Kinds of permissible activity on Free Economic Zones working in Armenia to be established by legislative initiative

 16:25,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. As a result of the package of draft laws, it will become possible to solve the issues of the privileges established for the Free Economic Zones (FEZ) operators working in the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the localization works of the 5th measure Harmful Tax Practices of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Program connected with the ‘harmful’ tax regimes, the Acting Deputy Minister of Economy Narek Teryan said.

At February 27 Armenian National Assembly sitting , the package of draft laws on Amending the RA Tax Code and on Amending the Law on Free Economic Zones authored by the Government, was debated in the first reading, he press service of the Armenian National Assembly said.

According to the key rapporteur Narek Teryan, it is designed to set the kinds of permissible activity on the FEZ territory, which were chosen, taking as a basis the priorities of the Armenian Government economic policy, promoting the development of a number of spheres: processing industry, agriculture, sector of information technologies, tourism.

It is proposed by the draft that besides the kinds of the activity of processing industry and software elaboration activity, the spheres as the priorities of the economic policy of the Government will be included. In particular, from the service sphere the kinds of the activity aimed at the development of tourism were included, for example, the organization of hotel services, accommodation and catering. A guidebook will be established for the assessment of the FEZ operators’ business programs.




Assembly Hosts Special Event in West Palm Beach, Florida

Washington, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) hosted a special weekend event for regional advocates, Members, and supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, February 3, which included a community advocacy update and evening gala featuring renowned performer Kev Orkian.

Performer Kev Orkian


The community briefing provided updates from Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, who recently returned from holding a round of meetings in Jerusalem, and Co-Chair Van Krikorian, who recently returned from Armenia. Members and regional advocates also heard from Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, who updated guests about current program objectives.  


Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan spoke of the upcoming Advocacy Summit on April 16 and 17, as well as recent developments on Capitol Hill and efforts by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, while Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian gave an update on West Coast advocacy.


The community briefing also included discussion about the Assembly's program expansion, including the purchase and renovation of a new National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The new space will undergo renovation beginning this Spring with completion slated for the Fall. The Assembly looks forward to inviting the community to the nation's capital to celebrate the grand opening.

His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan


During the evening's gala at the Hilton West Palm Beach, where Executive Director Bryan Ardouny served as the Master of Ceremonies, Board Member Lu Ann Ohanian extended the Assembly's gratitude to the weekend's sponsors and donors, the West Palm Beach Committee Members, as well as Armenian Assembly intern alumni and families who were in attendance.


His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, delivered the invocation. He also remembered Assembly founders Dr. Richard Hovanissian and Dr. Dennis Papazian, Assembly Trustee Members Ardis Bogosian, Nevart Talanian, and Peter Onanian (also former Board Member), and the Assembly's Regional Director in Armenia Arpi Vartanian, who passed in 2023.


In addition to Bishop Mesrop's remembrance, a special tribute was played by Kev Orkian for Vartanian, whose work for the Assembly and the Armenian people spanned decades. 


Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian discussed activities and initiatives of the Assembly, and welcomed London-based Executive Producer of the Armenia Uncovered documentary and Board Member of the Tufenkian Foundation, Raffi Tanielian, who spoke about his involvement with the Assembly and its noteworthy accomplishments over the years, and introduced Kev Orkian.



Orkian, a classically trained pianist, composer, and host of the Armenia Uncovered documentary, performed for guests, and in between his sets, wove in insightful discussion about Artsakh refugees and played a tribute piece he composed during the 2020 war.

The program concluded with remarks from Assembly President Carolyn Mugar and Assembly Co-Chair Van Krikorian.


"The Assembly's events in West Palm Beach, Florida, served as a wonderful opportunity to brief the community on our advocacy efforts, and gather with the important goal of expanding our reach for the betterment of the Armenian people," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.


"The Assembly sincerely thanks the West Palm Beach Committee Co-Chairs and Members, as well as all our generous sponsors for making this special weekend possible and to all of our attendees for joining us," Ardouny added.

The Assembly thanks the West Palm Beach Committee Members, sponsors, and supporters:


Committee Co-Chairs: 

 

Lu Ann Ohanian 

Deanna Stepanian 

D. Robert Stepanian 

 

Committee: 

 

Michael Aram 

Lucine Kaprielian 

Gail Talanian O'Reilly 

Oscar Tatosian 

Peter and Irene Vosbikian 

Presenting Sponsors:

Carolyn Mugar

M.Bruce and Lu Ann Ohanian

Peter and Irene Vosbikian


Platinum Sponsors:


Edward and Susan Atamian

The Dersahaghian Family Foundation

Michel Bezjian and Richard Bezjian

Karnig and Karen Durgarian

Raffi and Nina Festekjian

David and Margaret Mgrublian

Elaine Mosesian

David and Myrna Onanian

Richard and Gail Talanian O'Reilly

Oscar Tatosian

Pontish Yeramyan

Gold Sponsors:

