13:43,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has met with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić-Radman on January 19 in Zagreb.
A joint press conference will take place afterwards, foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan said on social media.
FRANKLIN, Mass.—2023 was an exciting year at AYF Camp Haiastan! With the completion, launch and celebration of the renovated Under The Trees and Cabin Circle, the Camp was opened for three two-week overnight sessions, one single-week overnight session and two weeks of Day Camp. All of this followed the return of the loved and dearly missed Camp Haiastan picnic!
In October, the Camp Board of Directors (BOD) held its annual corporation meeting on the campgrounds in Franklin, MA to begin planning for 2024.
During that meeting, the Camp BOD said goodbye to its chairperson, Hratch Najarian of Washington D.C. Najarian served on the BOD for six years and as chairperson for three of those years. Throughout his tenure, he played an integral role as both member and chair, guiding the Camp through the challenging COVID-19 years as well as the implementation of several major projects that have set up Camp to grow and thrive for many years to come.
Tsoler Avedissian also reached the end of her term, leaving a second seat available on the Board for 2024. To fill these positions, the corporation elected Karine Shamlian (PA) and Ani Megerdichian Arakelian (RI).
“Thank you to both Hratch and Tsoler for their years of service as members of the Camp Haiastan Board of Directors. They helped contribute to Camp Haiastan’s success, positively impacting Armenian youth during their tenure. I am excited to welcome Karine and Ani to our Board as they bring their respective expertise and knowledge to further enhance the vision of Camp. Camp Haiastan has enriched many generations of young Armenians from around the world, and that is no small feat. We look forward to providing an unparalleled Armenian summer camp experience for generations to come,” stated Sarine Adishian, chair of the Camp Haiastan Board of Directors.
Karine Shamlian
Karine Shamlian, incoming Board Member
The corporation elected Karine Shamlian from Pennsylvania. A former camper, Shamlian is very active in the Armenian community of Philadelphia. She serves on the board of the local ANCA and is currently president of the ARS Philadelphia “Ani” Chapter. Both of her children are third generation campers, her oldest serving on staff in recent years, and her husband Michael, whom she met at camp, is an active member of the Camp’s infrastructure committee. Shamlian brings to the Board years of professional experience as a program manager and marketer for the federal government and private sector. She currently works as a senior marketing manager for an energy services company in Pennsylvania.
Ani Megerdichian Arakelian, incoming Board Member
Ani Megerdichian Arakelian
The corporation elected Ani Megerdichian Arakelian, former camper, former counselor and medical volunteer. She works as a surgical physician associate in Rhode Island and is excited to bring her medical expertise to enhance the care of our campers and staff. Arakelian is an active member of the local Rhode Island Armenian community where she serves as the AYF advisor to the Providence Senior “Varantian” Chapter. She is looking forward to continuing her family’s camp legacy by sending her two children to camp in the coming years.
Sarine Adishian (NJ) and Phil Nigon (PA) were re-elected to the BOD Executive Committee. Adishian will serve as chair, while Nigon will continue his role as treasurer. Nevart Mikaelian will serve as secretary.
The Camp committees remain unchanged – Infrastructure, Marketing, Education, Investment, Technology, Recruitment and Development. For those interested in joining these committees or volunteering at the Camp, please contact Executive Director Kenar Charchaflian via email: [email protected].
The Camp recently announced dates and rates for the 2024 season. Session 3 will continue to be offered as a one-week only option. Considering the success of our second week of Day Camp last year, we’ll be offering this option again for 2024.
Two Week Options – $1,895
Teen Session: June 23 – July 6
Session 1: July 7 – July 20
Session 2: July 21 – August 3
One-Week Option – $795
Session 3: August 4 – August 11
Day Camp – $595
Day Camp Week 1: June 24 – June 28
Day Camp Week 2*: August 5 – August 9
*A $100 discount will be given to campers enrolled in both weeks of Day Camp.
Camper Registration will go live on Monday, January 22 at 5 p.m. ET. Make sure to follow us on social media and ensure that you are part of our mailing list.
Summer staffing is high on the Camp’s priority list this winter. The Camp is calling on young adults, 17 and over, to serve their community and embark on a summer that will provide growth, independence and valuable working experience. Staff applications are currently open, with a handful of new positions available.
“I am excited to offer more opportunities for professional development to our young adults in hopes that they continue their camping experience for more summers here in Franklin,” voiced Charchaflian.
Make sure to complete your application today!
The upcoming camping season is an exciting one! In addition to the new facilities and new staffing opportunities, the Camp is building on the new programs that were introduced in 2023 – we’re planning to continue to enhance the camper experience and help campers make memories and lifelong friends. Come be a part of it at the greatest place on Earth!
