Sports: Five Armenian athletes to take part in the World Ski Championships

Panorama, Armenia
Feb 7 2019
17:08 07/02/2019

Five athletes from Armenia are set to take part in the 52nd FIS Nordic World Ski Championships that will be held from 17 to 28 February in Seefeld, Austria.

As the National Olympic Committee reported, among Armenian athletes qualified for the tournament are Katya Galstyan, Michael Michaelyan and Tadevos Poghosyan. The names of the other tp participants will be announced after the Armenian championship underway in Ashotsk,

The championship programme comprises 15km, 30 km and 50km events, while sprinters are set to cover a distance of 10000-1400 meters.

President says Armenia has a chance of being part of virtual Silk Road

ARKA, Armenia
Feb 8 2019

YEREVAN, February 8. /ARKA/. In an interview with Austrian magazine Society Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said although Armenia is a small state but it is a global nation. He said as many Armenians live in Russia as there are living in Armenia itself, for example.

“In the 21st century, this is an advantage because the globe is getting smaller and life is getting faster,’ he said. In his words, the biggest companies in the world are not the oil or gas companies but rather IT companies like Apple and Google.

He said Armenia has a chance of being part of a so-called virtual silk road – a trade route of technologies and communications.

‘This Silk Road already exists as the global network of people connected to each other virtually and this is the field where you can expand your influence today. It can become the century of Armenia, if we are using our advantage of being a global and highly educated nation that is very well integrated in many societies. In addition, we are the only country of our region that has strong relations both with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union,’ he said.

He also said that Armenia has one of the best banking sections in the whole region and also the best IT section.-0-

18:40 08.02.2019

Sports: Gevorg Ghazaryan supports the limit on foreign players in Armenian league

MediaMax, Armenia
Jan 29 2019

Photo: Photolure

“I’d like to talk about something that has become an issue in Armenian football: the absence of a limit on foreign players. I know that many Armenian players agree with me on this. We touched on the subject many times, and we believe it is a serious problem,” Ghazaryan said in a Facebook post.

He stressed that the demand for Armenian players is decreasing in Armenian clubs, although they are supposed to be the future of football in the country.

“Good foreign players are important for any league, but there should be a limit so that Armenian footballers get the opportunity to show their quality and exchange experience,” he added.

Asbarez: Ankara Says No Yerevan Ties Without Karabakh Resolution

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mehmet Cavusoglu

Official Ankara, once again, said normalization of the Turkey-Armenia relations would be impossible without a resolution to the Karabakh conflict that is beneficial to Azerbaijan.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the announcement on Monday while speaking to students in Antalya about Turkey’s posturing on regional issues.

“It is necessary to be proactive to deal with some of the issues at hand. It isn’t just enough to protect only your interests. With the Karabakh conflict unresolved, neither stability in the Caucasus nor normalization of relations with Armenia is possible. We are going to be more consistent with those issues in 2019,” said Cavusoglu as reported by Ermenihaber.

In the conclusion of his remarks, Cavusoglu accused the Armenian lobby of “black propaganda.”

NCCU math professor has his own algebra and a whole lot of heart

Campus Echo: North Carolina Central University
Tuesday
NCCU math professor has his own algebra and a whole lot of heart
 
 
N.C. Central University has produced great individuals within its hallowed halls, but an office the third floor of Mary Townes is home to one who has been there since 1999: mathematics professor Hayk Melikyan.
 
“I come from the little country called Armenia,” Melikyan said.
 
Professor Melikyan said he was always fascinated with mathematics but it sparked his initial interest between fifth and sixth grade.
 
“I spent countless hours studying reading and math in college. I would take a little lunch and go to the library to study. It was huge library with a lot of books in there. I love learning ” Professor Melikyan said.
 
Melikyan expressed that he likes learning everything in detail, because he likes complete 100% understanding.
 
“I like learning everything in detail, I don’t know why that was my passion to know every single detail. I couldn’t go into an exam if I knew it was something I was missing,”
 
“I was one of the best students at the university because in the third year I already got the special award. Only 1% in the in the entire department can get it. The award was called the Lenin stipend for academic achievement,” Professor Melikyan said.
 
Melikyan said during his entire time at Armenian State Pedagogical University he never received a single B meaning he was a straight A student the entire time.
 
After graduating from the institution in 1975 with his master’s degree in, Melikyan continued his study at the V. Steklov Institute of Mathematics in Moscow, Moscow, USSA where he earned his Ph.D.
 
Professor Melikyan studied under his mentor Victor Kac as a part of his dissertation for his doctorate he had to complete a problem devised by his mentor.
 
“I wanted to do this, the first two other students already tried this problem, they couldn’t find out the problem,” Professor Melikyan said. ” But if it comes out to be new, you will be a very famous person.”
 
Melikyan said it was a lot of people who did not think his solution was right. He said he received a letter from a professor at MIT stating his solution was not new.
 
The solution Melikyan came up with was his new method of Algebra the ?Melikyan type?. Melikyan said it took him one whole year on the problem. A new object was the solution to the problem.
 
“In 1988 a terrible disaster happened in Armenia (an earthquake) more than 25,000 people died. The university I taught at was in the earthquake area,” Professor Melikyan said.
 
Professor moved to the states in 1998 and he obtained his master at The University of Wisconsin in 1999.
 
Hayk Melikyan has been a professor at N.C. Central University for 19 years.
 
Melikyan said the weather in North Carolina is nice, because it has a nice balance of seasons.
 
“Yes math is the same in every language. Mathematics is language. You do have to learn english to learn math,” Professor Melikyan said.
 
“Teaching is the other activity i’ve been doing over 40 years. Teaching is only the way to get people involved in what you do, teacher student interaction. To become a researcher you have to have a good brain for mathematics. It takes dedication and hard work to become an expert. You have to be an expert on your subject in order to effectively teach,” Professor Melikyan shared.
 
That dedication is what has made him memorable with students past and present.
 
“Dr. Melikyan is one of the most intelligent professors I know. His courses are all about logic. I’ve learned a lot about how to look at problems from a logical standpoint. He doesn’t need a slideshow or a textbook; he teaches straight from his brain. It’s almost as if math is the language of his brains. He is also genuinely funny and cares about student success.
 
“His teaching style is what I always expected college was gonna be like, and that is pretty much putting the learning process in the hands of the student. Had a question? Go to his office. Stuck on homework? Go to his officr. He is very hands off, way more than any other instructor I had at Central. It makes him unique
 
“If I see someone need the help I will try my best to help them. Some students have a special challenge in getting help right away. Most of the times in order to be positioned to help someone has to come to you for help. Close the gap to make the continuous small,” Professor Melikyan suggested.
 
Professor Melikyan said only a few students have been advanced on to study the Melikyan type?.
 
Story by Daija Graves with contributions by Kaylee Sciacca.

Travel: You can hit the slopes with these amazing locations

AbuDhabi World
Jan 16 2019
Posted on Wednesday January 16th, 2019

While the UAE is known for making the impossible possible, there are still some things that we don’t have the luxury of enjoying here, for example, skiing – and no, Ski Dubai doesn’t cut it.

The good news is that we’re only a plane ride away from some of the best winter destinations in the world, making a quick ski break feasible.

Here are some of the best nearby places to go on a skiing adventure at this time of year.

Regarded as the largest ski resort in the Middle East, this icy wonderland, located about an hour away from Beirut, features slopes ranging from 1,850 to 2,465 metres.

The various peaks mean that new and experienced skiers can find a run that fits their skill level.

The views are pretty cool, too: standing on Mzaar slope – the highest peak – you can catch a glimpse of Bekaa Valley, Mount Hermon and even the capital, Beirut.

Being a well-known ski destination since the 60s, Mzaar Kfardebian has increased its offers over the years for the hordes of tourists that visit during the months of December and April. So you can also enjoy cross-country trails, alpine skiing, snowboarding and night skiing.

Ski shows take place occasionally and there’s also a children’s ski park supervised by trained instructors to keep little ones safe.

To top it all off, the essential amenities are close at hand, including equipment hire, chalets and restaurants.

*Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Beirut from around AED 900.

A four-hour flight will take you to the largest ski resort in Central Asia, known for its sunny days, mild climate and decent amount of snow during winter.

Since its establishment in 1940, Shymbulak resort has welcomed skiers from around the world to enjoy the snow-covered rugged mountain range during the months of November and May. Shymbulak also hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games and has served as a training ground for Olympic athletes in the past.

Located in the beautiful gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau, the resort features three ski lifts with corresponding stations: Intersection, Prop and Talgar Pass, which at 3,200 metres above sea level is the highest point of the resort.

Despite being a popular destination, the area isn’t crammed with commercial establishments like some resorts.

For accommodation, Shymbulak Resort Hotel will keep you at the centre of the action, with a selection of rooms located 100 metres from the ski lifts.

With Shymbulak located only a 15-minute drive from Almaty – the largest city in the country – staying overnight in the city is another option, where you’ll be closer to more amenities as well as other tourist attractions in the area for when you want to explore.

*Air Astana flies from Abu Dhabi to Kazakhstan from around AED 1,100.

Georgia has become a favourite tourist destination for UAE residents because of its accessibility and affordability, plus it’s only a three-hour flight.

When it comes to skiing, the Gudauri ski resort – two hours’ drive from the capital, Tbilisi – is worth checking out during the months of December to April.

Rising 2,196 metres above sea level, this winter destination features slopes that spread over Mt Kudebi and Mt Sadzele, with varying degrees to suit beginners and experienced skiers alike.

As for the other activities, visitors can try downhill skiing, night skiing, cross-country trails and ski tours. What’s more, experienced skiers and snowboarders can try freeriding – a snowboarding activity on ungroomed terrain – accompanied by the resort’s guide.

Accommodation options include hotels, apartments and guesthouses, while restaurants serving local and international cuisine are readily available.

*Pegasus Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi from AED 1,400.

Located five hours from Abu Dhabi, this Balkan nation in southeast Europe is a magnet for ski fans, not just because of its snowy forest and terrain but other tourist attractions as well.

While there’s no shortage of ski resorts in the area, Kopaonik Mountain is considered the most popular and is also the largest, with 23 ski lifts, around 55km of trails to explore and areas suitable for cross-country skiing.

Beginners and intermediate skiers will love the adrenaline rush of navigating the snowy forest. There’s even a downhill route measuring 3.5km while night owls can indulge in evening skiing and snowboarding.

Nearby restaurants and bars offer après-ski entertainment, and there are plenty of accommodation options to chose from, including apartments and hotels.

*Pegasus Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi to Belgrade from AED 1,600.

Gorgeous even during the winter months, the quiet town of Tsaghkadzor houses a popular ski resort frequented by tourists during the months of December to April.

Nestled on the scenic slopes of Mt Tanegiz, the resort stands 1,750 metres above sea level, with the top skiing point offering splendid views of Lake Sevan and Mount Ararat.

Visitors can enjoy 12km of diverse ski tracks for skiing, snowboarding and snow mobile activities.

The location is only 40 minutes away from the capital, Yerevan, and the scenic drive offers splendid views of magnificent snow-covered sites such as old churches and chapels dating back to the 11th century.

Complementing the activities are the leisure facilities such as saunas, bars and restaurants serving Armenian dishes, coffee and beverages.

Accommodation options won’t be a problem either with a selection of hotels, apartments and guesthouses in the vicinity.

*Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Yerevan from AED 2,000.

*Airfares may vary and are subject to change depending on date and period of booking.

WORDS Ferdinand Godinez

Armenian military products will be presented at the IDEX 2019 in the UAE

Arminfo, Armenia
Jan 9 2019
Naira Badalian

ArmInfo.Acting Minister of Defense of Armenia David Tonoyan on January 9 received the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Armenia, Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al  Qasimi. During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of  cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense. As  reported by the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry,  speaking about the prospects for the development of bilateral  military cooperation, David Tonoyan stressed the importance of  establishing cooperation on a planned and contractual basis.

Ambassador conveyed to the Acting Defense Minister invitation from  Secretary of Defense, Emir of Dubai, Prime Minister and Vice  President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum   to participate in the IDEX 2019 (International Defense Conference &  Exhibition), which will be held on February 17-21. Having accepted  the invitation, David Tonoyan said that in addition to the  participation of the delegation headed by the Armenian Defense  Minister, the military industry enterprises of Armenia will present  their products at the exhibition, and the guard of honor and the  military orchestra of the Ministry of Defense will take part in the  ceremonies. 

Stepantsminda-Lars highway closed for all types of vehicles

Stepantsminda-Lars highway closed for all types of vehicles

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20:29, 28 December, 2018

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS.  According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations  of Armenia on December 28 by 19:00 some roads in Armenia are difficult to pass, reports ARMENPRESS.

Vardenyats Pass is closed.

Sotk-Karvachar roadway is difficult to pass.

Black ice is formed on Alagyaz-Artik, Aparan-Aragats, Aparan-Kuchak, Lanjik-Mastara, Gyumri-Vardablur-Ashotsk roadways and Keti turns.

It is recommended to all drivers to drive to provinces exceptionally on winter tires.

According to the information received from the Agency of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia Stepantsminda-Larsi highway is closed for all types of vehicles.

According to the information received from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Republic of North Ossetia, there are accumulated cars on the Russian part. 

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Think Things Are Bad Now? They Were Lots Worse in 1919

Rasmussen Reports
Jan 4 2018


A Commentary By Michael Barone
in Political Commentary

Friday,

The hundredth anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting of World War I in Europe came and went with surprisingly little notice last Nov. 11. Commemoration was muted for a conflict that took the lives of some 15 to 19 million soldiers and civilians — estimates vary widely — including, in just 19 months, more than 116,000 Americans.

Those were shocking numbers for a nation whose territory was untouched by enemies and whose population had just topped 100 million. The toll in blood helps explain why Western European leaders appeased Hitler in the 1930s and why overwhelming majorities of Americans were, until Pearl Harbor, opposed to entering a war — in the World War I phrase — “over there.”

That’s a standard view, but it glosses over a lot of history — messy history that helps explain the responses to this war and puts some of our present tergiversations into useful perspective.

For the Armistice of November 1918 only ended the conflict in Western Europe, the scene of familiar trench warfare for most of the preceding four years. It did not end intensive fighting and domestic disorder elsewhere.

The sense of disorder was compounded by the influenza pandemic that may have started in troop-staging camps in 1917 and that swept the world through 1920, killing 675,000 in the United States in one year and 50 to 100 million worldwide. Fatalities peaked in October 1918 and were especially high among young adults. Last week saw the tragic death of Bre Payton, a 26-year-old writer for The Federalist, from flu-like symptoms. Multiply the tragic impact by hundreds and thousands to gauge the impact on people a century ago.

Full-scale fighting continued in Russia. American troops from Michigan were fighting in the far northern European Russia, while Czech volunteers and Japanese troops were patrolling the Trans-Siberian Railroad in Asia. They were aiding the White Russian troops who were fighting against the communists who had tenuously established themselves and their Red Army, led by the ferocious Leon Trotsky, in Petrograd. Despite the urgings of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and thanks to the fecklessness of President Woodrow Wilson, the Allied troops were withdrawn, and the Reds slaughtered the Whites.

Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire continued its persecution — often considered a genocide — of Armenians. A U.S. government commission actually recommended creation of an independent Armenia governed by the U.S., a request Congress denied. Turkey angrily rejected the Allies’ Sevres treaty. It conquered the Armenians and in 1922-23 violently expelled hundreds of thousands of ethnic Greeks.

Other postwar treaties caused lingering problems. Germans’ discontent with the Treaty of Versailles fueled Hitler’s rise. Harsh treatment of Hungary in the Trianon Treaty is still a grievance in Budapest today.

The war strained all the major economies and was followed by economic disasters — terrifying deflation and what author James Grant calls a “forgotten depression” in the United States, with enormous wage cuts, layoffs, deflation and inflation. Government did little in response, partly because President Wilson suffered a disabling stroke in September 1919. Despite, or perhaps because of, this, the economy rebounded sharply in 1921 and thrived for eight years.

One of the hard things about writing history is understanding how things looked to people who didn’t know what would happen next. Fear of violent revolution was rife in 1918 and 1919. Communist coups were attempted in Berlin, Munich and Budapest. Revolutionaries exploded deadly bombs on Wall Street and in front of the U.S. attorney general’s house. Seattle suffered a general strike.

The response, mass arrests of radicals, has been ridiculed as a hysterical Red Scare. But people then didn’t know that what was happening in Russia — the installation of a communist regime that over 70 years killed tens of millions — wouldn’t happen elsewhere.

On New Year’s Day, Walter Russell Mead of the Wall Street Journal described 2018’s “biggest loser” as “the post-Cold War system that the U.S. and its closest allies hoped would shape global politics,” which “buckled further” under “growing headwinds.”

The centennial of years just after World War I should remind us that the West has faced far more furious headwinds, with far less in the way of guideposts and guardrails. American political parties then struggled to fashion responses, with the Democratic Party suffering as devastating a repudiation in the swirling postwar year of 1920 as the Republican Party would in the agonizing Depression year of 1932. Yet both parties managed to recover and become competitive again in good time.

As 2019 begins, it’s tempting to regard current troubles as overwhelming and unprecedented. But America and its friends faced far more daunting challenges as 1919 began, one hundred years ago.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

Chaarat gets Kapan regulatory ticks

www.mining-journal.com
Jan 2 2019


Chaarat gets Kapan regulatory ticks 

                                      

Chaarat Gold Holdings (LSE:CGH) has received shareholder approval and anti-monopoly clearance for its for US$55 million acquisition of Polymetal’s (LSE:POLY) Kapan project in Armenia, with the transaction expected to close by the end of January.
The acquisition was approved by Chaarat shareholders at a December 31 general meeting and Armenia’s State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition also gave its approval prior to the meeting.
 
Chaarat said it was in discussions with Polymetal and its funding banks to extend the closing date of the acqusition to January 31 from January 15 due to upcoming public holidays in Armenia and Russia.
 
“Chaarat continues to work with Polymetal on key transitional details and is making significant progress in filling senior operational roles at the Kapan mine, identifying operational improvements and developing a detailed first 100-day plan,” it said.
 
The company’s shares started the year at 27.04p (US34.4c) Wednesday, down  0.57% from the previous close.