Michael Aram and Aret Tikiryan

Anthony and Nancy Barsamian

Walter and June Hatfield

Peter and Marilyn Sarkesian, The Ajemian Foundation

Deanna Stepanian and D. Robert Stepanian


Additional Gifts in Support of the Assembly:


Jirair & Aline Christianian

Edward and Nancy Eskandarian

Anaide Markarian-Govaert

Sam and Lucine Kapreilian

Raffi and Alice Tanielian

Dr. Thomas Varbedian


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# 2024-04



Armenia and Azerbaijan: A Dance of Diplomacy and Discord

feb 22 2024

In the heart of a bustling Paris, a stage was set not for the romance of its streets but for the unfolding drama of international diplomacy. The protagonists, Edmon Marukyan, Armenia's Ambassador-at-Large, and the ever-contentious neighbor Azerbaijan, found themselves locked in a narrative that treads the thin line between peace and provocation. At a press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a critical dialogue emerged, spotlighted by none other than French President Emmanuel Macron.

Amid the historic backdrop of Paris, Marukyan voiced a potent critique against Azerbaijan's reaction to Macron's overtures of peace. It was not merely a question of diplomatic etiquette but a profound inquiry into the sincerity of Azerbaijan's peace commitments. Marukyan underscored the irony in Azerbaijan condemning peace-oriented statements while simultaneously engaging in military exercises and hurling accusations of ethnic cleansing and territorial occupation at Armenia. This, he argued, painted a stark contrast between proclaimed peace endeavors and actual military actions.

The narrative takes a deeper dive as we explore the underlying contradictions. While Azerbaijan faces criticism for its military posturing, the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis painted a different picture, highlighting the positive strides in peace negotiations and border delimitation talks. The discourse pointed towards efforts at long-term peace and stability in the region, underscored by large-scale rehabilitation and reconstruction work in liberated territories. The bilateral meeting between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia was projected as a significant step toward mending fences, with a focus on establishing relations based on international law norms and principles for enduring stability.

In the face of accusations and military maneuvers, Armenia's stance, as articulated by Marukyan, centered on the defense of its territorial integrity. The country's military cooperations were framed not as acts of aggression but as necessary measures to safeguard against external threats. This perspective sheds light on the complex dynamics of international relations, where actions are often interpreted through the prism of national security and sovereignty.

The dance of diplomacy and discord between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Paris as its latest arena, encapsulates the challenges of achieving peace in a landscape marked by historical grievances and contemporary geopolitical tensions. As each side navigates the fine line between defending its interests and striving for a peaceful resolution, the international community watches closely, hoping for a future where dialogue triumphs over discord.

Andreas Brehme: Germany World Cup winner dies aged 63

 15:05,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Former Germany defender Andreas Brehme, who scored the winning goal in the 1990 FIFA World Cup final, has died aged 63, the BBC reports. 

Brehme converted a late penalty in the final of the 1990 tournament to secure victory against Argentina in Rome.

He earned 86 caps, including eight goals, for his country and won league titles while at Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

"FC Bayern is deeply shocked by the sudden death of Andreas Brehme," said the German club.

"We will always keep Andreas Brehme in our hearts – as a world champion and even more so as a very special person.

"He will always be part of the FC Bayern family. Rest in peace, dear Andi."

Brehme played for Kaiserslautern from 1981-86 and 1993-98.

He won the Bundesliga title in 1998 and German Cup in 1996 during his time at the club, with whom he also had a spell as manager from 2000-02.

"The FCK mourns the loss of Andreas Brehme," said a Kaiserslautern statement.

"He wore the Red Devils jersey for a total of 10 years and became German champion and cup winner with FCK.

"In 1990, he shot the German national team to the World Cup title with his penalty and finally became a football legend."

Germany were managed by Franz Beckenbauer, who died aged 78 in January, at the 1990 World Cup.

Brehme also scored when his country beat England on penalties in the tournament's semi-finals.

Pashinyan Says Armenia, Azerbaijan Agree To Remain Faithful To Agreements

Feb 20 2024

By PanARMENIAN

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have agreed that the sides will remain faithful to agreements they have reached.

Pashinyan made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Munich and neighboring regions.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister weighed in on the results of the meetings and discussions held within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, as well as the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan with the participation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Pashinyan answered a number of questions, which were related to the challenges facing Armenia, the steps to overcome them and other topics.