19:37,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenia announced the peace agenda not in the logic of Azerbaijan, but within the framework of its own logic, of course, with the understanding that peace is not a one-sided process.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, stated this during today’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly while addressing the question raised by the opposition MP Kristine Vardanyan.
"We have not given up on the peace agenda, we are not giving up and we will not give up. This is a very important fact, because this is our political vision, and we will continue, because we did not announce the peace agenda in accordance with the logic of Azerbaijan, we announced the peace agenda in accordance with our logic, of course, with the understanding that peace is this not a one-sided process,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister added that if, for example, Azerbaijan retreats from the peace agenda and it does not imply that the Armenian side should also retreat from it.
On the contrary, perhaps we need to emphasize more, substantiate more deeply and argue more," the Prime Minister said.
In a tragic turn of events, a senior lieutenant of the Armenian military, named Mikael S. Danielyan, was found dead from a gunshot wound at a combat position of a Ministry of Defense unit. The incident, which unfolded around 11:30 on January 9, has left the nation in a state of shock and mourning.
An immediate investigation has been initiated by the authorities to ascertain the intricate details surrounding the shooting. The probe aims to clarify whether the shooting was accidental, self-inflicted, or a result of other causes. The investigation’s progress will be crucial in shedding light on the circumstances that led to the untimely death of Senior Lieutenant Danielyan.
The Ministry of Defense has expressed profound sorrow at the loss of one of their servicemen. The ministry extended its condolences and offered support to the bereaved family and friends of Danielyan. The loss of a serviceman under such circumstances has left the military community in Armenia in profound grief.
In a similar incident, another on-duty serviceman of the Armenian Armed Forces, Senior Lieutenant Karen A. Karapetyan, was found shot dead at his designated outpost. An enlisted serviceman was arrested on suspicion of killing Senior Lieutenant Karapetyan, adding another layer of mystery and concern over the safety of military personnel in their combat positions.
11:43, 3 January 2024
YEREVAN, JANUARY 3, ARMENPRESS. Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appealed a ruling by Maine’s secretary of state barring him from the state’s primary ballot over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Associated Press reports.
Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, appealed the Maine decision by Democrat Shenna Bellows, who became the first secretary of state in history to bar someone from running for the presidency under the rarely used Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. That provision prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
The former president is expected to soon appeal a similar ban by the Colorado Supreme Court. That appeal would go to the U.S. Supreme Court, while Bellows’ action is being appealed to a Maine Superior Court.
Trump’s appeal on Tuesday asks that Bellows be required to place him on the March 5 primary ballot. The appeal argues that she abused her discretion and relied on “untrustworthy evidence.”
20:08, 5 January 2024
YEREVAN, JANUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Lebanon has filed an official complaint with the UN Security Council against the Israeli occupation regarding the attack on the southern suburb of the capital, Beirut, according to Al Qahera News Channel.
The complaint accuses Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty and international law. It also calls for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
Armenian News Calendar of events
(All times local to events)
What: “Exploring Legacy: The Story of Iraqi Homenetmen Scouts”
Event dedicated to celebrating the rich history and achievements of the Iraqi
Homenetmen Armenian Scouts
When: Sunday January 21, 2024 at 4:30pm
Where: St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Cathedral’s Hall
1510 E Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91207
Misc: Under Sponsorship of Homenetmen Western USA Region, the Iraqi Armenians Cultural
Committee – California invite you to take part of this wonderful event that will
highlight the history and contribution of the Iraqi Homenetmen Scouts to the community's
cultural heritage and preservation of the Armenian identity. The event will include an
exhibition of historical photographs, a Power Point Presentation of inspiring scouts’
members stories, in addition to group Armenian dance performances and poetry.
We invite the greater community to attend this free event.
Tel: 818-244-9639
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What: "CULTURAL GENOCIDE, The History and the Future of Armenian Heritage Sites in Artsakh"
A lecture in Armenian presented by architect Dr. Marco Brambilla
When: Thursday January 25, 2024 at 7:30pm
Where: Crescenta Valley Meher & Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center Hall
2633 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
Misc: This presentation addresses the reality of the future of Armenian historical
monuments in Nagorno Gharabagh / Artsakh after the Azerbaijani take-over. There are
over 1500 registered historical, Armenian, heritage sites in this area, dating back
from early Christianity to date. After the Armenia- Azerbaijan wars, these monuments
are being systematically destroyed by the Azeris.
We invite the greater community to attend this free presentation.
Tel: 818-244-9639
Armenian News's calendar of events is collected and updated mostly from
announcements posted on this list, and submissions to [email protected].
To submit, send to Armenian [email protected], and please note the following
important points:
© Copyright 2024, Armenian News Network / Armenian News, all rights reserved.
