to the Trump Administration attempts to cut U.S. aid for the Artsakh de-mining continues to grow with 22 Senators from 16 states representing 143 million Americans co-signing a letter defending this life-saving program. The Senate initiative was led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Democrat Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Armenian National Committee of America.

Earlier, on August 5, the U.S. House of Representatives sent a swift and powerful rebuke to the Trump Administration’s efforts to cut U.S. aid for Artsakh de-mining efforts, with 89 Members of Congress – many chairing key House committees – co-signing a letter, led by senior House Foreign Affairs Committee member Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Congressman TJ Cox (D-CA), defending this life-saving program.

The Sherman-Cox letter, an initiative supported by the ANCA, encourages USAID Administrator Mark Green to reverse course and continue U.S. funding for the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) de-mining program. Administrator Green testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee on April 9th of this year that USAID was committed to completing the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnances within the traditional boundaries of Nagorno Karabakh.

“Within a week, during a Congressional recess, eighty-nine U.S. Representatives from 24 states – including 10 full Committee chairs – joined with the ANCA in openly challenging the Trump Administration’s misguided attempt to end U.S. aid to Artsakh – a powerful response that speaks volumes about the scope and depth of American support for this life-saving program,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We thank Representatives Sherman and Cox for leading this effort on the House side, are actively supporting the efforts of Senator Menendez on the Senate side, and will continue our work to make Artsakh mine-free and expand the U.S. aid program to include vital rehabilitation services,” continued Hamparian.

Members of Congress received thousands of letters and calls from constituents through the ANCA Rapid Responder system and March to Justice platforms in support of continued aid to Artsakh, with the ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan summer fellows meeting with hundreds of Capitol Hill staffers in support of the initiative. 

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




NGO member: Armenia’s authorities continue line of previous authorities on Karabakh issue

Hovhannisian John
News.am, Armenia
July 8 2019
NGO member: Armenia’s authorities continue line of previous authorities on Karabakh issue NGO member: Armenia’s authorities continue line of previous authorities on Karabakh issue

14:36, 08.07.2019
                  

After the velvet revolution, the current Armenian authorities continue the line of the previous authorities on the Karabakh issue, Coordinator of the “Congress of Refugees from the Azerbaijani SSR” NGO Mariam Avagyan told reporters on Monday.

According to her, after the revolution, representatives of the new authorities have the chance, rejecting the previous regime, to abandon the Madrid principles in the negotiation process.

“We appealed to representatives of the government, the parliament, and representatives of the Foreign Ministry, but no real steps are being taken,” she said. “It is very strange why our authorities do not include representatives of Armenian refugees in the negotiation process, as Azerbaijan is trying to do.”

Iran Can Quadruple Gas Exports to Armenia

Hovhannisian John
Iran News
July 4, 2019 Thursday
Iran Can Quadruple Gas Exports to Armenia
 
TEHRAN – Iran and Armenia agreed to boost bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries in various economic spheres, including energy, transport, agriculture, and tourism.
 
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 16th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission in Tehran on Tuesday evening, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan hailed the meeting as very useful and productive.
 
He reiterated that Armenia is determined to boost its economic cooperation with Iran and by implementing the agreements, the bilateral trade will be expanded.
 
During this two-day meeting, some agreements were reached on energy, transport, industry, trade, environment, and tourism, whose detailed results are well documented in the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides, he stated.
 
The Armenian deputy prime minister further emphasized that the new deals are in line with the interests of both countries.
 
Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian, who attended the ceremony, said all existing capacities of the two countries should be tapped to boost economic cooperation and bilateral trade.
 
He went on to say that according to the agreement, the third energy line between Iran and Armenia will join the network by the end of 2020.
 
On increasing exports of gas to Armenia, Ardekanian said that Iran is to export gas to Armenia and Armenia in return can export electricity to Iran when the country demands, adding that both countries have had talks on increasing the gas exports and bartering goods.
 
Pointing to the joint work group in the industry, mine and trade sector of both countries, he said the group will hold meeting every six months.
 
Ardekanian added that standardization, boosting the capacity of tourism by launching free trade zones between both countries, identifying the delayed projects, forming joint commission on road transportation for easing transportation and activities in health tourism were of the major issues which were discussed during the meeting where both sides reach agreement on them and signed MoUs.
 
He noted that it is possible to quadruple gas exports to Armenia, noting that Armenia has land border with Iran and there are free trade zones on both sides of the border and Iran’s private sector can take advantage of it for exports.
 
Ardekanian reiterated that Iran’s policy is to expand ties with neighboring states.
 
Tehran and Yerevan in recent years have ramped up efforts to boost bilateral relations in diverse economic and political fields.

All sewage and wastewaters of Gegharkunik province flow into Lake Sevan

Hovhannisian John
ARKA, Armenia
July 4 2019

YEREVAN, July 4. /ARKA/. All sewage and wastewaters of the Gegharkunik province fall into Lake Sevan, Armenian Environment Minister Erik Grigoryan told journalists on Thursday. He said there are only three mechanical wastewater treatment plants in the region, whose operation does not change the quality of the sewage and wastewaters.

According to the minister, the amount of chemical waste has increased because of the increasing number of washing machines used by local households. He said temperature also plays an important role in changing the lake’s ecosystem.

He said this past June has already been officially declared the hottest month in history. Precipitation in May was little in the Sevan region, however, additional 36 million cubic meters of water arrived, while the historically minimum is 33 million,” said Grigoryan.

On clean-up work, the minister said it has been decided that shore cleaning could be carried out with the help of local communities.

“The wetland areas have been fully explored – they make about 77 hectares. This year we have already announced a competition for shore cleaning, which should be larger than last year. We plan that this whole area will be cleared in 2020-2201,” he said.

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is situated in Gegharkunik province at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level. Its’ basin’s total surface area is about 5,000 km2, which makes up 1⁄6 of Armenia’s territory. The lake itself is 1,242 km2. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value. Its only island (now a peninsula) is home to a medieval monastery. -0-


Armenia, Georgia mutually making investments in tourism and processing industry

Hovhannisian John

Armenia, Georgia mutually making investments in tourism and processing industry

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16:32, 28 June, 2019

DILIJAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. As of April 1, 342 enterprises with the participation of Georgian capital are registered in Armenia. The two countries are making mutual investments in processing industry, tourism and agriculture, Deputy Minister of Economy Avag Avanesyan told reporters in Dilijan on the sidelines of the Armenian-Georgian business forum.

“The investments between our countries will depend on the trade turnover volumes. Both are mainly investment absorbing countries, in other words, the growth potential is not so high in order to be able to make foreign investments, the same can be said about Georgia. But when the trade turnover starts growing, the business ties further strengthen, it is possible Armenian-Georgian companies will be established with a joint capital. And at that time we will also see intensification of investment flows. The sectors where both countries make investments are compatible, such as processing industry, tourism and agriculture”, he said.

The deputy minister said there is also cooperation in the IT field, but is not at a high level yet.

Asked how many companies with an Armenian capital are operating in Georgia, Avag Avanesyan said according to the data of their partners, there are 360-390 such companies. He added that the volume, rather than number, is important.

In 2018 the trade turnover between Armenia and Georgia has certainly decreased compared to 2017. Avanesyan said the main reason of the decline was the decrease in trade turnover of mines. But the deputy minister stated that in January-April 2019, the trade turnover has already registered a double-digit growth. “This means that the interest is growing. There are some goods for trade and their growth potential exists”, he added.

Avag Avanesyan considered tourism as the main cooperation direction where Armenia and Georgia can act with a single tourism result. The new directions of cooperation are being discussed at the moment.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the recent free and fair parliamentary elections and transfer of power in Armenia

Hovhannisian John
Congressional Documents and Publications
June 20, 2019

UPDATE: H.Res.452 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the recent free and fair parliamentary elections and transfer of power in Armenia, reaffirming the critical importance of the United States-Armenia partnership, and for other purposes.

 U.S. CONGRESS – LEGISLATIVE UPDATE


LATEST ACTION: – Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

BILL TITLE: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the recent free and fair parliamentary elections and transfer of power in Armenia, reaffirming the critical importance of the United States-Armenia partnership, and for other purposes.

[NOTE: The contents of this legislative update are current as of 06:00 AM on .]

BILL NUMBER: 116th Congress: House Resolution 452 (H.Res.452)

CHAMBER OF ORIGIN: U.S. House of Representatives

CURRENT CHAMBER: U.S. House of Representatives

For DETAILED LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION on H.Res.452, visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/452

BILL TEXT: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/452/text

ACTIONS-TO-DATE (ordered by most recent first):

06/20/2019 — House — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

06/20/2019 — House — Introduced in House.

SPONSOR(S)*:

— Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]

CO-SPONSOR(S)*:

[*Note: Sponsors and co-sponsors are current as of . For the most up-to-date version of the sponsor and co-sponsor lists, visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/452/cosponsors ]

— Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

— Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]

— Rep. King, Peter T. [R-NY-2]

— Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]

COMMITTEES: House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Nikol Pashinyan meets with Armenian community representatives in St. Petersburg

Hovhannisian John

Nikol Pashinyan meets with Armenian community representatives in St. Petersburg

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20:54, 6 June, 2019

ST. PETERSBURG, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with the representatives of the Armenian community in St. Petersburg city of Russia. The correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports Ambassador of Armenia to Russia Vardan Toghanyan thanked the PM for accepting their invitation.

PM Pashinyan noted that it has become a good tradition to meet with the Armenian community representatives during his foreign visits.

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“Such meetings are very important. We hope that the Republic of Armenia, new Armenia, has great attraction and should become more attractive for the entire Armenian people. Each Armenian should be proud of Armenia irrespective of in which corner of the world he is, and the changes taking place in Armenia are directed at that goal. The pride should encourage them to eventually make their step and have their contribution to the development of the Motherland”, Pashinyan said.

The PM noted that stormy developments have taken place in Armenia during the last year, which have had their impact on the development of the economy.