Pashinyan’s three-day working visit to Munich has ended.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/20022024-pashinyan-says-armenia-azerbaijan-agree-to-remain-faithful-to-agreements/

At St. Vartan Cathedral, a Day of Youthful Energy, Outreach, and Kindness

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian

Tel: (212) 686-0710

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.armenianchurch.us

 

___________________


ATTENTION EDITOR: Four photos attached, with captions below. Download additional photos here (credit Diran Jebejian, Jebejian Images):

https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/Childrens-Day-at-St-Vartan-Cathedral-Feb-3-2024

 

 

HEADLINE:

At St. Vartan Cathedral, a Day of Youthful Energy, Outreach, and Kindness

 

New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral rang with the excited voices of children, and was filled with their youthful spirit of compassion, during a special event on Saturday, February 3.

 

Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral” was conceived as a way to bring young Armenian faithful together in a meaningful cause, to honor the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

 

The heartwarming result saw 115 children from throughout the New York Metro region—ranging from the 3rd to 8th grades—converge on the Diocesan cathedral to pray alongside their Bishop, make new friendships, and lend their eager hands to a special community service project.

 

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan presided over the occasion, and expressed his delight in seeing the cathedral sanctuary filled with young faces. Addressing them during the opening prayer service, he praised the children for their outreach to others in the community, and urged them to stay close to the church, and embrace their Armenian Christian identity.

 

“The sight of our cathedral, the very heart of our Diocese, pulsating with the energy, laughter, and joy of so many young attendees, is nothing short of inspirational,” said Bishop Mesrop. “Your enthusiastic dedication to serving others is a living testament to the teachings of Christ on love and service.”

 

 

* Outreach Packed with Kindness

 

After the service, the children went to the Diocesan Center’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, where they had lunch and undertook their charitable service project.

 

Working in association with the Sant’Egidio charitable community—which runs a weekly soup kitchen out of the St. Vartan Cathedral Complex—the children joined together to fill 200 bags with meals for the poor and houseless in the area. Each bag contained a ham and cheese sandwich, mustard packet, water bottle, banana, apple sauce, Purell handwipes, bag of cookies, hot beverage cup with a lid and the elements to make tea, a Nestle’s Crunch bar, and a toothbrush with toothpaste.

 

To cap off their effort, the children put a sticker on each bag that read: “Made and Packed with Kindness.” Using markers, they decorated the bags with their personal messages of support and hope. For their efforts, each child was awarded a community service certificate.

 

The Sant’Egidio Community—which reaches out to around 150 needy individuals in the area of Manhattan surrounding the cathedral—was overjoyed with the result, expressing in a thank-you message how touched and impressed they were by the care that the children had put into the assembly of every bag. They thanked the Diocese for its trusted partnership over the years, and noted how important it is to teach young souls to value volunteerism, outreach to the local community, and Christian service.

 

 

* The Importance of Giving Back

 

While they were enjoying lunch and working on the project, the children listened to a motivational talk by Chris Sarafian, the chief operating officer of New Jersey’s Hovnanian School. He engaged the children in a friendly, informal style, encouraging their spirit of charity and compassion.

 

I was extremely impressed with the students' enthusiasm and empathy toward helping feed the less fortunate,” Mr. Sarafian explained. “In my talk, I moved among the tables reading the students’ inspirational notes, often quoting the messages they had written on the meal bags. The words were motivating and inspired hope for the recipients.”

 

“In talking with the children, I touched on the importance of volunteering, and displaying acts of kindness toward others—not only people we know, but those we don’t know, as well,” he added. “I also tried to instill the importance of giving back to the church by serving on the altar or in the choir. I truly believe that Bishop Mesrop’s sermon energized and inspired the children to become enthusiastic about giving back and engaging in acts of kindness.”

 

The Children’s Day organizing committee included Yn. Hasmik Ajamian, Maral Beylerian, Talia Jebejian Bouldoukian, Melanie Bourghol, Souzi Kasaryan, Nazig Kirokian, Noushig Ohanian, Lori Saganda, and Yn. Alla Terzyan.

 

Maria and Bryan Stepanian, the enthusiastic and creative chairs of the Diocese’s 125th Anniversary Committee, took a special active interest in the Children’s Day committee—an event that played a key role in their conception of the year-long celebration and its connection to the year’s “125 Acts of Kindness” initiative. As a result, plans are underway to make Children’s Day an ongoing annual event at St. Vartan Cathedral.

 

“The enthusiasm on February 3 from both parents and children was palpable,” said Children’s Day committee leader Talia Jebejian Bouldoukian. “That was a testament to our organizing committee—which was cohesive, dedicated and hard-working. From our very first meeting, everyone was excited about the Children’s Day idea, and especially about the meal bags project. And they kept that enthusiasm going all the way until we were cleaning up in the kitchen and talking about doing this again next year.”

 

She went on: “We had representation on the committee from the Hovnanian School, Kirikian Saturday School, Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, and St. Leon Sunday School: a wonderful show of unity among our community.”