Los Angeles, CA / USA
Adding another chapter to the book of international military cooperation, Command Sergeant Major Robert Abernethy of the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) has recently paid a visit to Armenia. The primary objective of this visit was to lend a hand in the establishment and fortification of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) objectives and policies for the Armenian military’s enlisted forces.
The focus of this collaboration is the enhancement of the professional growth and capabilities of the Armenian military’s NCOs. These individuals form the backbone of the armed forces, their development, and proficiency directly impacting the overall effectiveness and stability of the military. By aiding in the creation and implementation of robust NCO objectives and policies, the U.S. is assisting Armenia in strengthening this critical aspect of its defense apparatus.
This visit by a high-ranking U.S. military official is not a standalone event but a part of the ongoing support and partnership between the United States and Armenia in the realm of defense and military training. It is an assertion of the commitment of the U.S. towards aiding Armenia in bolstering its defense capabilities, particularly at the enlisted level. This level is often seen as the cornerstone for military readiness and leadership, and its fortification can lead to a significant increase in the overall defense capability of a nation.
Command Sergeant Major Robert Abernethy’s visit is a manifestation of the U.S.’s larger aim: to strengthen partnerships for a stronger future. The visit underpins the belief that the development of a robust, efficient, and well-trained military is not just beneficial for Armenia but contributes to regional and global stability. Through such collaborations, nations can work together to ensure a safer, more secure world for all.
The President of the International SAMBO Federation, Vasily Shestakov, summed up the 2023 and talked about the New Year in his speech.
"In 2023, 4 continental championships were held. Perhaps their most important feature was the inclusion of a new discipline in the programme – Women's Combat SAMBO. And within the framework of the Asian and Oceania Championships, the opening championships for the blind and visually impaired were held for the first time," Shestakov said.
Most importantly, two World Cup events were added to the calendar, as well as a new tournament in Armenia. "A new international SAMBO tournament was held under the auspices of the President of the Olympic Committee of Armenia Gagik Tsarukyan, which was remembered by the athletes not only for its brilliant fights but also for its substantial prize fund. I hope that this tournament will become an annual event."
Armenia also hosted the 2023 SAMBO World Championships, and Shestakov is confident that it was a great event for all participants. "The World Beach SAMBO Championships took place in the city of Juan Dolio (Dominican Republic), the World Youth and Junior Championships took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, and the World Championships took place in Yerevan, Armenia.
The main tournament of the FIAS calendar was a great event for all participants and spectators. By organising such a large and colourful event, the Armenian SAMBO Federation has set a new, higher bar for the conduct and organisation of competitions," said the FIAS President.
The inclusion of SAMBO in the programme of the World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 20-21 October can also be considered as one of the major achievements of the past year. Competitions were held in Sport SAMBO and Combat SAMBO for both men and women, as well as in SAMBO for the blind and visually impaired.
As for 2024, Shestakov is confident that it will be a busy and truly exciting year for all SAMBO fans. "Next year, all SAMBO fans will be able to see our sport as a demonstration sport in the programme of the XIII African Games, which will be held in Accra, Ghana. Another important event for all of us will be the participation of SAMBO in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand. The decision taken this year to return SAMBO to the big stage of the World Games, which will be held in Chengdu, China, in 2025, can also be considered a great achievement," he concluded.
https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1143103/armenia-set-a-new-bar-for-organisation
Amid the complex geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus, a recent telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Türkiye and Russia has underscored the urgency of advancing peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Hakan Fidan of Türkiye and Sergey Lavrov of Russia exchanged views on the critical matter, with Türkiye’s stance on hastening a peace agreement reflecting its strong alliance with Azerbaijan and its strategic ties with Moscow.
As the two nations with a tumultuous history over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region navigate towards reconciliation, notable progress includes a prisoner exchange and a collaborative intent to normalize relations and reach a definitive peace deal. However, the journey to peace faced a hiccup when Azerbaijani forces moved into Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, resulting in a swift capitulation by Armenian separatist forces after a single day of conflict, followed by their acquiescence to reintegrate with Azerbaijan.
(Read Also: Turkic Council’s Congratulatory Message to President Aliyev Amid Strong Azerbaijan-Türkiye Economic Ties)
Further complicating the regional dynamics is the acknowledgement by Russia of difficulties in fulfilling its arms supply commitments to Armenia, even as it remains hopeful for Armenia’s continued alliance despite these issues. At the same time, Russia is actively working towards facilitating a peace treaty between the two nations, a move that mirrors the U.S. commitment to support direct negotiations.
The release of 32 Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan adds a layer of positivity to the negotiations, and a meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers is slated to take place in the U.S. in January, potentially marking a significant step towards the normalization of relations. Amidst these developments, it’s important to note the legal aspect concerning the use of cookies for advertising and marketing purposes on the website, as well as the measures taken to protect personal data in accordance with Türkiye’s legislation.