“Stormy developments have taken place in Armenia during the last one year and during this process our confidence gradually rises that we have to be able and will be able to solve the key issues facing us. The key issue is making Armenia a competitive, influential, and reputable country on both regional and international levels. And we walk together in that direction”, Pashinyan said, presenting the positive economic tendencies of Armenia.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, making Armenia an innovative country is very important.

At the end of the speech, Pashinyan hoped that the representatives of the Armenian community will serve their talent to the strengthening of the Motherland.

“I love all of you and I am proud of the reputation you enjoy in the Russian Federation.  I am confident that your talent will serve to the future strengthening of the Motherland, and I ensure you there can be no obstacle on that way, because the Republic of Armenia is your country”, he said.

On June 6-7, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is in Saint Petersburg on a working visit to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum where he will deliver a speech. Within the framework of the visit, Prime Minister Pashinyan will meet with leaders of different countries, representatives of governments and heads of international organizations. Nikol Pashinyan will meet with the representatives of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg and will give a press conference.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




President Sarkissian, Chinese FM Wang Yi laud “millennia-old” cooperation history between two nations

Hovhannisian John

President Sarkissian, Chinese FM Wang Yi laud “millennia-old” cooperation history between two nations

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16:42,

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian held a meeting on May 26 with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, State Councilor Wang Yi.

Welcoming the delegation, President Sarkissian said the recent high-level official visits are contributing to enhancing the Armenian-Chinese relations that are based on friendship, mutual trust and respect, Sarkissian’s Office said in a readout.

“The friendship between our nations did not start with the 1992 establishment of diplomatic and inter-governmental relations, our nations have a history of friendly cooperation spanning through centuries and millennia,” the Armenian President told Yi, adding that the Armenians and Chinese were successfully cooperating back during the Silk Road era.

The Chinese FM emphasized that the Armenians have a great contribution in the history of human civilization.

“The great Silk Road united our two peoples centuries ago. The Armenian and Chinese people treat each other with mutual respect and regard, and our bilateral relations are developing resolutely,” Yi said. He also conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s greetings to the Armenian President.

During the meeting the parties also discussed the expansion of commercial ties, prospects of cooperation within the One Belt One Road initiative, as well as development of partnership in the new technology, education and science sectors.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Sports: Arsenal face prospect of having to leave Mkhitaryan at home for Baku final

Hovhannisian John
The Guardian, UK
Arsenal face prospect of having to leave Mkhitaryan at home for Baku final

• Anger that safety fears may cost Armenian in Europa League
• Gunners release statement about ‘extreme’ travel issues


 Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to miss out on the final in Baku due to ongoing political tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Photograph: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal are preparing for the prospect of leaving their Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan at home for the Europa League final in Baku on 29 May. There is significant anger within the camp that one of their players feels effectively forced to miss such a major match over safety issues.

Assurances over Mkhitaryan’s security were sought with Uefa last week, because of the ongoing political tensions between Azerbaijan and neighbouring Armenia, and talks are ongoing. Arsenal’s decision will be confirmed by early next week at the latest, but they are not optimistic about a positive resolution.

Both club and player are deeply disappointed. Although Mkhitaryan has not been a starter in Arsenal’s recent matches in the Europa League, over the course of the campaign he has played in 11 of the 14 games, and not one of his midfield team-mates have been on the pitch in the competition for more minutes than he has. Mkhitaryan has previously scored in a Europa League final for Manchester United, two years ago in Stockholm.

Paul Doyle

 

It is not considered realistic for Arsenal to pull out of the competition in protest, with so much at stake in terms of a trophy and qualification for the Champions League that is predicted to be worth approximately £60m in terms of their potential transfer budget. The more important point is that a club should not be in a position where they feel obliged to ponder pulling out of a final, and a player under Uefa’s jurisdiction should not feel pushed to miss one of its showpiece finals because of his nationality.

Mkhitaryan’s team-mates are upset they might have to travel without him. The rest of the squad, including injured players like Aaron Ramsey, Héctor Bellerín, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck, are all welcomed into the party to play the final against Chelsea.

This is not the only issue Arsenal have raised with Uefa over the final venue, as they released a statement about the “extreme” travel challenges that have made it so difficult for fans to attend. “We are bitterly disappointed by the fact that due to transport limitations Uefa can only make a maximum of 6,000 tickets available to Arsenal for a stadium with a capacity of well over 60,000,” it read. “Time will tell if it is even possible for 6,000 Arsenal fans to attend the match, given how extreme the travel challenges are.

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“We have 45,000 season ticket holders and for so many fans to miss out due to Uefa selecting a final venue with such limited transport provision is quite simply not right. We have received many complaints about this and we fully share their concerns.

“On behalf of our fans, we would like to understand the criteria by which venues are selected for finals, and also how supporter requirements are taken into account as part of this. Moving forward we would urge Uefa to ensure that supporter logistics and requirements are a key part of any future decisions for final venues as what has happened this season is unacceptable, and cannot be repeated. We would be happy to join any future discussions to avoid this situation happening again.”