 

The event was also generously supported by the local community, including monetary contributions and donations of food and supplies by Toufayan Bakeries; Dr. Natalie Capan and Dr. Nayat Hacikian; ShopRite (Fair Lawn), Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods (Edgewater) markets; and several anonymous donors.

 

Afterwards, Bishop Mesrop summed up the hopeful spirit of the occasion with these words: “This extraordinary day stands out as a beacon of hope and goodness, reminding us all of the incredible things that can be achieved when we unite in faith and love. It was a true embodiment of the spirit we aspire to cultivate within our Diocesan community, especially as we commemorate the 125th Anniversary of our Diocese.”

 

Click here to view photos of Children’s Day by Diran Jebejian (Jebejian Images).

 

—2/12/24

 

***

 

PHOTO CAPTION (1):

During the Feb. 3 “Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral,” 115 children from throughout the New York Metro region converged on the Diocesan cathedral to pray alongside Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, make new friendships, and lend their hands to a special community service project. The gathering was part of the 125th Anniversary celebration of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. (Photo: Diran Jebejian)

 

PHOTO CAPTION (2):

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was delighted to engage with young faithful during the Feb. 3 “Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral.” (Photo: Diran Jebejian)

 

PHOTO CAPTION (3):

While working on a community service project, the young participants in the Feb. 3 “Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral heard a motivational talk by Chris Sarafian, the chief operating officer of New Jersey’s Hovnanian School. He engaged the children in a friendly, informal style, encouraging their spirit of charity and compassion. (Photo: Diran Jebejian)

 

PHOTO CAPTION (4):

In a community service project at the Feb. 3 “Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral,” children joined together to fill 200 bags with meals for the poor and houseless in the area. To cap off their effort, the children put a sticker on each bag that read: “Made and Packed with Kindness.” (Photo: Diran Jebejian)

 

***

 

LINKS:

 

Photo Gallery (credit Diran Jebejian, Jebejian Images):

https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/Childrens-Day-at-St-Vartan-Cathedral-Feb-3-2024

 

# # #

 



Patriarch of Romania welcomed new Armenian Ambassador to Romania

Feb 15 2024

Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed Tigran Galstyan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Romania, on a presentation visit on Wednesday.

Patriarch Daniel congratulated the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Bucharest and wished him a successful diplomatic mission in Romania.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Patriarch of Romania for the privilege of receiving him and emphasized the outstanding relations between the two nations.

According to a press release issued by the Department for inter-church and inter-religious relations of the Romanian Patriarchate, Patriarch Daniel conveyed optimism that these relations would be strengthened throughout his term, particularly by fostering spiritual and cultural connections.

The ambassador stated that his initial official encounter was with the Patriarch of Romania after presenting his credentials, as he desired the diplomatic endeavors to commence under God’s blessing.

In addition, Tigran Galstyan reminisced about the Armenian community’s centuries-long presence in Romania and the significance of Patriarch Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians, who was a symbol of the Armenian people’s resurgence of national consciousness and was born and educated in Romania.

During the meeting, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the Christian faith’s significance and role in safeguarding the Armenian people’s identity amidst challenging historical periods. Furthermore, he stated that the two peoples have shared historical experiences.

Preserving and advancing spiritual heritage is thus imperative within a geopolitical and religious context beset by difficulties.

After the meeting, the Patriarch of Romania specified that the organization of pilgrimages in Armenia and Romania and the development of collaborative initiatives constitute a practical means of fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Artur Aleksanyan will fight for 7th European gold medal

 19:55,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS.  Olympic champion, four-time world champion, 6-time European champion Artur Aleksanyan has reached the final of the European Championship taking place in the capital of Romania, Bucharest and will compete for the title of European champion for the 7th time.

Artur Aleksanyan (97 kg) defeated Abubakar Khaslakhanov (competing under a neutral flag) 5:1 in the semifinals.

Tourists flock to Jermuk for quintessential spa town experience

 09:00, 7 February 2024

JERMUK, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Jermuk, the mountain spa town in southern Armenia known for its hot springs, is a must-see destination for tourists visiting the country and a favorite weekend getaway spot for Armenians.

This year, the town had the most snow across the country, with January depth measurements reaching 95cm, according to meteorologists. This further boosted the tourism flow as people wanted to explore the winter magic and savour the breathtaking views.

Jermuk was full of tourists especially during the Christmas holidays. Over 3,000 tourists visited the town during the holidays. According to Jermuk City Hall, the town's population is 5,800. 

However, hotel, guesthouse and spa prices did not skyrocket amid the growing tourist flow and instead remained the same, with a one-night stay for 2 adults starting around $12 up to $150 depending on what kind of a hotel you choose.

Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan